
Web Strategist
Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Web Strategist
Johannesburg Area, South Africa
My passion and expertise lies in New and Social Media. I share it with small and large business to help them build a social network, establish an online presence, and speak more efficiently with their customers.
I am the publisher of Internet Guide (www.internetguide.co.za) and the New Media Journal (www.TwoJumpsAhead.com)
I work on my own online projects and occasionally with online and offline clients. I address the ever-present challenge: how does one harness the power of New and Social Media to increase awareness and interactivity with an offline/online business, brand or product?
I stay on top of things by reading about 400 articles/blog posts a day, participating in the social media–sphere, talking to as many people who are influencers in this field as possible, writing a lot on the subject and applying my conclusions to my own ventures, and those of my clients.
I am a keen observer of online usage trends, and how they translate into new regions which have a longer - and delayed - adoption cycles (such as my country of residence, South Africa).
I have been active in the Internet world since 1996. I have a failed startup behind me, but my passion for the possibilities of online as a medium is endless!
I speak, read and write English and Polish, and can get by in Afrikaans. I am also presently studying French. I have called four countries home, and have an EU passport. Although I am very happy to live in South Africa, I and am open to the idea of living in a new region, for a temporary stay.
I am an excellent negotiator and an accomplished public speaker.
web strategy, social media strategy, social networks, word of mouth, new website launches, online marketing, online writing, venture funding, vc, angel investors, publishing, media, web analysis, negotation
(Internet industry)
January 2009 — Present (11 months)
Internet Guide is an online e-mag focussed on the Internet space, and aimed at South African Internet users. Published twice a month, it can be downloaded free from www.internetguide.co.za
(Internet industry)
January 2009 — Present (11 months)
(Internet industry)
October 2008 — Present (1 year 2 months)
A rate-and-review website for e-commerce sites servicing South Africa.
(Internet industry)
September 2008 — Present (1 year 3 months)
IdeaCamp was a conference focused on promoting online entrepreneurship in South Africa, hosted at Innovation Hub, Pretoria.
I initiated the idea of the conference with Innovation Hub, and have been responsible for setting the agenda and promoting the event.
(Internet industry)
August 2008 — Present (1 year 4 months)
TwoJumpsAhead.com is an info filter for web strategists, with a focus on Social Media. Delivered as a digest to your inbox, it helps you stay on top of all relevant news in the social media space.
(Think Tanks industry)
January 2003 — Present (6 years 11 months)
I analyze and set web strategy for clients in South Africa.
(Retail industry)
January 1996 — Present (13 years 11 months)
Framing and Art, retail and manufacture.
Business founded by my father, and inherited by my mother upon his death. My sister and I manage it on her behalf. My role is advisory.
2004 — 2005
Completed courses at the Harvard University Extension School including:
Impact of Internet Technologies on Society, at the Berkman Centre for Internet Studies at Harvard University.
Economics, International Relations 1994 — 1996
Summer courses to fulfill degree requirements at Boston University
Economics, International Relations 1992 — 1996
1991 — 1992
1987 — 1991
My away-from-the-desk life: In my other life, I work very hard not to be chained to the computer or the desk. Mostly, I succeed, which is great. I am a staunch believer in three-day weekends and regular coffee breaks with friends. I read every magazine I can lay my hands on, and there are always three or four books that I am trying to get through before I allow myself to get new ones. Quantum physics, parallel universes and energy fields are all topics that fascinate me. One day I am going to figure it all out, but not this week. Another thing I am going to do one day, (together with, apparently, half the world’s population) is write a book. I am an avid gardener, to which I attribute my sanity. Nothing like digging knee-deep in loam to disconnect from the world’s chaos!
OpenCoffee Joburg, 27 Dinners,, VC Funding