As the year draws to a close and we embrace the holiday season, it’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the year ahead. At SCG, we extend our warmest season’s greetings to you, our valued partners and clients. As we stand on the threshold of 2024, we invite you to join us in a journey of preparedness and growth. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can “Be More Ready” for the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will bring.
As we approach the end of the year, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed. It’s a time to celebrate your accomplishments, acknowledge the challenges you faced, and consider what you learned from these experiences.
Don’t forget to consider your personal growth as well. Have you acquired new skills, honed existing ones, or achieved personal goals? These milestones are just as important to celebrate.
With reflections in mind, it’s time to set intentions for the year ahead. Consider your business strategy for 2024. Are there new markets to explore, products to launch, or innovations to embrace? At the same time, don’t forget to set goals for personal growth and development.
In a rapidly changing world, resilience and adaptability are key. Consider how you can make your business more adaptable to unforeseen challenges. Also, think about how you can contribute to your community, whether through corporate social responsibility initiatives or other forms of giving back.
In the digital age, staying ahead often means embracing technology. Consider adopting Cloud computing, advanced cybersecurity measures, or communication tools to streamline your operations and stay ahead of the curve.
As we celebrate the season, let’s remember the power of gratitude and connection. Take the time to reach out to your clients, partners, and employees with messages of appreciation. Strengthening these relationships can be the foundation for success in 2024. Show your clients how much you value their business, recognise and reward the hard work of your employees, and strengthen your partnerships by considering how you can collaborate with partners to achieve mutual success.
Wishing You a Prosperous 2024
The SCG Team extends our warmest season’s greetings and well-wishes for a joyful holiday season and a prosperous 2024. Together, we can ‘Be More Ready’ for the opportunities and challenges that the new year will bring. As you reflect on the past, set your intentions for the future, and embrace the power of technology and connection, know that we are here to support you on your journey. May 2024 be a year of growth, innovation, and success for us all.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive shift in the way businesses operate. The need for social distancing protocols has led to many organisations embracing flexible working practices, which have showcased the many benefits of a harmonious work-life balance. Employees have come to realise that transforming their home workspace results in a more pleasant and productive environment.
As offices began to reopen, businesses realised that it was crucial to maintain a work-life balance for their employees. This has led to flexible or fully remote working becoming a standard option for many organisations. The job market has also reflected this shift, with more job seekers now actively looking for positions in hybrid workplaces. It has become essential for businesses to offer flexible working options to attract top talent.
The Hybrid Holiday is an extension of flexible working that allows employees to integrate workdays into their annual leave, enabling them to take longer holidays while maintaining their productivity. Alternatively, some employees choose to split their days, working in the morning and enjoying their afternoons free. This approach has been well-received by employees since it allows them to take a break from work while still being able to complete their tasks.
Businesses stand to gain many benefits from implementing the Hybrid Holiday. A good work-life balance leads to more productive and dynamic employees who are more engaged and motivated to work. It also benefits customers or suppliers who have a single point of contact, leading to an overall better experience.
However, implementing hybrid holidays requires careful consideration of various factors, including costs, cybercrime risks, human errors, and connectivity challenges. To mitigate these issues, businesses must understand mobile roaming contracts, implement cybersecurity measures, and ensure a secure remote workspace.
Simplifying the journey to remote working is also crucial. SCG offers a comprehensive solution, including mobile contracts, device management, IT services, and Cloud-based solutions. With SCG, businesses can make the transition to a hybrid holiday and remote work seamless and secure. You can contact us at sales@scgsa.co.za or 087 135 9700 to learn more about how we can help you achieve successful and secure flexible working.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the festivities. However, it’s crucial to keep cybersecurity at the forefront of your mind, especially if you’re a business owner. While you’re enjoying the festive period, cybercriminals are looking for ways to exploit any weaknesses in your security systems. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the importance of cybersecurity during the holidays and provide you with some tips on how to stay safe.
Why is cybersecurity essential during the holidays? The holiday season is one of the peak times for cyber threats. Hackers and cybercriminals take advantage of the distractions and busy schedules that come with Christmas to launch their attacks. Furthermore, the holiday season often sees a reduction in staff, which can create vulnerabilities. Increased caution and cybersecurity measures are crucial during this time to prevent potential cyber attacks. Regular security reminders, monitoring systems, and ensuring that all employees are aware of security protocols can help maintain a robust defence against potential threats.
