Category: Lifestyle

… so, you’ve decided to embrace the side hustle and give being a Vox Ambassador a go. The stage is set, you’re ready to make those sales, everything is good and suddenly – radio silence. Your audience is as passionate as the crowd at a Camilla Cabello concert, you’re not tracking any conversions, and either nobody is buying what you’re promoting, or something is going horribly wrong.

We hope (we truly do) that you never find yourself in this position – but without the correct training and guidelines, it is a possibility (and one we’d prefer to avoid). Make no mistake, being a Vox Ambassador creates unlimited potential for limitless earnings, but you need to know what you’re doing in order to make it happen.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at our top tips for owning the title of Vox Ambassador (while bringing home some serious paper).

1. Get Posting

As an Ambassador, you’ll be provided with various marketing collateral designed to get the attention of your audience and help you promote. These will include artwork, promotions, and social media posts, which you can share as you see fit. In your journey to be successful, social media is your best friend – and we don’t just mean fifty consecutive WhatsApp statuses. Get posting across multiple platforms to maximise your reach and ensure that even people who don’t have your number can see what you’re promoting. Make sure to be smart about it too – by sharing at the right times with the right audiences, you’re more likely to make a sale than doing it at random – so do some research and get sharing.

2. Listen to the People

Social Media has ensured that your audience has a voice – you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t listen to it. We recommend being on the lookout for people, both online and in person, who talk about Fibre, LTE, or any other product you know you’re selling. From asking about which provider is best on Facebook to just saying in conversation that they need to take out a contract, you can find golden opportunities to share your URL just by paying attention.

3. Stay on the Ball

We know, your first experience as an Ambassador can be daunting – it’s a lot of new content, and a bit of an information overload. But remember, all the resources, newsletters and info provided are purely to make your life a bit easier. By making sure that you’re always up to date with the information you’re provided with, you can share our specials and promotions as they come in – which might be just what your audience is looking for at that moment in time. So, take the time to go through the resources provided and thank us later.

4. Don’t overdo it

Ever seen those Tupperware salespeople who just spam their statuses? People normally tune out after the first one or two images. We suggest spacing out your posts rather than running them all at once. The more content people see and the more its repeated, the less likely they are to pay attention when you give them something new. A good way to start is by letting people know that you are an Ambassador and to contact you for any Vox products (just as a heads up), before releasing your collateral systematically and methodically. This way, your posts have more impact, and people are more likely to pay attention.

5. Explain how it works.

When you successfully convert a sale, you should expect the customer to contact you whenever an issue with their product arises. For your own peace of mind and to better assist them with their issue, make sure to explain from the start that you’re simply an Ambassador – and to contact the relevant person directly should they require technical, maintenance or otherwise important assistance. (FYI: The relevant person in this case would be the Vox Contact Center, which they can contact on 087 805 0530 for any queries or complaints – it’s open 24/7, so there’s always assistance on standby).

6. Don’t give up:

Chances are that money and sales won’t roll in from day one – but don’t get despondent. Once you build up your network and people understand that you’re the person to contact for their new sign-up needs, you’ll find your journey a lot more fruitful. Keep persisting even when things get tough – there will be times where sales are low, and other times when things are better. Ride it out and never give up – we have faith in you as our Ambassador, so a little belief goes a long, long way!

Ask any hustler, any entrepreneur, any businessman or any successful tycoon the secret to financial success, and they’ll tell you – you can’t rely on a single revenue stream.

We know, we know – the daily grind of an 8 – 5 (although it’s usually a 6 – 6 when you factor in overtime, travel time and lunch breaks spent at your desk) can leave us feeling drained, exhausted, and thoroughly unenthusiastic about the idea of taking on even more work. After all, if you have a stable job and salary at the end of the month and it’s working for you, why intentionally sign up for more things to do, more responsibility and, at the end of the day, significantly more effort? True, we all dream of a life like Jeff Bezos and secretly wish we’d either hit the lotto or accidentally create the next Facebook, but many of us are put off the idea of a side hustle before we even begin.

The biggest reason behind this, ironically, is also the biggest misconception – which is the idea that passive income = more hard work.

We’d all like a little less work with a lot more pay. We’d like to be able to buy nice things, afford holidays, send our kids to the best of schools, and drive the best cars (without having a panic attack every time your starter motor acts up). Sadly, the reality is that between bills, expenses, and monthly debits (as well as the petrol price deciding nope, we want in on that salary too), it’s hard enough to save money, let alone spend it casually. Yes, that monthly paycheck is reassuring, and nothing beats the feeling of payday (or the crash once the number starts getting lower), but if you find yourself in a constant cycle of working, earning, paying, and hardly enjoying, you may be interested to learn more about passive income.

