By Koketso Mamabolo and Thabiso M. Mohlabeng
What measurable social impact are you having? Where is your organisation on the transformation journey?
Having a third-party to review and audit your business offers you the competitive advantage your organisation needs. Certifications give you credibility, ensuring that you not only comply with government regulations but you also build trust with your customers.
Veronique Anderson, Research Manager at Topco Media obtaining your academic qualifications, which you can then use to prove you have the knowledge and training to perform a role. A certification lets people know that not only do you have a track record, you have an external party to verify it.
Veronique speaks about the benefits of third-party certification with a keen awareness of the potential it holds. She knows that at the core of sustainable growth is trust.
Trust is not something that comes easily but it’s easier to build when you have someone to give you an objective opinion. A friend gushing over a new restaurant holds weight. A five-star rating immediately tells you that you can expect a certain level of quality.
“If certification is done internally it’s just you in your office saying ‘yay!’” says Veronique.
And the focus does not just have to be on criteria such as the B-BBEE score, but also on the business’ turnover. “We’re not just looking at compliance,” emphasises Veronique, whose team is responsible for researching thousands of businesses in different sectors, giving them a profound understanding of what the best practice is across industries
“You can meet all the government requirements but what about your performance?” Performance is closely linked to trust, people want to know that your business will be around in the future, and turnover is a great indicator of that.
Part of the certification, such as those offered by Topco Media. is the opportunity to join the community and network with fellow entrepreneurs and learn from industry stalwarts. While at the same time providing a level of legitimacy and trust for potential clients, customers, and companies that want to engage with the accredited and proven businesses.
“We make certification a tool for you to connect to consumers.”
Here are four reasons to get certified:
Competitive advantage
Having a third-party certification means that your business has been reviewed by an independent body of trusted professionals and has been seen as upholding great quality and performance levels. This certification will differentiate you from other organisations in your field, celebrating your company’s commitment to excellence — it also gives you bragging rights which is an added bonus!
Credibility
Certification marks your business as a trusted organisation. When you’re recognised amongst the best of the best, you automatically boost your credibility and prestige amongst your peers. More and more people will also want to network with you. Topco certifications can boost your credibility and prestige across both your and its network of thought leaders. With the help of Topco’s team, you’ll be able to publicise your certifications across your website, socials and email signature — and your bottom line will see the results, no doubt!
Consumers will trust YOU
A certification will give your organisation a stamp of approval as a reliable and ethical establishment in your respective field. Think of it as ‘a badge of excellence’. Customers need to know that they are working with a business that understands their needs and will deliver on them. Being a certified business, with a great background and reputation, makes you an ideal choice – the reliable choice.
Earning potential increased
With just a bit of time and effort dedicated to getting your certifications, your business will see a positive effect on its profitability. Why? Because clients and consumers want only the best, from the best.