Here are some steps you can take to secure your business’s cybersecurity during the holiday season:
Ensure that your operating systems, apps, and security software are up to date. Updates often include important security patches.
Review and strengthen your passwords. Consider using a passphrase or a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), as it adds an extra layer of security, requiring more than just a password for access to your accounts.
If you’re travelling, avoid public Wi-Fi for tasks which involve sensitive business information. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, especially those requesting personal information.
In addition to implementing the above measures, it’s essential to educate your employees on the importance of cybersecurity. The festive season can be a particularly vulnerable time for businesses, and everyone must be aware of the risks and how to mitigate them. It only takes one vulnerability in an organisation for a cybercriminal to get access.
Remember, a secure Christmas is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your business. Get in touch now; contact sales@scgsa.co.za or call 087 135 9700
Are you looking for a way to enhance communication and collaboration within your business? If so, you might want to check out SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, communication and collaboration are at the heart of success. With the rise of remote work and the need for flexible communication solutions, Microsoft Teams has become a go-to platform for many organisations. Now, with the introduction of SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling, businesses have a powerful tool to take their communication and collaboration to the next level.
One of the great things about SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling is that it seamlessly integrates with your existing Microsoft Teams environment. This means that your team can leverage all the collaboration tools they are already familiar with while enjoying the added benefits of voice calling. No need for a separate, standalone system – everything is conveniently under one roof. SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling is not just about making and receiving calls; it’s about improving collaboration within your organisation. You can direct calls to the right person or department, integrate voice calls with chats and video meetings, and stay connected whether you are in the office, working remotely, or on the go.
Another fantastic feature of SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling is that it’s cost-efficient. You won’t need to invest in expensive hardware or phone systems, and you can easily scale your communication system as your business grows. Additionally, the integration of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology can significantly reduce long-distance call charges. Of course, security is also a top priority when it comes to business communication.
Security is also a top priority when it comes to business communication, and SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling is built with this in mind. SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling is built with security in mind. Your calls and data are protected with Microsoft’s robust security measures, giving you peace of mind when conducting business conversations. All in all, SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling can be a game-changer for your business. It enhances communication, collaboration, and cost-efficiency while providing a secure and integrated solution for all your business communication needs.
Whether you are a small start-up or a large enterprise, the benefits of SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling can help you achieve your business goals and stay connected in an increasingly digital world. If you are interested in finding out more about SCG’s Microsoft Teams Calling, contact us at sales@scgsa.co.za.
In the world of business, success is often attributed to various factors, such as innovative products, efficient operations, or strong marketing strategies. While these elements are indeed essential, there’s one often underestimated component that can make a world of difference: Networking.
Building and maintaining connections can play a significant role in shaping your business infrastructure. Networking is about forging meaningful connections with people in your industry, from peers to mentors, suppliers, and potential clients.
Access to Expertise: Your network can serve as a valuable knowledge base. By connecting with experienced professionals, you gain access to their expertise and insights. They can offer advice, share best practices, and help you navigate challenges based on their own experiences. Opportunities for Collaboration: Networking opens doors to collaboration. Joint ventures, partnerships, and shared projects can result from connections made in your professional circles, leading to mutual growth and success. Resource Sharing: Need a reliable supplier? Looking for talented employees? Your network can connect you with the right resources, saving you time and effort in your search. Increased Visibility: Establishing a strong presence in your industry relies on visibility and credibility. Networking helps you gain recognition, enhancing your reputation and making your business more appealing to potential clients and partners.
Building and Nurturing Your Network
Now that we’ve highlighted the importance of networking, how do you go about it effectively? Attend Industry Events: Conferences, trade shows, and local meetups are excellent places to meet like-minded individuals in your field. These events provide opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and establish new connections. Online Networking: In today’s digital age, online platforms have become valuable tools for networking. LinkedIn, for instance, is a powerful tool for connecting with professionals worldwide. Join industry-specific groups and engage in discussions to expand your online network. Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Be open to offering assistance and expertise to your connections. The more you give, the more likely you are to receive support in return. Stay in Touch: Building a network isn’t a one-time effort; it requires ongoing maintenance. Regularly reach out to your connections, whether through emails, social media, or occasional meetups.
