Quote of the day : Your mind will push your thoughts, your thoughts will push your actions, while your actions will push your life. Oluwasanmi Olowookere

Did you know that South Africa’s economy has been growing at almost 5% a year for the past several years, 32 consecutive quarters of positive growth?

President Jacob Zuma reportedly said at the World Economic Form over the weekend that government would focus on enabling the private sector to drive growth and job creation. What are your thoughts on this development ?

Rocci Member Benefit : Get a customised day tours and tour packages for groups & individuals including transfers (airport, sports events, entertainment), corporate tours & transfers, shopping trips.

Are you a business owner, looking to interact and exchange ideas? Join the ROCCI here http://ow.ly/8LIDd and be part of an environment in which the business community & its people can flourish.

Rocci members now qualify for a 10% discount on flowers and gifts with Anro Flower Market, http://ow.ly/i/r963

Thought for the day : Real happiness lies not in amassing huge wealth but the way in which it is spent. Very few people realize this and spend judiciously while others end up in despair and dissatisfaction.

Want a free SMME Training and a Development Programme? Join Rocci today and enjoy this great benefit. http://ow.ly/8Ipmd

Rocci membership benefit : Members can receive ROCCI & SACCI info and give input on issues affecting business in South Africa.

Economic fact : SA is ranked 10th out of 142 countries for Strength of Investor Protection, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12.

Thought for the day: Dreaming a dream is the process of molding a reality. Never stop dreaming, as yesterday's dream can become the reality of tomorrow and the innovation of the future." Rozanne Harding

Good morning everyone, i trust that everyone had a fantastic weekend.

I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday evening ahead.

ROCCI Membership Benefit: Lady ROCCI - Be part of Lady ROCCI’s dynamic business women forum, and enjoy networking and promoting your services to other business women

Economic Fact: The JSE ranks 16th in terms of "largest market capitalisation" and 19th in terms of largest gains.

Did you know that South Africa is ranked 1st in respect of auditing and reporting, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12.

Thought for the Day: "You learn in business.. If you want a friend, get a dog." ~Carl Icahn~

Have a great Saturday evening everyone, and remember to keep us posted if you're attending any networking functions that may be beneficial to others.

ROCCI Membership Benefit: ROCCI is a conduit between Large Corporates and Small/Medium businesses, encouraging communication and marketing opportunities.

Economic Fact: South Africa ranked 15th in terms of "largest deficits" but as a percentage of GDP is not in the top 40 countries.

At Last… A Roodepoort Business Community That Provides Members on the West Rand With Top Notch Business Networking at a Fair Price! See more here http://ow.ly/8Innv

Thought for the Day: "I have been quoted saying that, in the future, all companies will be Internet companies. I still believe that. More than ever, really" ~Andrew Grove~

Have an awesome weekend everyone! Hope to see you all at The CANSA Gala Dinner tomorrow night!

ROCCI Membership Benefit: Business information is provided to ROCCI members on a regular basis.

Economic Fact: South Africa is ranked 12th out of a total of 134 economies in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2010, ahead of many developed nations, including, the UK (15th), United States (19), Canada (20), Australia (23) and France (46).

Thank you to Town Lodge for hosting a fantastic Speed Networking Session this morning! If you weren't there you missed out BIG TIME!

Thought for the Day: "Why is it that with all the information available today on how to be successful in small business, so few people really are?" ~Michael Gerber~

Hope to see you all at our Speed Networking Session tomorrow morning. Have a great evening!

ROCCI Membership Benefit: Hot Line Services could save your business time and money. (Legal, Safety & Security, BEE, Employee Benefits, Corporate Liaison, Tourism, etc.)

Economic Fact: South Africa ranks 11th out of 60 countries in the "Big Mac Index 2011" behind China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia and Egypt. The relative price of a Big Mac went down by 29% in South Africa. In Norway, it went up by 118%.

Book your spot at ROCCI's certification function right away! You don't want to miss it! http://ow.ly/8GNzx

Thought for the Day: "Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don't think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without the talking about the other." ~Bill Gates~

Become a member of Rocci and take advantage of a wide range of benefits. http://ow.ly/8Fzcp

ROCCI Membership Benefit: International Trade : Certificates of Origin for Exporters

Economic Fact: SA is ranked 10th out of 183 countries for good practice in protecting investors in business. (World Bank Doing Business Report 2011).

What is the Mission of ROCCI? To create an environment in which the Business Community and and its people can flourish and to provide a high level of service to its members.

Thought for the Day: "A business is successful to the extent that it provides a product or service that contributes to happiness in all of its forms." ~Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi~

Amazing how time flies when you having fun :) Almost half way through the week already!

