Looking back: Christopher Gaston

Looking back as usual as I always do, the interview with Christopher Gaston had a higher degree of difficulty than most. It was one of the few interviews where I have self imposed restrictions on the interview.

Given his profession I was careful to avoid anything that sounded like legal advice. I also wanted to stay away from any extensive personal views on the immigration issues. 

So in the end I was left with life as a immigration attorney with a little bit of his background thrown in. I did find his background interesting and I could not help but think that his background gave him the perfect stage to be an immigration attorney.

I actually learned a lot from this interview that I hope to integrate into future shows. 

Click here to listen to interview. 

Looking back: Annilu - Ann Smith and Lucienne Morisson

Annilu. This interview came about in quite interesting circumstances. I became aware of this company and its product purely out of necessity. It was Christmas time and I needed to have some traditional Jamaican cake and did not have a mind to make it from scratch. I didn't even know that products existed that would allow for the preparation of the Jamaican fruit cake off the shelf. So while at the grocery store I came across the red box that would put me on the way to the interview.

This interview is one of the few that I go back and listen to purely for no reason. Usually I don't go back and listen to my interviews unless I need to review or remind myself of something. But this one was relaxing. I found it quite amusing that I was greeted with "Hello Mushtaq from sunny Jamaica." Interestingly that interview was done when it was rather cold here in Florida so I had to try not to bust out laughing.

I would file this interview under entertaining. While I was educated on the product and background of the company, I liked the tone of this discussion. It was light. The most memorable thing about that interview was that Lucienne and Ann Marie were turned away by a local company when they made their pitch initially. So it is nice to see that their products are now on the shelf not only in Jamaica but various cities across the United States.

Can't wait for them to expand thier product line. Hopefully they are willing to come back and talk about future product launches.

Click here to listen. 

Looking Back - The Red Panty Club with Fran Asaro

Well, it is not totally wrong to say this interview was not what I thought it was going to be about! There was an interesting “first” with this interview: it is the only one that I had a do-over. In fact, the end product was actually the third attempt. Of all the interviews, this is the one that gets a do-over!

This interview actually has a story behind it (as all my interviews do) I met Fran in the summer of 2013 and we spoke by phone. We were introduced by a mutual friend Yvonne Jones, and for two people who had never met before we spoke for well over 40 minutes. After hanging up I decided I would have her on the show at some point. As 2013 drew to a close, I wanted to have a show that was outside the usual…ermm…. lines and she came to mind. 

As far as I knew, she isn’t Caribbean American (well she is now, I am claiming her!) and I would have her come on to talk about Thrive Any Way. I figured we would have fun introducing her to the target demographic and that should be enough of a twist (seriously I am not doing this on purpose).

So the conversation mid December went like:

Me: Hi Fran 

Fran: Hi Mushtaq

(Usual pleasantries ensue, blah blah blah)

Me: How about being a guest on the show?

Fran: Great. Interestingly I have a new project we could talk about.

Me: Awesome. Tell me about it.

Fran: It is called The Red Panty Club and….

Me: Sold! 

Fran: What you didn’t hear all about the…..

Me: Yeah Yeah Yeah! I’m in!

Listen to the interview at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/caribbeanbusinessdigestradio/2014/01/15/the-red-panty-club-with-fran-asaro

Looking back - Guenet Gittens Roberts

Guenet was a guest that I had in mind since re-launching the Caribbean Business Digest. She mentioned in the interview of being a connector which is evident from the various roles she plays.

I can relate to Guenet in her venture with the Caribbean American Passport. While I am now doing the Caribbean Business Digest in an internet radio format, I had started out as a print magazine, then moved to an online format when I re-launched. So I understand some of the challenges that she might face but more importantly I understand where she is looking to take this venture.

Having a multimedia platform would serve her well as I think there is a mix within her audience of older and younger generations. Each will consume content differently and having different platforms will help account for that. I found interesting her opinions about print content and how it still plays a role. I hope to explore that a bit more in a future interview on the show.

For right now though, I think she is on the verge of something fabulous and I hope to stay apprised of her progress and support this endeavour at every opportunity.

Thoughts on recent shows

I typically do a post that reviews each show but time constraints didn't allow for it.