The Business Infrastructure Impact
As your network grows, its influence on your business infrastructure becomes more apparent. Here’s how networking can positively impact your organisational framework: Enhanced Decision-Making: With a diverse network of professionals at your disposal, you can gather different perspectives when making important decisions. This can lead to more well-informed choices. Efficient Problem-Solving: When faced with challenges, you can tap into your network for solutions. The collective wisdom of your connections can be an invaluable resource when troubleshooting. Business Growth: Networking can lead to significant growth opportunities. Whether through referrals or collaboration, the right connection can be the catalyst for expanding your business. Adaptability: A well-connected business is more adaptable to changes in the market. Insights from your network can help you stay ahead of industry trends and adapt your strategies accordingly.
In conclusion, networking is more than just a social activity; it’s an essential element in the success of your business. By nurturing meaningful connections, you can access a wealth of knowledge, opportunities, and resources that can significantly impact your business infrastructure. So, get out there, meet new people, and watch your business flourish with the power of networking. Remember, the strength of your network is a reflection of your dedication to cultivating and maintaining these valuable relationships. The effort you invest in networking today can be the cornerstone of your business’s success tomorrow.
In this era of fast-paced business communication, it is essential to choose the right telephone system for your organisation and its requirements. Allow us to guide you on how your business can achieve greater efficiency by simply upgrading its telecommunications system. Save money and enhance employee productivity with a hosted solution.
Cost Savings on Your Calls
A bespoke business telephone system offers better control over your expenses. With a hosted system, most, if not all calls made are free of charge, reducing your monthly spending. As calls are made over your internet connection, similar to Teams or Skype calls, your business line will function seamlessly, enabling you to make and receive calls at reduced rates or even for free.
Future-Proof Your Business
Upgrading your telecoms is an investment for the long term. Your telephone system should not only cater to your current needs but also be adaptable to future requirements. A bespoke telephone system ensures your investment is protected. For instance, as your business expands and requires additional staff and telephone lines, a bespoke system enables quick and easy configuration to accommodate the changes.
Enhanced Features for Improved Efficiency
Businesses perform better with a customised and flexible system that offers a wide range of features to boost staff productivity. Features like auto-attendant help direct callers to their desired department or staff member, while automated voicemail-to-email allows users to access voicemails remotely.
These customised features enhance the calling experience for both employees and clients. Custom on-hold messages and hunt groups contribute to a more positive experience, benefiting your customers and your business.
Tailored Support Services
Like all technology, business telephone systems may experience faults from time to time. With a bespoke phone system, our engineers can remotely log in, make adjustments, and run diagnostics to ensure smooth operation. Hosted systems with maintenance coverage provide the convenience of remote diagnostics and efficient issue resolution through readily available spare parts and in-house engineering support.
Scalability and Growth
For businesses constantly seeking expansion, the scalability of their phone system can be a concern. Will there be enough capacity? Will it be costly? Will a new system be required as the business grows?
With a bespoke system, these worries become a thing of the past. We will guide you through these questions to ensure that scaling your business is never a source of concern. We can even explore multi-site preparation if that is of interest to you.
Delivering an Exceptional Experience
Their experience over the phone is of utmost importance to both new and existing customers. With a bespoke telephone system, you can select features that offer the best over-the-phone experience for your customers and staff.
These features can be heavily customised, such as playing a custom ‘thank you for calling’ message followed by a bespoke audio menu. Call recording and wallboards empower your staff to manage their time effectively and have control over their calls, leading to a positive experience for both staff and customers, this makes your business more desirable to communicate with.
Bespoke Integrations
Integrating your telephone system with your business’ CRM is a commonly requested feature, as it can enable functionality like click-to-dial, call recording storage, screen-popping of customer records, and more.
A bespoke telephone system can achieve this, with the option to set up integration during the system installation process.
To learn more about our systems, make sure you get in touch with one of our experts on 087 135 9700 or sales@nsn.co.za to ensure you are making the most of your solution.