ROCCI Membership Benefits: ROCCI Job Seekers advertises your vacancies at no cost to your business.

Just uploaded a video in YouTube. Check: http://ping.fm/uu74i

Economic Fact: SA is ranked 10th out of 142 countries for Strength of Investor Protection, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12.

Who will be joining us at the 80 years of fighting cancer - CANSA GALA DINNER? http://ow.ly/8E01L

Thought for the Day: "I'm a firm believer that to really understand a business takes years, not months. As an investment analyst you think you understand a business from the outside, but the reality is that, once you are inside, you can go on learning for five or ten years." ~Chris Corrigan~

Another Monday down and another business day ahead. Let's make everyday count.

ROCCI Membership Benefits: Opportunity for Members to host a speed network session and build contact list.

Economic Fact: South Africa ranked 6th in house price improvement indices as a % change in 2009, and 1st as a % change 1999/2009.

Valentines day is just around the corner and we know the perfect place to get all your flowers and gifts! http://ow.ly/i/qrTr

Thought for the Day: "You can't overestimate the need to plan and prepare. In most of the mistakes I've made, there has been this common theme of inadequate planning beforehand. You really can't over-prepare in business!" ~Chris Corrigan~

Another weekend comes and goes and it's back to business as usual in the morning. Hope you had a good one!

ROCCI Membership Benefits: Invitations to participate in various seminars e.g. Tourism 2010 Seminar; Bylaws; etc.

Economic Fact: SA is ranked 3rd in the world for protection of minority shareholders interests, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12.

Don't forget to book your place at our Speed Networking Session on Friday! http://ow.ly/8A7TH

Thought for the day: "We must reject the idea.. well-intentioned, but dead wrong.. that the primary path to greatness in the social sectors is to become "more like a business." Most businesses.. like most of anything else in life.. fall somewhere between mediocre and good." ~Jim Collins~

How has business been today?

ROCCI Membership Benefit: Free categorized listing on ROCCI’s Website www.rocci.org with a direct link to your site.

Economic Fact: SA is ranked 2nd out of 183 countries for good practice in protecting both borrowers and lenders when obtaining credit for business (World Bank Doing Business Report 2011)

Having problems with the FAIS Act? Check this out http://ow.ly/8A7EF

Thought for the day: "A culture of discipline is not a principle of business; it is a principle of greatness." ~Jim Collins~

Have a great weekend everyone. Make full use of the chance to rest :)

ROCCI Membership Benefit: Various business showcasing and promotion opportunities available to members.

Economic Fact: SA ranked 1st in Platinum output, 2nd in Palladium output, 3rd in Gold output, 6th in Coal output and 9th in wool output.

It's the last day for you to book your spot! http://ow.ly/8A3Qa

Thought for the day: "They say a year in the Internet business is like a dog year.. equivalent to seven years in a regular person's life. In other words, it's evolving fast and faster." ~Vinton Cerf~

How has business been going for you this week?

ROCCI Membership Benefit: ROCCI offers opportunities for Members to make valuable business contacts.

Economic Fact: The South African Rand was the second best performing currency against the US Dollar between 2007 and 2011, according to Bloomberg’s Currency Scorecard.

Always thought yourself to be quite the model? Check out Limelite Models Open Day next week and take your first step to getting on the ramp! http://ow.ly/i/q3Zt

Thought for the Day: "I'm not sure I knew what an entrepreneur was when I was ten, but I knew that starting little businesses and trying to sell greeting cards or newspapers door-to-door or just vending machine kind of thing is.. there's just something very intriguing to me about that." ~Steve Case~

Come join us for our first Speed Networking session of the year! http://ow.ly/8vZOR

• Markets rose yesterday, as better-than-expected growth data from China and positive economic news from Germany inspired an asset rally.
• The US dollar is currently trading at 1.28 to the euro, 1.53 to the pound and will buy 76.68 Japanese Yen or 8.03 South African Rand.
• Spot gold is currently trading at US$ 1655.28/oz and platinum at US$ 1518.30/oz. Brent crude oil is currently trading at US$ 111.97 per barrel. http://ow.ly/i/q3XM

ROCCI Membership Benefits: Tours include ROCCI Manufacturing showcase; ROCCI Events & Conference Venues Route; ROCCI Bridal Tour; ROCCI Leisure Tour; ROCCI Historical Tourist Route; ROCCI Environment & Education Tours.

Just uploaded a video in YouTube. Check: http://ping.fm/2Kle5

Economic Fact: South Africa's banks rank 2nd in the world for soundness, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12.