Looking back however, I am very pleased with the sequence of the last few episodes. The mixture of interviews is indicative of what I envision for the Caribbean Business Digest. Stephen Dawkins' interview provided a link between the Caribbean and its Diaspora, the Small Business Saturday interview was not a Caribbean specific topic but affected businesses at large; the Tasha Chen and Elaine Bell interviews showcased the passion and drive of entrepreneurs within the Diaspora, and the Guenet Gittens Roberts offered up a connector within the Caribbean community.

Each interview offered a different challenge notably the Dawkins interview. While most guests would be mostly free to talk about their ventures, Dawkins had to be a little more careful as he works for a larger corporate entity and had to be careful about what he discloses.

The Tasha Chen interview was all about passion and my job was to try and convey that. In large part I think I did that. This was a interview that I could really relate to being a parent and I had to be careful I didn't get carried away but allow Tasha's voice to be heard.

Elaine Bell reminded me of the brief discussion I had with Tony McClean; both were in the beginning stages of their respective ventures. In both cases, after talking with them I came away with more respect and admiration for what they are doing. And in both cases, they both offered so much that you can learn from. One key phrase I came away with was from Bell who said she works from a place of creativity and not a place of competition. 

 

These little nuggets can trigger a slight shift in philosophy that gives an edge in running and surviving in business.

Update on Tony McClean

It has been a while since I updated this blog but this seems fitting to resume posting here. I ran into Tony McClean today at a local barber shop. Remember I interviewed him as he was looking to open his restaurant, The Classic Jamaican Jerk Stop. (Listen here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/caribbeanbusinessdigestradio/2013/07/15/dr-susan-lycett-davis-along-with-new-restaurant-owner)

The conversation went something like:

McClean (walks in and recognizes me): Hey mon, what's going on?

Me: I'm good how are you?

McClean: I'm good mon. I open on Friday mon!

Me: This coming Friday?

McClean: Yeah mon. We gonna 'ave goat, pork, chicken. Every'ting man, even ackee and saltfish.

Barber stops what he is doing and looks up: Ackee and saltfish?? Dat is breakfas' food mon!

McClean: What?? This is America mon. Eat that with some boil dumpling and banana mon! What you know?

Me (trying not to laugh) I am looking forward to it! What time will you open?

McClean: From 'bout 7. But no food serving until 10 or 11.

Me: Alright then. See you on Friday right?

McClean (picks up whatever he came for and prepares to leave) Yeah mon. Ah looking fuh yuh now y'know!

And with that he saunters out with the same swagger he came in with.

I truly am looking forward to the opening day and here is to no more delays!

Thoughts on recent show with Calvin Turnquest

The Calvin Turnquest interview was quite interesting though it veered away off course just a bit. This was a good example of a show not going exactly accordingly to plan. I thoroughly enjoyed it however and thought it ended up well regardless. The plan was to talk more extensively about non-profits and delve deeper into the runnings of the Council for Concerned Bahamians Abroad and then at the end have a brief dialogue of Calvin's political foray.

But we covered so much ground so quickly and there were a couple of segues that Calvin initiated so I took that and ran with it. I found his comment on a possible Caribbean political forum of sorts to be interesting and will definitely follow up with him to see if that will gain any traction. While I couldn't get him to disclosing his political plans, I am expecting an announcement soon. I am of course curious as to where his journey will take him.

Stay tuned, will post any updates as soon as I get them.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/caribbeanbusinessdigestradio

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net

Thoughts on interview with Roget V Bryan, President of T&T South Florida Chamber of Commerce

Shortly after posting the interview with Mr Bryan I got an email sent to me by a local chamber professional who offered to reach out to Roget and assist in whatever way possible. That was a good email to have received and indicates one of the things I hope to achieve with this project.

The interesting thing for me regarding this particular interview is that the T&T South Florida Chamber has to function as a business trying to help itself as it tries to help its members as well. At least with the established chambers they can focus on helping their members grow their business. I hope that some of the alliances that are in the works will pay off. I will check back with him at a later time to see how those are going.

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net

Show review: Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths

While I totally enjoyed the interview with the Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths, it was the one interview where I was totally in the dark about the response I might get with most questions. There is an incredible amount of work that goes into my preparation for an interview and by the time I am done, I generally know how each response might look; I might not know beforehand what will be said but I am generally in the ball park. This time around I couldn't tell the direction some of the answers might take.