Let’s start: what is it and why do I need it?

Passive income does not refer to getting a raise or finding a higher-paying job. Instead, it’s a means of taking control of your finances (and ultimately your life), by finding non-permanent ways to bring in additional supplementary income. Any money you make from an investment, property or business which increases your bank balance without taking too much effort essentially constitutes what we’re talking about.

It’s what happens when you make your money work for you – and not the other way around (this is what we mean when we say work smarter, not harder).

In today’s day-and-age, where expenses are at an all-time high but excess cash at an all-time low, your side-hustle is effectively your gateway to building wealth, ensuring financial security and, mostly, sleeping that much easier at night. The unfortunate reality is that life is full of unforeseen challenges and circumstances – which usually bring a set of expenses with it. Forget, for a second, fancy holidays and Gucci handbags – ask yourself if an unwanted medical bill or out-the-blue vehicle issue is financially feasible for you, or would it set you back a good few years? COVID-19 has changed the world, and introduced a myriad of expensive, often unconquerable problems facing the modern employee – failing to plan and take steps to ensure you have something for a rainy day is the definition of short-termism – and a surefire way to end up in debt or in major trouble.

On the flip side, 2022 is nothing if not the age of the hustler, and everyone from teenage kids to multi-millionaires have successfully experimented with the idea of multiple revenue streams and the adoption of passive income sources.

Still not sold? Here are some ways you can benefit from extra paper…

1. More money = more time = more freedom:

Go to any resort in the middle of a week, and chances are you’ll see rich, semi-retired, middle-aged people lounging about. There’s a reason behind this. While us working class folk are applying for leave and planning our holidays around the Easter Weekend, people who have been smart with money are afforded the luxury of being able to enjoy their time. And if they’re smiling while sipping cocktails, there’s a reason for that too…

2. Less stress and better sleep:

The fact is that money is a major, major source of stress for many individuals today. Be it debt, upcoming expenses or simply putting food on the table, individuals burdened with financial issues can end up with major depression, suicidal and experience major personal trauma. Generating enough income to live comfortably while still saving can revolutionise your life and happiness – which is, again, where passive income falls into place.

3. Enjoy life, grow and stabilise:

Ever feel like you’re trapped on a hamster wheel of salary, expenses and budgets? Opening new channels of revenue can break the cycle – in doing so creating a whirlwind of possibilities to grow and maximise your life. Having the bonus of additional money coming in regularly allows you to make time for what matters and be less reliant on what’s inside your own head. Life is short – and breaking free of negative financial self-belief systems is one step closer to making it sweet.

Okay, we’re with you – now how do I make it happen?

You can do anything, really, from selling sneakers online to promotions on weekends – which still sound a bit labour intensive to us, if we’re being honest. What we’d suggest is taking a look at our Vox Ambassador Programme, which allows you to promote and sell a wealth of Vox Products on our behalf whilst bringing in a commission.

You don’t have to do much other than participate, share what we provide you with, market and rake in those sales. The more you sell, the more you make – but you’re under no obligation to do any extensive manual labour or reach certain deadlines. It’s exactly what a side-hustle should be: a quick, painless, and easy way to bring in a little extra cash at the end of the month.

Now, we’re not saying that becoming an Ambassador will make you the next Warren Buffet, but it’s one of many possibilities you can check out to ease your financial strain and (hopefully) make you life a bit freer.

It seems like not so long ago; Gaming was transitioning from “pastime for kids” to “the root of all evil”. Apparently overnight, what used to be a harmless way to kill time (and excuse to flock to the arcade) soon became something we blamed for the youth of today. It didn’t register back then, but this shift represented the change in demographic of gamers as a whole – a symbolic transitioning between “child friendly” content and appeal to more mature audiences.

Today, Gaming has become a multitude of things. To some, it’s an excuse not to do homework. To others, it’s a great way to pass your 8am meetings (sorry, boss) while staying connected to Teams. Some people used it as a coping mechanism for lockdowns, others to avoid a very angry wife just around dishwashing time, but to most it’s a harmless, entertaining, and relatively safe (unless you’re throwing controllers at innocent bystanders) way to spend their time.

We already know (seriously, we’ve covered this in detail) that there are millions of gamers worldwide, and that our community is exponentially increasing. The industry brought in $175.8 BILLION in 2021 alone (which should get you about 10 units of electricity from City Power). There are around 3.1 billion active players (so around the line outside Game on Black Friday), with an average age of 34, and comprising on men, women, and children alike.

