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

.

·         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.

JAMAICANS - DECIDE ON A "NEW APPROACH"

Written by Hansen von Shneir

www.Jamlink.com

You will recall my last letter to you entitled: “Jamaica’s New Approach”.First let me thank those of you who took the time to respond to the letter, and for your patience regarding a follow-up response to your comments and suggestions. My delayed response was deliberate, as I wanted to carefully consider the concerns shared in each of the numerous emails I received.Having done so, I am heartened by the commonality of pride and hope shared by my fellow Jamaicans for our beloved island. And though I am encouraged by this optimism about Jamaica’s future, I am also mindful of the prevailing conditions that currently plague Jamaica.

Reading your emails, I am also overwhelmed by the degree of frustrations, which assail our people. And while many of you expressed a strong desire for immediate solutions, I must ask your continued patience, and counsel against any illusion of a “quick-fix” proposition. Your consensus on the issues affecting Jamaica is far too critical to be treated lightly.

Among your many concerns, these three were paramount:

- The inability of the local authorities to control a spiraling crime rate;

- The lack of resolve of the government to re-vitalize the country with economic opportunities;

- An education system that does not support Jamaica’s core competencies;

I am left with the recognition that our problems are permanently engraved in our history, and compounded further by practice and culture. It is therefore incumbent upon us to consider a “New Approach” - one that has a clear focus on sustainability. And so, where do we go from here?

First, I believe it is important that we continue to engage in this form of civil dialogue. Too often have we stifled our progress with minor disagreements and internal rivalry.Secondly, collectively as Jamaicans, since we are aware of the circumstances on the ground, there are no reasons why we cannot agree on a common approach that serves the overall good. With a firm resolve, we can do this. And thirdly, we have to be cautious not to copy a model that has worked for other communities and then to apply it as a solution for Jamaica’s problems. 

This will not work. We must become cognizant that our nation’s unique situation demands its own solutions.

There is an abundance of resources on the island that could be harnessed to provide opportunities and wealth for our people, as evidenced by the number of multi-national corporations that are buying into Jamaica. Let’s become proactive in identifying these opportunities for ourselves.I confess that I am on the outside looking in. However, the observer’s role has enabled me with the insight and the capacity to provide for this type of discourse. I am aware of Jamaica’s social and economic perils, and even more aware of the positive impact of certain aspects of our culture on the world.

We need to make a commitment to have this type of impact on ourselves … our people … and our country.

Join me in this dialogue, so that we may explore the ways in which our collaborative efforts can change the reality on the ground. In the upcoming months, I shall make provisions for a website. This will allow for a more efficient form of communication among those committed to this purpose.In the meantime, I want to thank all of you in advance for your time, your suggestions, and your initiative, as the dialogue continues. 

10 things to minimize your job loss

Now that you have a job, don’t get too relaxed. The person who liked you and hired you has transferred. Your new supervisor does not like you and is looking for an out to fire you. Perhaps the political climate has changed and your services are no longer needed. i.e. Melissa Harris Perry was terminated from MSNBC.

When MSNBC sacked Melissa from her very lucrative job, she was blindsided. This was evident by Perry’s leaked email that was printed in the New York Times. Yes, she was very qualified; after all, she has a PHD from MIT. Melissa education credential did not save her, now did it? Keep that in mind. If you get a pink slip, what is your plan B?

1.       Have another talent or skill set.
2.       Always have a 2^nd revenue source.
3.       Maintain business network relationships.
4.       Keep a job coach in your rolodex.
5.       Pay your bills in advance.
6.       Have 6 months of income in reserve.
7.       Purchase your own lap top.  When you leave a company, they keep what they own.
8.       Your laptop is a source of revenue. You can become a virtual assistant worker or a customer service agent until you want to move on to another job.
9.       Maintain a current resume, so that you can email to an HR department when needed.
10.      Minimize daily expenses. You don’t have to go to the coffee shop every morning. Leave that trip for special occasions.

Here are 5 Ways to Make Your Dreams a Reality

1. Jot down Your Goals

That’s right, pen and paper! I call it a bucket list but you can call it whatever you like. It’s important to write down legitimate, measurable goals. Saying, “A dream career” is not enough, but saying, “A career in travel writing as a blogger/journalist” is a step in the right direction.

2. Focus on Your Dreams Completely

If you are serious about living your dreams, you may have to put a few things on the back burner for a while or let go of the past. I was a school teacher for eight years but it wasn’t my dream job. I needed to accept that just because I went to school for eight years to be a teacher, doesn’t mean that my life should be confined to that career. Figure out what’s meaningful to you so you can be who you were born to be. Don’t waste your life fulfilling someone else’s dreams and desires.  You must follow your intuition and make a decision. While many of us decide at some point during the course of our lives that we want to answer our calling, only a select few of us actually work on it.  Remember, life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile.  Achieving your dreams can be a lot of work.  Be ready for it.

3. Seek Inspiration

Follow those who inspire you. Seeing others achieve their dreams is extremely inspiring. You are the sum of the people you spend the most time with.  If you spend your time with the right people, you will be far more capable and powerful than you ever could have been alone.

4. Lose the Negative Attitude

Think positively; negative thinking creates negative results.  Positive thinking creates positive results. That’s it. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story.  The mind must believe it can do something before it is capable of actually doing it.

5. Measure your Success in Baby Steps

Don’t measure your success by looking at your final goal but instead by each and every baby step you achieve along the way. Sometimes we discourage ourselves by withholding cheering for our accomplishments until we reach our final destination. Cheer, cheer, cheer and build momentum along the way.

Valentine’s Day is February 14th, so here are some ways to self-love.