Looking to escape the human rat race? No better place to do that than the Kloofendal Nature Reserve. Check out this great list of events! http://ow.ly/d/sZb

Thought for the Day: "A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts." ~Richard Branson~

Who said pampering is only for adults? http://ow.ly/i/pYhX http://ow.ly/i/pYih

ROCCI Membership Benefits: ROCCI Tourism links business & tourism and provides Members additional promotional opportunities.

Economic Fact: South Africa ranks 1st out of 60 countries in the Economist’s House Price index for the period 1997 – 2009.

• European stock markets rose yesterday as the French government successfully sold Treasury bills and investors shrugged off last week’s news that Standard & Poor’s downgraded the credit ratings of nine euro-zone nations. Asia markets rallied this morning after data showed the Chinese economy grew at a faster-than-expected pace in the fourth quarter of 2011.
• The US dollar is currently trading at 1.27 to the euro, 1.53 to the pound and will buy 76.67 Japanese Yen or 8.04 South African Rand.
• Spot gold is currently trading at US$ 1 650.70/oz. and platinum at US$ 1 520.40/oz. Brent crude oil is currently trading at US$ 112.05 per barrel. http://ow.ly/i/pYdW

Thought for the day: "I never get the accountants in before I start up a business. It's done on gut feeling, especially if I can see that they are taking the mickey out of the consumer." ~Richard Branson~

So things have started quieting down after a crazy festive season. What was your secret to success this past December?

ROCCI Membership Benefit: Members receive ROCCI & SACCI information and give input on issues affecting business in South Africa.

Economic Fact: South Africa is ranked 1st in respect of auditing and reporting, according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2011/12.

What to do if you experience a problem with service delivery. http://ow.ly/8uvL0

Just uploaded a video in YouTube. Check: http://ping.fm/6ftlR

Thought for the day: "Everybody makes business mistakes. I mean, I take the responsibility, and I did. I was the captain of the ship and I took that responsibility." ~Alan Bond~

Back to the office tomorrow. Do you have a plan of action for the week?

ROCCI Membership Benefit: Monthly Newsletter introduces new Members and offers valuable information.

Economic Fact: The South African stock market rose 16.09% in 2010, ranking 8th out of the G20 nations and ahead of all of the G7 countries

Some humour for a Sunday morning:
How careers end...
Lawyers are disbarred.
Ministers are defrocked.
Electricians are delighted.
Far Eastern diplomats are disoriented.
Drunks are distilled.
Alpine climbers are dismounted.
Piano tuners are unstrung.
Orchestra leaders are disbanded.
Artists' models are deposed.

Thought for the day: "I like to tell people that all of our products and business will go through three phases. There's vision, patience, and execution." ~Steve Ballmer~

What have you been up to on this awesome Saturday?

ROCCI Membership Benefit: Membership Certificates are presented to ROCCI members.

Economic Fact: South Africa exported 36.9% more vehicles in 2010 than 2009.

So you want a day off?
Let's take a look at what you are asking for. There are 365 days per year available for work. There are 52 weeks per year in which you already have 2 days off per week, leaving 261 days available for work. Since you spend 16 hours each day away fron work, you have used up 170 days, leaving only 91 days available. You spend 30 minutes each day on coffee break which counts for 23 days each year, leaving only 68 days available. With a 1 hour lunch each day, you used up another 46 days, leaving only 22 days available for work. You normally spend 2 days per year on sick leave. This leaves you only 20 days per year available for work. We are off 5 holidays per year, so your available working time is down to 15 days. We generously give 14 days vacation per year which leaves only 1 day available for work and I'll be darned if you are going to take that day off!

Thought for the day: "I like that combination between creativity and the creative process and the organization needed to make a business like this successful worldwide." ~Bernard Arnault~

Did you have a good day or did "Friday the 13th" live up to it's reputation?

ROCCI Membership Benefit: SMME Training and Development Programme (FREE to Members)

Economic Fact: South Africa sold $1.8 billion worth of cars to the US in 2010, putting us ahead of Sweden and Italy as suppliers to the US market. Car sales are projected to grow 10% in 2011 to 460,000 units.

Today is your last opportunity to book your place at this great event! Don't miss it! http://ow.ly/869Oy

Thought for the day: "An ambitious horse will never return to its old stable." ~Chinese Proverbs~

Only one more day till the weekend and it's Friday the 13th....... Are you superstitious?

ROCCI Membership Benefit: ROCCI’s networking events provide Members with the opportunity to introduce products & services to business owners and managers.

