Startup tips and survey for potential entreprenuer

Entrepreneurs I have spoken to have all demonstrated both passion and enthusiasm for their businesses. It is a fact that most people do dream about owning their own businesses. However, starting a business is never easy as most business owners will attest to. I found this article online that gives tips about avoiding the business start up grave. There is also a little survey included (look carefully so you don't miss it) that helps to assess whether someone is ready to take that plunge into entrepreneurship. Click here to view article and survey.

While the survey is not conclusive by any means, it is a quick litmus test and did prove to be an eye opener. These are practical questions and point to one thing: entrepreneurship can be very challenging. For example, while cash flow management is essential, for the small start up cash in flow can be erratic while expenses are often time pretty constant. Bills arrive monthly like clockwork. Therefore, disruption in the revenue cycle can wreak havoc. So proper businesses and personal household planning becomes critical often times causing a change in lifestyle and personal spending habits. This is one of the aspects that stood out most to me.

My score on the survey indicated among other things, a high interest in entrepreneurship (which is no surprise given the nature of the magazine). Some people may be born with innate ability to be an entrepreneur as was brought out in the Marlon Hill feature article in the September issue. In some cases the interest has to be nurtured. But, entrepreneurship tendencies may not be enough as life circumstances may hinder the entrepreneurship process as the survey will bring out.

Request a copy of the September issue by emailing mmaxwell.cbdigest@gmail.com.

September Review Part 2: Attorney Marlon Hill, Esq.

A few comments and updates on the September issue takes a look back at some of the items from my discussion with Hill that did not make the article.

- Attorney Marlon Hill intimated that the line between a path to success and failure can be a fine one. He stated “you could have been interviewing me from a jail cell." Who knows what life would have brought him if his mother moved back to Jamaica after becoming frustrated with the school system. That is profound! But, most of us can relate to a statement like that.
- His law firm delancyhill PA, declined a buyout from a larger firm, because in his mind that would render him obsolete.
- Hill emphasized that whatever business you are in, “promote it like it is the largest and best business in the world” even if it is just made up of one person. Above all be ready for opportunities that may come your way.
- On his show Caribbean Crossroads, his most memorable guests included Dr. Percy Ricketts, a licensed psychotherapist who deals with parenting issues. The issue entailed whether corporal punishment of a child is essential in child rearing. Hill himself does not believe in corporal punishment, though he himself caught a few lashes while growing up! His ideal guests (if it were possible) would include The Honorable Bob Marley, along with Barrack Obama and Maya Angelou.
- Hill believes he was born with entrepreneurship insights. Though he believes that people are born with those tendencies, they can also be learned and so the value in a business school is not diminished. Formal training can polish off and hone those talents that come naturally to us.
- While he views Jack Welch as risk taker and Bill Gates as brilliant, he reserved the word innovator for himself! Though refreshingly humble, he obviously believes in himself. An additional description for himself: “throws a good party!”
- His work with the Jamaican Diaspora seems to be off to a good start. Already he has arranged a few meetings. Minutes from these meetings are disseminated via email so that people are kept updated as the latest developments with the Diaspora. Add your name to the mailing list by sending an email to info@marlonhill.com. No doubt he is addressing the lack of awareness of Diaspora developments within the community and keeping true to his word of having informational meetings to inform and educate. He is already making progress!

September Review Part 1

The September issue was well received judging from all the feedback. The most common comment has been “this is so needed in the community." That is refreshing to hear and encouraging as well. The areas that came in for compliments were the cover and the layout. So the tone for future issues has been set.

A few items to note that did not make it into the articles:

- GCACC Chamber president Tanya Ragbeer made a salient point when she mentioned to me that she is a wife and mother in addition to being in a senior position at a local bank. The demands on her time (and other Board members for that matter) are great but she still devotes time to what she calls “a worthy cause." She is able to contribute as much because her employers apparently realize the importance of community involvement as long as it does not interfere with normal job functions.
- The chamber is made up predominantly of small business owners. Hopefully, in the future there is more of a push to get non-business owners involved as well (and hopefully they will want to be involved).
- Chef Hugh from Chef Irie Spice maintains that above all else he is in the people business. So he places a premium on customer service. “If people really understood what it takes to be in business they would be more appreciative of small business owners”. Enough said on that one.

GCACC and the Breast Cancer Center at Memorial Hospital

I am certainly busy keeping up with the different events targeted at promoting the Caribbean Business Digest. On Thursday, the GCACC sponsored an event in collaboration with the Memorial Hospital in Miramar that involved a business social meet and greet followed by a presentation by Hospital staff on breast cancer and provisions for the uninsured in the Broward area. This was an ideal opportunity to network and learn something as well.

As far as the networking is concerned I spoke with the chamber president elect Albert Lettman and another Board member-elect Nick Baugh. My comments to Nick were that he should put before the Board when he finally takes office in January the need for advanced communication and marketing of Chamber events. That would give individuals more time to plan on showing up thus ensuring that the event is well supported, as well as give non-Board members an opportunity to contribute by volunteering time. I also met a banker that works in the Boca Raton area and pitched him the idea of a networking event in Palm Beach and he was receptive; so my list of supporters for the Palm Beach networking project is growing.

Important lesson I have learned is to never pass on an opportunity to promote your self, product or service. So of course, I took the time to give a little presentation about the magazine and hand out and collect business cards.

The discussion on breast cancer was quite revealing as the stats show that African American women are at an increased risk of dying from this cancer. Interestingly too, men can fall victims to breast cancer as well. There was a touching testimonial by Arianne Abraham-Howey about her battle with breast cancer and her survival of it thanks to the staff at Memorial Hospital. The bottom line is: talk with your doctor about breast cancer and get a mammogram. Much credit must go to the chamber and the hospital staff for educating us on this silent killer.

Jamaicans of the Palm Beaches

I had the privilege of attending the September meeting of the Jamaicans of the Palm Beaches this past Friday and left very optimistic of future interactions with this group. The president Damian Bodden and immediate past president Marcia Bodden were very warm and receptive to my attendance.

I pitched the magazine to the members and all seemed interested in the idea of the magazine. Each member grabbed a magazine and a couple grabbed extras to distribute to friends. So it was a good night in the promotion of the magazine. In addition, I already secured an advertiser for the next issue.

The organization itself is a very community oriented one. The members help with community programs devoted to the health and wellbeing of the community as a whole. From helping with flu shots to educating about cancer, this group is making a difference. I am excited about this alliance and fully intend to be a member of this organization.

As part of the meeting I asked about the possibility of organizing business social networking events in the Palm Beach area with their group as the foundation for these events. Thankfully, they were receptive of the idea and further talks will take place to make this a reality. As it turns out this was attempted a while back but the idea died, but now may jut be the right time to revisit this project. To add weight to this venture, the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce is willing to work with the Jamaicans of the Palm Beaches along these lines. The chamber (which aims to cover the South Florida area) is looking to extend its reach in the Palm Beach area. So this could be the start of a nice alliance that can be beneficial for all parties involved!

As a side note, the Jamaicans of the Palm Beaches is looking to change its name. The organization has grown and now appeals to areas outside of Jamaicans. So a less restrictive name is being sought. This is no doubt a clever move and I am looking forward to hearing what the new name will be!!