In the fast-paced world of business, your communications solution is the backbone of all operations. Whether it’s conversations with clients, placing orders, sending emails, or conducting meetings and conferences, your business relies heavily on its technology. Imagine the impact on your organisation if this system were to fail, even for just a day.
Many businesses choose to partner with a Service Provider to manage their technology, rather than handling it in-house. However, working with a third-party provider means placing a significant reliance on the success of their service. After all, if it fails, it’s your organisation that becomes inaccessible to customers, potentially leading to a loss of business and trust.
That’s why finding a trustworthy solution and Service Provider is essential. Here are five reasons you can trust SCG.
Customer reviews play a crucial role in making decisions about whom to buy from or which provider to work with. We all want to know if someone else has had a positive experience with such company. SCG boasts an impressive 4.9* rating on Hellopeter, based on over 200 reviews. This rating reflects our skills, expertise, and commitment to offering top-notch advice and recommendations, backed by the highest level of customer service.
2: Understanding Your Business
At SCG, we value the success of your business just as much as you do. Partnering with us means having an ally in the communications industry. Our award-winning Account Management team will be assigned to you, ensuring they fully grasp your business and its communication needs. They will be your single point of contact for any queries or concerns you have. Moreover, we understand that issues can arise beyond regular working hours, so we provide an out-of-hour support team to handle faults or incidents of lost/stolen mobile phones.
3: Handling the Hard Work
When you’re focused on your day-to-day business tasks, dealing with faults by directly contacting your network provider can lead to extended periods of waiting on hold or being transferred between departments. Additionally, if you have multiple vendors managing various aspects of your communications, dealing with them individually can be time-consuming.
When you work with SCG, we take the burden off your shoulders. With partnerships across multiple networks and an extensive suite of services, we can provide you with an end-to-end solution while researching the best deals in the market. Should any issues arise, all you need to do is make one call to us, and we’ll take care of the rest.
4: A Robust and Experienced Company
The decision to trust a company with your business can often hinge on their level of experience. An experienced Service Provider understands the industry inside out, has witnessed the pitfalls and successes of technology, and adapts solutions to provide greater support.
With over 50 years of experience in the telecommunications industry across multiple sectors such as education, healthcare, and construction, SCG has a wealth of knowledge about what our customers and partners truly need. Our own iPBX hosted platform provides us with direct access to skilled engineers, and position us at the forefront of product evolution. This makes us the ideal candidate to manage your Cloud services and guide your journey towards success.
5: Access to the Latest Technology
The telecommunications landscape evolves rapidly evolving. As a business, it can be challenging to determine if your current solutions provide the full productivity and efficiency that modern technology offers. Employing individuals to manage this aspect incurs additional costs.
When you collaborate with SCG, you gain access not only to telecoms experts but also to a consultative approach. We work closely with you to understand your goals and objectives, seeking out the latest technologies that can help you achieve them.
Reach out to one of our solution specialists today, and rest assured that SCG has the experience and expertise to optimise your communication strategies, enabling your business to reach new heights of efficiency and productivity.
NSN South Africa, a leading local provider of hosted telephony and connectivity solutions, has rebranded to become SCG South Africa.
This is a strategic decision that reinforces the company’s market presence and serves as a better reflection of its expanding range of services.
SCG South Africa will use its new brand identity to establish itself as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.
“SCG South Africa’s rebranding marks an exciting milestone in the company’s journey towards continued growth and success in the telecommunication sector,” said Wesley Swart, South African Channel Director SCG SA.
“With an enhanced identity and a renewed commitment to excellence, SCG South Africa is well-positioned to cater to the evolving needs of businesses seeking reliable and innovative hosted telephony and connectivity solutions.”
Become a channel partner
Now that its rebranding process is complete, SCG South Africa is actively searching for new channel partners to join its extensive network of distributors.
It is excited to build new, mutually-beneficial relationships that expand the reach of its offerings in South Africa while offering excellent value to its new partners.
The benefits of becoming an SCG South Africa Elite Channel Partner are as follows:
Profit Share
Elite channel partners gain access to SCG South Africa’s generous profit-sharing model.