Still, to a new or unexperienced player, the idea of picking up a console and getting involved can seem as daunting as seeing “Mom” on your incoming calls when you’ve snuck out the house. It’s enough to dissuade anyone, with many prospective players erroneously thinking that being new at it means you’re doomed to a lifetime of respawns, restarts and 12-year old’s screaming “Noob” through your headset.

We’re here to tell you it’s not, and we’re also putting together this handy guide to help you game without feeling lame…

1. Play the tutorials

You may think you know what you’re doing, but the first spawn peek that takes you down will tell you otherwise. Seriously, the only thing worse than a tutorial level is skipping the tutorial level and spending the next hour getting flattened. Tutorial levels, while painstakingly slow to an experienced player, were created for the sole purpose of ensuring that exactly what you fear will happen doesn’t. Adding an extra ten minutes to your game can save you a few hours of rage quitting and writing angry reviews online – so start with the small stuff and work your way up (yes, that’s what she said).

2. Everyone sucks.

Seriously. You’re going to suck. Soldier on, it gets better, if not, learn to laugh at yourself – it will significantly improve your mood, experience, and ability to enjoy what you’re doing. Gaming is not something to be taken as seriously as a State of Nation Address (which isn’t taken that seriously at all – but you get the point). It may take a few tries, a few deaths and a few goals conceded before you get to grips with things, but you’ll get there in the end. Keep at it, find what works for you and you’ll be on your feet sooner rather than later – if not, we’re sure you can find the funny side.

3. Choose your game wisely.

Choose a game that looks fun and compliments your interests. FIFA is one of the most widely played, universally acclaimed titles in the world, but if you hand it to an NBA 2K fan, they’ll have as much fun as a surfer during level five lockdown. You’ll understand the appeal of a title a lot better if it’s a topic you either know about, care about or are passionate about – and there’s no shortage of options in the world of gaming. From sports to fantasy, mindless carnage to saving the world from zombies, there’s something for everyone (and then some).

4. Pick your console

Make sure your gear can handle the game you’re playing and is compatible with you. If you’re a person who believes in the power of PC, you’re unlikely to get the same enjoyment from console experiences are you are from your normal machine. Gaming is always better once it becomes familiar, and the right gear makes a huge difference. Pick your weapon (or console) of choice wisely – it will likely define your entire perception of how great (or bad) a game truly is. If, however, you are using a PC, make sure that it can handle the load affiliated with playing – it’s unlikely that your i3, entry level laptop can master the rigorous demands of a high-graphic title.

5. Just have fun.

Look, Gaming may seem daunting, but it’s not that deep. There wouldn’t be more Gamers than there are fans of Man United if it wasn’t fun. Don’t overthink it, don’t get too worked up about it, and, most of all, don’t forget to enjoy it (also what she said).

Last week Friday, my upload was complete, and I hunkered down to get some early hands on time with Forza Horizon 5.

The incredible, arcade-like, open-world SIM racing game takes the iconic Horizon festival from previous iterations of the game and moves it to Mexico.  Here, you’ll be able to explore an epic open-world that is equal parts beautiful and challenging. You’ll jump into street racing, rally driving and everything petrol-head obsessed gamers will love.

Forza Horizon 5 has swallowed HOURS of my life for the last week. I cannot get enough of it. The various activities and tasks are so much fun and the scenery of the game brings me a sort of peace that my life has been sorely lacking for a few weeks. It’s been an escape for me – one that has bought me so much joy. You have hundreds of incredible cars to choose from, and can style yourself out as you simply drive around Mexico to explore the Horizon festival while listening to XS (the rock and alternative radio station option – hot damn the tracks are fire!).

Trying my hand at in-game photography

A few months ago, I interviewed the incredibly talented ‘CHRISinSESSION’ for Red Bull. You can read the interview, and see some his pictures by clicking here. When I was online sharing my hype for Forza Horizon 5, Chris said he’d be keen to see some of my captures from the game….

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

I’ve spent a lot of my time in game trying to perfect my photography skills and thought, rather than give you a normal stock standard review of the game, I’d share some of my favourite photos that I’ve taken. I really believe they showcase this game so incredibly well and I’m hoping they highlight the emotions it was able to elicit in me. I’ve included my favourite pictures below:

This was probably one of the first captures I did early on in the game BUT it is, without a doubt, one of the best I’ve taken. I wanted to give that sort of hazy rain feel yet still share the warmth. I tried to imagine the feeling I had when it rained in Bali and imagined it would be similar in Mexico. I hope I was able to get that across!

I think this could be mistaken for a real photo, lol! I loved how the game had shared the sunset over the sea, and wanted to try capture that.

