Taking the Plunge

It has always been my dream. I have thought of selling muffins for a profit ever since I was 8 years old. I think it was the subliminal seduction of the Oprah show, that seemed to celebrate youth in business. In my limited sphere, muffins seemed like a big enough idea then.

Fast forward 18 years, a registered company, a resignation letter, and a lot of confidence (with the occasional bolt of fear), and I have decided that this girl likes to be on top.

It seems like all roads have led to this point. Here's to the journey, which has just now really begun.

Monday, February 25, 2008

A Luta Continua

These are most interesting times.

We landed a gig to produce and handle the marketing communication of an event that is projected to be on the annual national calendar.

It is a significant undertaking on the part of our client and it requires a lot of work from us. Securing this contract means that the company will be able to make a greater mark locally, regionally, and globally.

Things may be tight now, but they will get better soon.

We are also looking to pitch at some new and emerging business prospects. I have identified a partner I can trust to help us make the connections in a market that runs primarily on connections.

I have also decided to fast track our website development. It's so ironic that even though the website was registered before the company started, we still haven't done anything with it yet. This results in me repeating myself ad nauseam when asked "so what is it that your company does." In addition to that, it looks really bad when people see that we have our own email and web server and say "oh you have a website.." and I have to let them know otherwise. Word to the wise, "Under Construction" cannot be an indefinite status.

I am also going to the drawing board to craft an idea for a programme geared towards small businesses. I will reserve details until all things are in place and the project has launched successfully.

If I have learnt anything as a new entrepreneur, it is that great ideas are best reserved until they have been made reality. I have seen so many of my own ideas stolen that it makes no sense to let the cat out of the bag. Research is necessary, but broadcast in the preliminary stages will compromise a venture. Even innocent conversation among equals can result in having someone beat to the finish line on something that YOU engineered.

Have to rush out to do some work for my professional organisation and attend to some family matters. Also have a meeting with my charity organisation late afternoon.

More later.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Eyeing the Towel

You know that phrase "throwing in the towel?" Well, to be totally honest with you, I have had my eye on it for a likkle while now. I mean... you know... just looking...at the towel... at the laundry basket...at the towel...

You get the point.

But I haven't decided to do away with the business of entrepreneurship, its just that setting up a company can be so hard in Jamaica. There are so many unnecessary obstacles that sometimes, you just eye that damn towel and grovel. But I guess that is life in general right?

I could find easier ways to earn a living and trade my dreams for a pay cheque, but having been that route, I know for certain that money does not fulfill. Not to say that I couldn't finds goals to attain with a lot of chi ching, you understand ;) - you know... the travel, real estate, and all the Indonesian furniture one trailer from Bali could hold. And still.... there is more.

I need significant capital investment in my company that has so much promise, not only for me, but for my countrymen, but the reality is that I have to concentrate on day-to-day bottom lines and that limits the ability to not only dream but actively pursue those dreams.

So I am caught between a rock and a hard place. But again, such is life.

Jamaicans are said to be many things, many of which are not true. But as a people, we have an amazing resilience in our spirit. If it tek Anancy and Brer Goat together, I will press on and find a way out.

God never give we more than we can bear.