5 Things Visionary Leaders Know

RIP Fidel Castro

 Sunrise August 13, 1926

Sunset November 25, 2016

Written by JK Maxwell

Depending on what media you view, Fidel Castro is a hero or tyrant. Was Fidel a controversial and divisive world figure? Castro is decorated with various international awards, and his supporters laud him as a champion of socialism and anti-imperialism whose revolutionary regime secured Cuba's independence from American imperialism. Conversely, critics viewed him as a dictator whose administration oversaw human-rights abuses, the exodus of a large number of Cubans, and the impoverishment of the country's economy. Through his actions and his writings, he has significantly influenced the politics of various individuals and groups across the world.

           

Fidel Castro (right) during his 1977 visit to Jamaica with then Prime Minister Michael Manley

Castro had a deep influence on Cuba’s nearest neighbor, Jamaica, especially during the years 1972-1980 when Michael Manley was in power. This comradely relationship was almost predictable as Manley. Although Jamaica’s Prime Minister wanted community-based projects and the shared desire of creating a new world economic and political order, the CIA intervened. Democrat Socialism was not in Jamaica for too long. After the honeymoon period ends, we must examine what it takes to become an effective leader. Here are some traits:

1   1.   Know about international events. It is a small world after all; how will the UK pound, Canadian  loonie or US dollar impact your savings or investments? The dollar is going to collapse. What are you doing to prepare for that inevitable? Invest in silver.

2   2.    Know what is next. What you do today, will impact you tomorrow. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

3   3.    Know your purpose. Define you. Don’t go along to get along. Relish in your uniqueness. Be the orange on the gray canvas; Gadhafi is gone but will never be forgotten.

4   4.    Know how to become an open minded listener. You can hear something but are you listening? The only way the entrepreneur can tap a niche  to provide a product or service is to listen to the customer’s needs. That is also how politicians win elections. i.e Donald trump spoke to the psychological needs of poor and working class Whites, especially White men.

5    5.   Know how to be persistent. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Keep going and remember: When someone tells you it can’t be done, it’s more a reflection of their limitation not yours. Figure out a way to break through.

Strategies for your brand

Why is a brand important? What are the elements that should be contained in a good brand? The brand should have touch points with its customer. This means a way to communicate. I.e. social media, business images or websites In other words, what is connecting you to the intended audience? The tone should be consistent and come together to form one point. A brand could be a product but it can also be a person’s resume.

Today most companies require an email resume from the applicant; this is a form of branding. Before hitting that send button, remember that your email address is the 1^st impression.

·         Do not use novelty email address such as qutipie@gmail.com.

·         Do not use a work related address of your current employer. This is in poor taste plus the potential employer will see that you lack loyalty to your present job.

The resume should answer:

·         Who is the community? By employing you, how will that niche group be impacted?

·         What selling proposition? Why should they hire you over others? Be specific and stand out from your peers.

·         What do you want the HR person to feel? Put that at the top and don’t use buzz words.

·         Create a call to action. Tell the company you want the job.

Jamaica I wish…

·         

By Koko Boocro

      That academic achievers receive the same financing and glory as athletes and sports personalities.

·         

            That during the next election, there is no more national amnesia.

·         That Government gives support to local produces to drive economic independence.

·         That Jamaican patois, in all its amusing and colorful variations get more local acceptance.

·         That more farmers would undertake growing local fruits on a larger scale.

·         That more Jamaicans can appreciate and afford the luxury of a Jamaican vacation.

·         That single parents need not be magicians with a minimum wage

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·         That the highest political positions will eventually have academic requirements.

·         That the historic attractions in Hanover are no longer an open secret.

·         That the international impact of Jamaican music will be beneficial not only to its singers but also musicians.

·         That the knowledge of the types and uses of local medicinal plants passes on for generations to come.

·         That the media houses stop copycatting and create more original content.

·         That there was free access to more of our coastline and beaches.

·         That we value as much as others do, all that we have to offer.

·         That what is indigenous and cultural is more sought and valued than fake imports.