Did I neon pink out a very rare car I found in a barn during the game? Yes. Yes I did. I thought it would be cool to get the colours popping here.

I purchased and customised a Merc. It’s ridiculously obnoxious now after the paint job. I loved the lines of this particular shot.

Quick Fast? That’s what I’d caption this.

I was playing with colour here, the pinks of the flowers combined with the browns and greens. I thought the baby blue colour complimented the surroundings.

This is very similar to my Quick Fast picture, but I was hoping to get a bit of the beautiful game scenery in the shot.

Forza Horizon 5 is out on November 9th. You’ll be able to play it on launch day with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You can get it for the Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One and your PC. It’s roughly 103GB for PC (via Steam or Game Pass), 103GB on the X and S and then 116GB on Xbox One.

Disclosure: Xbox South Africa gave me a code to do an early playthrough of the game.

As we navigate through this journey called life, you may notice it’s pretty stressful.

Now, back in the day (and by that we mean 2019), a break could mean anything from a fishing trip to a spa or, if you really felt like cutting loose, a night of drinks, music and friends. Things have changed and, as a result, we’ve seen an increase in alternative ways of escapism.

Well, we’re proud to introduce you to Vox Gaming, which lets you do all the things you feel like doing but can’t because Uncle Cyril grounded the nation.

Feel like fishing or taking control of Man United? What about saving the president or jumping out a plane? Does this whole pandemic remind you of Zombies and require some real action, or are you just frustrated and seeking pure, unadulterated chaos in whichever open world RPG does it best for you? Imagine a universe where you can be the best footballer in the world and a master assassin in the space of an hour. A world where you can fly, drive or shoot anything you wanted. A world where lockdown and curfew genuinely didn’t exist, and where your superheroes aren’t just real- they’re you.

Enter the world of Gaming.

In fact, you wouldn’t be the only one to do so, as studies indicate that as of 2020 there are an estimated 2.7 billion gamers worldwide- the highest number in human history. With an average age of 34, it’s interesting to note that this constitutes both kids and grown-ups accordingly.

A common misconception, however, is that gaming is only for “serious” gamers. The words “noob” and tales of pro-players destroying all challengers are greatly exaggerated. Yes, there is a competitive element should you wish to partake in it, but gaming has never lost its purity in that all it takes to enjoy is a console, the right game, and some free time. Young, old, it’s all good- pick up and play is a thing of the present.

And, for those of you who know you’ll be greeted with eyerolls at the suggestion of a new console (“you’re too old! Grow up!”), here’s some facts to back up your motivation:

• Studies have shown that not only do action games enhance attention spans, they assist with language learning and decision making.
• Gaming in general has been scientifically proven to overcome bias and cognitive dissonance.
• Again, studies have shown that regular gameplay can improve overall mental health and have an uplifting effect on moods.
• More studies (people have really investigated this) indicate that gaming has a positive impact on both cognitive and social skills.
• Gaming has also been proven to assist with the following:
• Foundation Skills: achievement drive, self-awareness, critical thinking and self-confidence.
• Performance Skills: Perceptual, Motor, Attentional and Timing.
• Problem Solving: Personal Development, Identity, Creativity, EQ and Self-Esteem.
• Decision Making: Team Skills, Leadership, Communication, Cohesion and People Management.

(This is where you scream “yeah, science!”).

Look, we’re not saying that a new console will cure the blues, but we are saying that blowing off some steam is an essential part of dealing with today’s external world. And we speak from personal experience when we say that while the concept of gamers may scream spotted pre-teens and Fortnite, the reality is a mix of countries, ages and demographics combining in one of the few truly unbiased, free-to-join examples of multi-culturalism in the world.

However, the economic impact of the world we live in has created a similarly universal need to tighten belts and pinch pennies. In other words? Outright purchasing a console is, to many, an unattainable dream at this stage.

But does using one need to be?

Vox’s rental model aims to eradicate this issue altogether and make the possibility of gaming a reality for everyone. You don’t have to put out a massive capital outlay to partake in fun and relaxation. Gone are the days of kids wishing they had what their friends do or feeling left out on the playground as everyone talks about new releases. With our Xbox Rental options, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg buying something you only use occasionally. Instead, you can put that money to better use, settling only for a small monthly fee until you’re ready to upgrade, renew or move on to something else.

The magic of gaming is that anyone can enjoy it. Guys, girls, parents, even grandparents- there’s no age limit to who can have fun. And, with the Vox rental model, there’s no stressing about purchasing either. Just press play and you’re good to go.

It’s that simple- but isn’t that what gaming is all about?