The feedback was great in any event and I received quite a few compliments on the show.

Well, new show is coming up so more work to do.

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net. 

Thoughts on recent show with Creig Camacho, founder of Cocobean Productions

The interview with Creig was fun as I alluded to before. That might have been because I wasn't as nervous as in the past or thinking "I better not mess this up!" (as with the Dr Sue interview). But for this one I was relaxed.

Following this interview, I came away appreciating the amount of work that goes into what he does. At first blush it seemed like a bunch of people playing some music at a party right? Seriously how hard can that be! But it was interesting to hear how he ran his business; for example watching a musician at work before considering them for his band.

Sounds like a well thought out model that is executed well. Much luck to him in the future.

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net 

Creig Camacho, President of Cocobean Productions

The latest show features Creig Camacho, founder and president of Cocobean Productions. Creig, through his band The Caribbean Crew provides authentic Caribbean entertainment for all occasions. For this show, Creig, a musician at heart, talks about how he markets his company, what makes it so unique and the joy and challenges of being in the entertainment business.

Visit www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net to listen.

Recent show: afterthoughts part 2

The interview with Dr. Sue I thought went well; a lot more than the interview with Tony McClean. In talking with her I myself came to appreciate what the Diaspora is trying to do and hopefully that came across. I find in my discussions with people within the community, the intricacies of what the Diaspora is trying to do is not exactly known. Most people are aware of its existence and that is about it. So hopefully the interview will go some way in educating listeners.

Her book is out now and available at www.drsueandyou.net and pays tribute to Mrs Lou, the Jamaican cultural icon. The poem that she shared was a nice touch. Looking forward to talking with her more in the future. Thank you Dr. Sue.

Recent show: afterthoughts part 1

Looking back at the latest show, I thought really long and hard about making the Anthony McClean interview into an online narrative rather than play the interview itself. In the end I thought the interview itself bore out what I wanted to accomplish - that is, to put listeners right in the middle of McClean's start up efforts. And I thought the audio version did that more than a written piece would.

That was a special interview on a variety of levels. As I had said before I get to interview business owners after they had already opened their businesses. This is the first time I got someone in the middle of getting the business started. Truly, it is an entirely different feeling. I am used to the owners looking back and telling me how they started and how they got to this point, McClean's case is different, he is looking forward to opening day and having to deal with the headaches and anxieties that come with it - permits, timely completion of construction projects to name but two.

I struggled with this interview. I did have a difficult controlling the interview and tried to bring him back on point a few times. I was surprised (pleasantly so) that he was candid about the costs incurred so far. Quite honestly, most owners that I talk to are a lot more cagey and private when it comes to the dollars side of things.

As I listened to him speak, I recalled a conversation I had several years ago when I spoke to another owner of a Jamaican resturant as I explained what I was trying to do with Caribbean Business Digest. He remarked "good 'cause nobody nah talk to we!"

All in all, I am happy I chose the audio option in spite of the humor from the continued reference to the "hood" (as it turns out a commercial hood system is a critical component of any commercial kitchen).


www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net

This week's show: Dr Susan Lycett Davis and Mr Anthony McClean

This show has two interviews - Dr Susan Lycett Davis and Anthony McClean. Dr Sue is the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board member and offers her thoughts on the recent Diaspora conference in Montego Bay. She also talks about her new book "Ode to Miss Lou - from the Soul of Dr. Sue" and also shares a poem she wrote upon getting the position of Diaspora Board member.

Anthony McClean is looking to open his restaurant and offered a candid look in to what he has encountered so far to resurrect a dream of his. He figures on opening sometime in August even though the date is not yet firmly set. 

What do you his plan for his restaurant? Leave me a comment and let know what you think.

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net  

Upcoming show.........

Looking back at the first radio show, I have to admit I was really nervous. I frankly am surprised no one has mentioned this whenever I get feedback. Well, that is now behind me and things are steaming along quite well.

Coming week promises to be an exhausting one as I put together the finishing touches on the upcoming show. Managed to talk with an entrepreneur who is opening up a restaurant in the Stuart FL area. Quite an interesting discussion and a real eye opener. I usually get to owners after they are already in business but this time I managed to get an interview before the grand opening. That is a must listen to anyone starting a business!

