Almost two years hence

It has been that long since my previous post. I had no idea people were reading this blog so I concentrated on my personal one. Furthermore, I had taken up an opportunity for a paid job and no longer considered myself in the realm of the entrepreneur, at least for as long as someone else was paying me. Now I am back.

I have since moved two countries, and am now based in the Middle East... and I am back to scruffing it out on my own- in albeit very different ways.

It's an entirely new market... and we are strangers. I do not speak Arabic, and do not hold a university degree from the US, Canada, UK or Australia, which seem to be the preferred spots for my field. Apparently you can't learn media and communication anywhere else. So have I been looking for a job again? Yes. But why?

I came here to get married to my partner and set up our new life together. I invested heavily in pro photography gear and am positioning myself as a freelance photog. But, the thing is I haven't sold one photo or booked a paid photo session since my arrival in Sept 2009. So as it stands, I am a photographer-writer-broadcaster-MarComms exec who is fully supported by her hubby. It's not a bad place to be in, but I do crave more stimulation since y brain is actually used to tackling problems greater than those related to household.

So hubby has decided to buy me a photo printer so that I can print and frame for sale. I also need to get on the list of wedding photogs. I finally worked on my website... and I have even updated it to fit this market.

There is a rainbow... I see it. I just need to use this time wisely. Get shots that are "sellable" and get people to recommend me for some gigs.

I also have my masters thesis to complete... and this will be a joy as my supervisor has agreed to let me submit it as a photo book.

New Developments

Business is taking me overseas.

It has been a pretty hectic period but I am grateful for the possibilities.

I have given up producing the morning time show to make time to get everything else in order.

The operation is downsizing in an effort to expand at a later date.

That's all for now, till next time.

Cable & Wireless Sucks- BIG Time!

I am having very evil thoughts about that patty shop named Cable and Wireless that operates in Jamaica. These blood sucking transnationals operating in the Caribbean without regard for their customers makes me sick. Even worse is that I have shares in the company.

I wanted to add a international calling feature to my business line and they cannot because they dont have an id on the system for me even though they copied it with my application.

I originally called to get the service over the weekend but was told they dont deal with business customers over the weekend and after hours.

I just despise them.

Wholly and totally.

I wish some efficient company would buy them out so that my shares would have some real value.

Project Incubator

Things are developing nicely.

I spent the weekend steeped in the research and I was up until 2am this morning writing the treatment. I plan to finish the first draft tonight.

I have been getting good feedback.

It turns out that at least two other entities have similar ideas but I am maintaining my faith that my idea will stand out and will be a huge success financially and professionally.

I believe very strongly in this project. The idea came out of a personal need I have in my newfound situation as a business owner. I am confident that others will find it extremely beneficial. Its very close to my heart.

For once, I will be working on a project that I dont have to put a PR spin to convince myself that I like.

It's good to be able to make money off something that is meaningful. This is how work was meant to be. As Gibran wrote, "work is love made visible."

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.

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.

Break a Leg

My company is contracted to produce the morning magazine show on one of the major free to air networks in Jamaica. The show went very well this morning.

It's such a blessing to be able to meaningfully touch people's lives. Viewers have been calling the station with great interest about some of the topics and interviews that I have arranged and it's good to know that I am connecting with my audience.

Today is a good day. When I have a good show, my days shines with bliss.