1. Fall in love with yourself:

Think about what makes you, you. Just like a flower that needs watering to grow, learn to nurture yourself in every way. Love yourself for all the good that you see and accept your flaws and the fact that you are imperfect. This does not mean that you do not learn to change from your shortcomings; instead, you are being gentle and kind to yourself for all your flaws. Look in the mirror and fall in love with the reflection that is you.

2. Eliminate Self Criticism:

Do you often berate yourself over the tiniest thing? Is there a little voice inside your head that often tells you that you are no good because you are stupid or make mistakes? If you find that you criticize yourself often, make an effort to stop the self criticism.

3. Be Kind and Positive:

When you start to think kindly and positively about yourself, the love you have for yourself just grows. Make it a habit to praise yourself every day, while in the front of the mirror. Because of such thoughts, you naturally undertake empowering actions that support your development.

4. Acknowledge Your Effort:

It’s not always about winning or having success in everything that you do. Many times, it is the effort that counts! Acknowledge that you’ve done your best, even if you have failed to produce tangible results.

5. Let Go Of Worry:

Loving yourself requires you to let go of your worry. It is a horrible way to live a life filled with constant worrying. I can attest to that! Worry does not help in any way. It cannot, on its own, make things happen. Only wise actions can! So instead of worrying, spend time thinking about what you can do to help in the situation. If the situation is beyond your control, then ask the Universe for your desired outcome and let things work out. Things will come, if they are meant to be.

6. Trust Yourself:

Have confidence in your abilities. Know that you have the ability to make important changes for yourself, for as long as you put your heart to it. You can also support yourself by visualizing desired outcomes.

7. Forgive Yourself:

If you have made mistakes in the past that had caused you to feel less worthy, then you need to forgive yourself. All of us make mistakes; so there really is no need to beat yourself up over them. Or if you’ve been carrying around a baggage of emotional hurt because of a childhood trauma, learn to forgive yourself that it is not your fault.

8. Be Truthful to yourself:

Loving yourself requires you to be truthful about your own feelings. If you are happy, acknowledge the joy. If you are sad, acknowledge the sorrow. When you are truthful about your feelings, you do not try to lie to yourself or seek to bury your negative emotions. Instead, acknowledging what you feel provides a good guide to what your thoughts are. And as we all know, thoughts can be changed, so that healing and self growth can take place.

9. Grow Spiritually:

When you spend time growing spiritually, loving yourself is an automatic thing. You become more peaceful, connected, kind, loving and compassionate. You nurture a mind that grows more beautiful by the day. How do you not love yourself in the process?

10. Make Positive Affirmations Everyday

Reframe your mind with positive affirmations. For instance, say this to yourself “I love and accept myself completely and unconditionally.” Read your affirmations out loud several times a day

JAMAICA IS.......

Jamaica is 'Rum and Red Stripe.'

Jamaica is 'Kola Champagne , Manish Water.'

Jamaica is 'Jerk Pork, Scotch Bonnet, Hardough Bread.

Jamaica is 'FryFish & Bammy, Coco Bread & Patty.

Jamaica is 'Irie, Nyabingi, Boogooyaga, Legobeast.

Jamaica is 'Cornmeal Dumplin, Dasheen, Yam, Coco .'

Jamaica is 'Pimento, Ackee & SaltFish, Black Mango, Star Apple.'

Jamaica is 'Miss Lou'

Jamaica is 'Anancy and Big Boy stories.'

Jamaica is 'Jackfruit, Juneplum, Naseberry, Ginep and hogplum.'

Jamaica is 'Busta, Icy Mint, and Paradise plum.'

Jamaica is 'Tinking toe, Drops, Gizzada, and Grater cake.'

Jamaica is 'Bun and cheese , and Sorrel and Rum cake.'

Jamaica is 'GRANDMARKET NIGHT!'

Jamaica is 'Doouckun u, Dip and Fall Back, Run-down.'

Jamaica is 'Bulla, Totoe , Festival and SaltFish Fritters.

Jamaica is 'Peppa shrimps, blue draws, Roast breadfruit and corned pork.'

Jamaica is 'Chalice, splif, sensi and lambs bread.'

Jamaica is 'Cool runnings, cease and settle, haul and pull up and nuff respect'

Jamaica is 'Reggae Boyz. '

Jamaica is 'Ital stew, Strong Back, Irish Moss, Circey Tea.'

Jamaica is 'Kin-Puppa-Lick!, Blouse and skirt!, Gouzum!'

Jamaica is 'Rhattid!, Blough-wow!, Geeze-u-wiz !!

Jamaica is 'Boonoonoonous'

Jamaica is 'Suck-suck and sky-juice.'

Jamaica is 'Wi likkle but wi tal-a-wa!'

Jamaica is 'Wey yu a sey?, What a gwan? & How it a go dung?'

Jamaica is 'bull-buck & duppy conqueror'

Jamaica is 'Zinc fence and gully water.'

Jamaica is 'Escoviche fish, Julie mango, Oxtail, Tripe and beans.'

Jamaica is 'Icy mint an bus-mi-jaw.'

Jamaica is 'Stop de cow bawlng eena de place.'

Jamaica is 'Anyting wha sweet yu gwine sour yu.'

Jamaica is Weh yu 'kibba yu mout'

Jamaica is 'Dandy Shandy'

Jamaica is 'A hell an powdah house dung ya tiday.'

Jamaica is 'Nu mek mi spit, an it dry up before yu cum back'

Jamaica is 'Blouse an' skirt', and 'Kiss mi neck back'.

JAMAICA IS EVERYTHING WE ARE AND MUCH MUCH MORE... 

JAMAICA LAND WE LOVE!!

IF YOU LOOK AT THIS LIST AND YOUR HEART SMILES...

YOU'RE DEFINITELY JAMAICAN.