Business Fact: South Africa’s debt to GDP ratio is 32% (USA 100%, Japan 200%, UK 90%). The World Bank recommends a ratio of 60%.

SMALL TYPOS THAT CAN CHANGE THE MEANING ON YOUR CV:
"Education: College, August 1880-May 1984."
"Develop and recommend an annual operating expense fudget."
"I'm a rabid typist."
"Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain operation."

Thought for the day: "If you want more, you have to require more from yourself." ~Dr Phil~

Make your last act of the day at the office a positive one and sign up to become a ROCCI member! You wont regret it! Visit http://ow.ly/8pffK

What would you like to see on the ROCCI Facebook page?

Business fact: South African Tax Revenue has increased from R100 billion in 1994 to R640 billion in 2010.

Are you on track with your 2012 plans and goals?

Thought for the day: "To succeed in life in today's world, you must have the will and tenacity to finish the job." ~Chin-Ning Chu~

Invite all your friends to our Facebook page with a few simple clicks now! Check out the "Invite your Friends" tab on the left. http://ow.ly/8iNsO

Not a member of ROCCI yet? Why not? If all the great benefits are not incentive enough, how about a 10% discount voucher on your membership fees? Get your voucher now at www.roodepoortchamberofcommerce.co.za

Business fact: In 2011, at 5.5%, South African interest rates were at a 30-year low.

What is the Mission of ROCCI? To create an environment in which the Business Community and and its people can flourish and to provide a high level of service to its members.

Thought for the day: "I think that our fundamental belief is that for us growth is a way of life and we have to grow at all times." ~Mukesh Ambani~

Hope you had a great day back at the office! At least the worst is over now. Enjoy your evening.

Want to stay up to date with the latest business news? Check out our blog! http://ow.ly/8mrLi

Have you booked your spot? http://ow.ly/869Oy

Welcome back to another week! Hope you are fresh and energized and ready to tackle it head on!

Thought for the day: "A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts." ~Richard Branson~

First week of 2012 gone! Are you still on track with your new years resolutions?

The Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce and Industry creates an environment in which the business community & its people can flourish. Sign up for your 10% discount voucher today and find out how we can help you and your business!

How would you like 10% off your first time ROCCI membership fees? Opt in on our Facebook page http://ow.ly/7so1w or our website http://ow.ly/7so0S to get your voucher today!

What is the best office prank you have ever pulled off?

Thought for the day: "A man does what he must.. in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers, and pressures.. and that is the basis of all human morality." ~John F. Kennedy~

Want access to our AMAZING member to member specials? Join ROCCI today! For more info contact 086 111 3304. Have a super evening!

Get a free categorized listing on ROCCI’s Website www.rocci.org with a direct link to your site as one of the many benefits of being a ROCCI member!

ROCCI’s networking events provide Members with the opportunity to introduce products & services to business owners and managers! Call us today and get access to these exclusive events!

Thought for the day: "A business is successful to the extent that it provides a product or service that contributes to happiness in all of its forms." ~Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi~

Friday comes to a close! Get ready for the chaos of Monday!

President of ROCCI, Mr. Sakkie Stoltz, answers all your questions about the Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce on our Youtube Channel! http://ow.ly/8iNSQ

The Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce and Industry creates an environment in which the business community & its people can flourish. Sign up for your 10% discount voucher today and find out how we can help you and your business!

Did you know ROCCI started in 1983, serving the business community in Region C of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area. Roodepoort is situated within Region C and its surrounding suburbs are mainly residential areas.

Thought for the day: "Wise are those who learn that the bottom line doesn't always have to be their top priority." ~William Arthur Ward~

Only 1 more day till the weekend. Hang in there!

Invite all your friends to our Facebook page with a few simple clicks now! Check out the "Invite your Friends" tab on the left. http://ow.ly/8iNsO

Check out our Facebook page http://ow.ly/6YD1l , also you can follow us on Twitter @Roodepoortchamb or connect with us on LinkedIn http://ow.ly/6YD2z and see what ROCCI can do for your business!

Lady ROCCI encourages women to pursue their dreams and we support their endeavours. If you would like to receive an invitation to the next Lady ROCCI event, email your contact details to ladyrocci@rocci.org or call 086 111 3304 for further information.

And also for the ladies, be part of Lady ROCCI’s dynamic business women forum, and enjoy networking and promoting your services to other business women

Thought for the day: "All lasting business is built on friendship." ~Alfred A. Montapert~

Are you a member of ROCCI? If not, sign up quickly before you leave the office! www.roodepoortchamberofcommerce.co.za