As these partners successfully promote and distribute SCG South Africa’s telephony and connectivity solutions, these profit margins will grow – incentivizing dedication and commitment.
Marketing Support
SCG South Africa believes in empowering its channel partners with robust marketing support.
Distributors can therefore leverage SCG South Africa’s extensive marketing resources, tools, and expertise to drive business growth and deliver increased sales.
Sales Support
Channel partners get access to comprehensive sales support that is designed to improve customer satisfaction and retention.
From sales training to product demonstrations and technical assistance, SCG South Africa ensures that its partners have everything they need to succeed in a competitive market.
Extensive Product Portfolio
SCG South Africa’s Elite Channel Partners have access to an extensive product portfolio that comprises cutting-edge telephony and the best connectivity solutions.
Its diverse range of products enables distributors to cater to specific customer preferences and requirements.
Technical Assistance and Training
All channel partners can take advantage of regular technical training sessions.
These learning experiences ensure that partners are equipped to deliver excellent support for customer inquiries.
Incentive Programs
SCG South Africa values the dedication and achievements of its top-performing Elite Channel Partners.
It recognises their performance through a wide range of comprehensive incentive programs.
Exclusive Promotions
Elite Channel Partners can take advantage of exclusive promotions that enable them to deliver better prices to their customers.
In a competitive market, these promotions help SCG South Africa’s partners stand apart from the competition – ultimately helping them attract more customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are three questions that SCG South Africa regularly receives from prospective partners. These are answered below:
Q1: How can my company become an Elite Channel Partner with SCG South Africa?
Interested companies can apply to become partners by contacting SCG South Africa’s Business Development team through their official website or by clicking here.
Q2: What criteria does SCG South Africa consider while selecting Elite Channel Partners?
SCG South Africa evaluates potential partners based on their industry experience, market reach, commitment to customer satisfaction, and alignment with the company’s core values.
Q3: Can existing partners transition to the Elite channel partnership program?
Yes, existing partners with a strong track record can be considered for the Elite channel partnership program based on their performance and adherence to the eligibility criteria.
Become an SCG South Africa Elite Channel Partner
The newly-rebranded SCG South Africa is ready to make big moves in the local market, and your business can be a part of this exciting project.
“To all prospective partners, this is a unique opportunity to join forces with a market leader and unlock a world of exclusive benefits as an Elite Channel Partner,” said Swart.
“Embrace the future of communication and connectivity with SCG South Africa.”
Testimonial
“Our partnership with SCG South Africa has been exceptional! As the CEO of Dimension Network Solutions, I can confidently say their telecom solutions and support have been game-changers for us.”
“The profit-sharing model, marketing assistance, and technical training have boosted our success. SCG South Africa’s commitment to our growth is unparalleled, making them a trusted and transparent partner.”
“I highly recommend joining forces with them for any company seeking telecom excellence.” Delesh CEO, Dimension Network Solution
Along with changing our name, SCG South Africa will leverage more resources from the global SCG brand, while retaining everything that has made NSN a leading communications specialist in South Africa for many years.
The SCG South Africa difference
Our focus has always been on customer experience and providing the best possible services to our clients.
This has helped us build a channel of over 400 partners who have thousands of clients taking advantage of industry-leading solutions such as our cloud phone systems and data solutions.
Our clients choose us because of the world-class service delivery we offer, our cutting-edge products, and incredible value.
Existing and prospective clients will continue to benefit from all of this and much more through SCG South Africa.
The value of partnerships
Partnerships have always been fundamental to the success of NSN, and it is this, as well as the company’s outstanding customer service, that convinced SCG to acquire NSN in the first place.
We will, therefore, continue to work passionately with our reseller partners – now with the added backing of SCG.
Our channel partner programme remains the cornerstone of collaboration,” said SCG channel director Wesley Swart.
“It empowers businesses to seamlessly integrate and innovate, creating a dynamic ecosystem where success is forged through unity and shared vision.
The acquisition also gave us a massive global boost and has enabled us to launch our global partner offering – including a robust presence in the United Kingdom.
“The journey of building NSN in the UK to scale its service with the business in South Africa resulted in us selling not just telecoms and IT in the UK, but also our incredible SA service to SCG,” said Swart.
