“We are all salesmen every day of our lives. We are selling our ideas, our plans, our enthusiasm to those with whom we come into contact.” Charles M Schwab
The St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) under the caring leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and his Cabinet of Ministers have struck a vein that is likely to propel small businesses to the next level. As a small business person, I am elated at the opportunities that are now being made available to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises sector. There was a time when business persons were screaming for assistance with financing. Today, it is music to the ear that training is complimented with access to grant and loan funding with the removal of red tape which limited access to loans. Finally, there seems to be an agreement at the highest level of Government that business involves risks, and there must be a degree of flexibility in awarding business financing.
This is an opportunity where every person with a serious interest in the area of business, can pursue their passion knowing that there is support for honing their skills and when the training is completed, can be confident that financial support will be accessible. While this is an enabling environment in which committed individuals can thrive, it is incumbent upon the administrators to select persons who are genuinely seeking to develop themselves and make a success of the opportunities being afforded them. There should be a prequalification process. While everyone may not be equipped with a potential project, or a great idea, potential participants should be exposed to possible business ideas through Business Opportunity Expositions. To make an impact on persons seeking business opportunities it is necessary to afford them some guidance.
It is incumbent upon the administrators of the programmes to seek out a list of preferred new business opportunities in the areas of ICT, Affiliate Marketing, Knowledge Industry, Network Marketing, Environmental Services, Business Services, Social Media Management, SEO Services, Product Sourcing/Online Sales, Home Services, etc. As a developing nation, our citizens need guidance.
Let us agree that the process of selection of candidates is critical to the success of the programmes. Story-telling is the key to the success of such programmes. Very few people know about business and will have to be introduced to the world of business. Maybe, a BE YOUR OWN BOSS motivational business programme, accompanied by BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EXPO should be promoted in all 17 constituencies.
It is interesting to note that the administrative structure for the Youth Economy is in place. Exciting times are ahead for Businesspersons and Entrepreneurs in Saint Lucia. However, while a number of young persons may have cutting-edge ideas, it is worthy of repetition that there is still a need for some growth areas to be introduced to the applicants. It will be necessary to show participants the way to prosperity.
There are two books I am excited to recommend that should be introduced to all persons seeking to enter into the area of business. Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill published in 1937 is available FREE on the internet and speaks to the power of Affirmation, and Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki, published in 1997. The latter shares modern ideas to be prosperous. Apart from Robert’s real estate recommendations, he highly recommends the Network Marketing Industry. He also identifies Selling Skills as being vital in today’s challenging economic times. It is important that all those who seek to be involved in business programmes must commit to reading. The old saying still holds – Readers are Leaders. I am learning new things every day, primarily through reading.
I look forward to meeting the individuals who see business as a worthwhile endeavour that changes lives and develops communities, on the other side. A wonderful and rewarding future awaits you. I invite you to read my FREE Ebook “Winning Strategies for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises” as you contemplate on beginning your business/entrepreneurial journey. https://stluciagreatpropertydeals.com/e-books/
In the meantime, stay healthy, stay safe, and be blessed.
Edward Harris
Freelance Journalist/Realtor/Business Consultant
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