Blessed Love – Ria

Above is a list of things I sincerely wish for Jamaica and Jamaicans. Not in any particular order. I have many more wishes but will only share the shortlist.

Please support Marcus Garvey by sharing the link below:

https://www.change.org/p/all-who-care-about-marcus-garvey-grant-marcus-mosiah-garvey-a-presidential-pardon-of-his-wrongful-1923-conviction?utm_source=embedded_petition_view

Start Ups

Entrepreneurs are the engine of human ingenuity. For today’s technical world, here are some free must have for any start up to the enable, empower and quip for your success.

·         www.evernote.com

·         www.hootsuite.com

·         www.dashlane.com

·         www.surveymonkey.com

Would you like to start a business for under $500? Here is something to consider: www.Andresnotaryschool.com

Finding your niche market

What do entrepreneurs to in order to provide a product or service? They find a niche market. Koreans don’t have afro textured hair; nevertheless, they control 95% of the Black hair care market. What are you doing to find and service a niche market? Here are seven steps to make it happen:

1.      Know who your target audience is. i.e Jamaicans in the diaspora have different socio economic experience that yardies on the island. What does each group need?

2.      What is your passion? The end product will be reflective of the journey. i.e. would you like to open a salon? Where will it be located and how will the interior look to appeal to your client.

3.      Don’t be a Jack of all trades and a master of none. You will become discouraged if your plate is too full. Do baby steps, walk then run.

4.      Create something that is unique to you. We are all snowflakes; therefore, be an individual not a group. Stand out from the crowd. If what you are offering satisfies a political or an economic need, people will pay attention to you and they can’t notice you of you are like everyone else.

5.      Build trust through integrity. Follow through and don’t say one thing and do another. Create a trust factor with your audience.

6.      Invest in yourself: read, upgrade, care and time. Need I say more?

7.      Be a global thinker. Where are larger markets for your product or service?  i.e. Jamaicans are all over the world and reggae music is played on every continent.

                                                                                              

7 Ways to spread the word about to product or service

1.    Upload a videos on line

2.    Make a social media presence i.e. Facebook and twitter

3.    Join an association or affiliate concerning your business

4.    Attend events and conferences. If you attend like minds events, you will get inspired. Also, if you attend other conferences you will get to see something from a different perspective

5.    Host an online event to get a feedback about your product i.e. google hang out  or twitter chat

6.    Host a face to face event

7.    Advertise online i.e. google Ads or Facebook Ads

Caribbean Union Creation - CU

Cheers went up when it was reported that Haiti would be allowed to join the African Union. However, a few weeks went by when The African Union (AU) stated that Haiti will be denied associate member status on May 17^th. According to article 29.1 of their AU constitution, only African countries can have membership. These African countries will Buk dance for their former colonial masters and coon for the Chinese but deny the 1^st Black county, who threw off the shackles of slavery, recognition and membership.

Is the African Union (AU) the White man’s #1 pet and fetch boy? The African way, according the African Union, is that Europeans and the Chinese everywhere are welcome to join. However Black people especially Haiti need not apply. Haiti, don’t allow anyone to disrespect you!

This is an example on why Caribbean countries should form the Caribbean Union – CU.  Federations with various islands were formed in the past and did not last. However, they are many more things that bind Caribbean than divides the islands. Multinational corporations do not care where they set up sweat shops or call centers. By uniting, the exploitation and marginalization can be minimized.

To be competitive one has to have marketable skills or your country will become irrelevant. Caribbean nations must understand that our location and character of each island is an asset, if marketed correctly.  It is time to reexamine a new Caribbean Federation and create The Caribbean Union. The Caribbean region is too small of an area to be so fragmented. I.e. Cuba has a stronger relationship with Russia than it does with its neighbors.

The Arab league, NATO, and even OPEC are examples of how powerful community of nations can be forged. One can only wonder if the AU would have responded in the same way or be effectively willing to shift position if a more prosperous nation, say Brazil, had demonstrated similar interest in joining the AU. Don’t go where you are not wanted. Leave with dignity and create your own union with other Caribbean nations.