Then, I have another interview smack in the middle of the week for the show after the upcoming one. Should be a fun week.

Stay tuned and remember to sign up for email alerts on my website for upcoming shows. Visit www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net.

First Caribbean Business Digest Radio Show is now available

The first show is now available. Tune in to the website and have a listen at www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net. Listen to Yvonne A Jones, online marketing strategist with My Success Circle Marketing.

Yvonne has the distinction of being the first guest of the show and may thanks go out to her. I hope you find it informative and I do welcome all comments and feedback. Please sign up to receive updates of when new shows are scheduled.

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net

Caribbean Business Digest Radio

Coming soon, Caribbean Business Digest will take the form of a radio show. So now you will be able to listen in! The thought really came to me when I interviewed Coach Tanya and it occurred to me that it would be great if my audience could actually hear what she had to say. So after toying with the idea I decided to give this new medium a try. So be sure to tune in and share with your friends.

For the very first guest we will interview an entrepreneur who is an online marketing strategist who was also named one of GetApp.com top 10 Customer Service influences in 2012. This guest will talk about social media, customer service and some challenges she faces in her business.More information coming soon...

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net 

Jamaican Diaspora Conference and exercising patience

I had a conversation with a friend few days ago and found myself saying that the toughest thing is exercising patience. It really can be frustrating that you have a vision in your head and you can't snap your fingers and make it happen. Few days later I found myself expressing the same sentiment in a different setting. As I put together the next edition, I find myself thinking a year, two years ahead and have to keep reminding myself that I need to get through the next edition before tackling the next twelve months. Easier said than done. Anyway, the next edition promises to be rather interesting so stay tuned.

In the meantime, the Jamaican Diaspora conference should be wrapping up soon and I am looking forward keenly to see what comes out of it. Apparently a lot of effort has gone into organizing this one and I wonder if the strides that everyone is hoping to see will take place (or continue to take place). This feels like the biggest one yet. I feel like a lot of eyes are on this event with other Caribbean diaspora taking note as to what develops and what results are to be had.

I do wonder if having it every two years is the best way to go. Sure, there is a lot of hype once the event rolls around but there is a two year gap in between. I am interested more in the approach all parties involved take in the intervening two years and I submit that this two year period until the next conference is the most critical in nurturing the relationships that we hope to build.

We'll see.

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net 

Weekend Musings

As I am putting together the upcoming edition, I am reminded of why I wanted to do this in the first place. The wide range of people that are out there with interesting perspectives within the target audience makes this endeavor worthwhile. If there is one regret that I have it is taking a hiatus a few years ago. But here we are again.

It is quite interesting that June was the month that I re-launched. It is Caribbean Heritage month for one and there is also the Jamaican Diaspora Conference that is currently going on in Montego Bay. With the rebirth of the Caribbean Business Digest earlier this month, it definitely is a big month for the Caribbean community.

www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net

Reviewing June edition part 2 - Spirit Airlines

For the second time I reached out to Spirit for an article and they obliged. I am extremely grateful that this large organization took the time to help a startup with an article. I consider them very much a part of the Caribbean American landscape even though they service much more that just that market.

If I am being honest, I do find that company very intriguing. While I don't agree with all the decisions that they make (baggage fees anyone?) I certainly do understand it. Especially when I put that in the context of what I believe their strategy is. I think they are extremely clear about how they are looking to position themselves. And I do admire that clarity.

What I am particularly curious about is if they could become a "trendsetter" of sorts where once they do something other airlines will follow thus making that action an industry norm. In this economic climate, being the cheap option makes sense. And so I wonder how that would play out when the economy is more robust. 

I do hope to talk with them again and this time I see things going  bit differently. Kind of like:

Me: Hi (insert name here), I will be in the area tomorrow and would like to meet with Barry and Ben (Chief Marketing Officer and the CEO)

Media Person: Oh hi Mush, how does 4 PM sound.

Me: Sounds great. I will see you then. How are the kids?

Media Person: They are great. See you then.

Me: Ok.

Hey, what can I say? When you dream, dream big!!!


www.caribbeanbusinessdigest.net