From selling sweets as a young boy to the helm of Comfort Digital marketing company, Mogomotsi Mocuminyane was always determined to leave his mark as an entrepreneur.
Not even financial constraints or attending under-resourced schools could stop him from achieving his dream of running his own company but also making a success out of it and empowering others with job opportunities.
“Entrepreneurship seemed woven into my DNA. In primary school, I sold sweets, mirroring my mother’s ventures in selling cold drinks and ice pops,” reveals Mogomotsi.
“These early experiences ignited a passion for business. After matriculating, financial limitations precluded immediate university attendance. Undeterred, I excelled in aptitude tests for funding and completed a computer certificate course.”
Modern Digital Marketing Company
Today, Mogomotsi leads a South African digital marketing company specializing in services for the construction, engineering, and mining sectors.
“Recognizing a niche need for tailored digital solutions in these industries, we positioned ourselves to bridge that gap. Comfort Digital operates as a fully virtual enterprise, a strategic decision made even before the Covid-19 pandemic, which later validated our model,” Mogomotsi reveals.
“This approach allows us to tap into global talent and serve clients worldwide without geographical constraints. Our team comprises nine full-time employees, four interns, and a network of freelancers, all collaborating seamlessly from their respective locations.
“Under the Comfort Digital umbrella, I also founded CodeVance Tech Hub, an emerging tech startup focusing on customized development projects, including building CRMs and complex web applications. We are currently developing two groundbreaking products poised to make significant impacts upon launch,” he adds.
Previous Business Ventures
Born and raised in the humble surroundings of Mahikeng in the North West Province of South Africa, Mogomotsi nurtured a fascination for science and technology. This passion coexisted with a love for numbers, leading to a point where he had to decide between pursuing Accounting and Business Economics or delving into Biology and Physical Science.
“Choosing the latter, I embarked on a path that intertwined technical curiosity with entrepreneurial spirit.”
After successfully applying to the South African Navy’s technical skills program, Mogomotsi had to relocate to Cape Town.
“The Navy trained me as a qualified communication technician and later as a radar technician. Yet, the entrepreneurial bug persisted. I ventured into the entertainment industry, founding a record label and event company. We orchestrated electrifying parties and events across Cape Town, marking some of my most vibrant years.
“These endeavors brought financial gain, a vast network, and invaluable lessons from both triumphs and mistakes. They honed my ability to operate across various industries and instilled a fearless approach to risk taking qualities essential for any entrepreneur.
“My entrepreneurial journey is marked by ventures across diverse markets, each teaching invaluable lessons. The key takeaway: aligning business endeavors with personal passions fosters resilience and growth. This philosophy culminated in the founding of Comfort Digital,” Mogomotsi says.
Technological Seismic Shift
Mogomotsi believes the business landscape has evolved to a point where entrepreneurs who fail to embrace technology risk becoming irrelevant and being completely left behind.
“The business landscape has undergone a seismic shift towards technology. Today, even traditional businesses like bakeries or nail salons recognize the imperative to adapt digitally. For us at Comfort Digital, this evolution is advantageous, as companies increasingly move online.
“What was once optional, having an online presence or a social media page, is now a necessity. To stay ahead, we emphasize continuous learning, agile adaptation, and proactive integration of emerging technologies into our services, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our clients,” says Mogomotsi.
Invaluable Lessons
During his journey at the helm of Comfort Digital, Mogomotsi has also discovered how entrepreneurship often offers no guarantees and how it is fraught with both highs and lows.
He has drawn many lessons from witnessing thriving businesses crumble and seemingly improbable ventures succeed.
“One profound lesson is to remain humble and never revel in another’s downfall. I have experienced both professional and personal setbacks simultaneously one instance being, closing a business and losing personal housing within the same month.
“Such experiences underscore that as an entrepreneur, you are always one bad decision away from hardship or one good decision away from success. The ability to rebound after losing everything is crucial, and facing such challenges early can instill the confidence to rebuild, no matter the circumstances,” Mogomotsi reflects.
‘Discover Mistakes Faster’
To other entrepreneurs also aiming to leave their mark and realize their dreams, Mogomotsi advises them to embrace their mistakes by converting them into learning opportunities.
“Find your niche. I learned this later in my journey, and honestly, most entrepreneurs do. If you can niche down earlier, it will save you a lot of trial and error. But let us be real, finding your niche is not as simple as people make it sound.
“You will make mistakes along the way, but the key is to discover those mistakes quickly and pivot faster. Once you niche down, focus on understanding your ideal client or market as quickly as possible.
“That is the real secret. Of course, it goes without saying that whatever service or product you are offering must actually solve a real problem. I did not mention this first because, as an entrepreneur, that should already be your foundation, solve the problem first, then truly understand the person who has that specific problem.”
‘Never Give Up’
Having been involved in many entrepreneurship ventures, Mogomotsi believes the key to success lies in establishing partnerships and collaborations.
“Never give up, but also, know when to let go. I have been involved in multiple businesses and projects, and one of the biggest lessons I have learned is that not every idea will work, and that is okay.
“I thank God for the ability to know when to shelve an idea and move on, versus when to push through challenges. And secondly, if you’re in partnerships, get everything in writing. I have been burned more than once in business partnerships because I trusted verbal agreements.
“Now, I swear by partnership agreements, memorandums of understanding (MOUs), and legal contracts. Always consult a lawyer because it is worth every cent,” Mogomotsi concludes.
