I'm excited...Here are 7 reasons

During this week the new year will begin and I am excited to be returning to work. I went on leave from the end of November and while it was supposed to be a vacation, it didn't quite work out the way I intended. It seems that as soon as I stopped, every health bug that couldn't catch me when I was going at the frenetic pace of my work schedule was just waiting to come in and roost. It seemed like every bug hit me as my resistance was quite low, and I ended up getting much-needed rest, though not necessarily on the terms I would have planned. 

So now what? Why am I excited? 

I had time to think. The downtime allowed me to reflect on the past year, and the future. It enabled me to see what I wanted/did not want; where I made mistakes/experienced learning; where I failed/succeeded. The thing is we rush through life without really taking the moments necessary for reflection. 

I often tell my participants when making references about a reading list about the book, "Think and Grow Rich", by Napoleon Hill. They have also heard me say I have never heard/nor read the book/article called work hard and get rich. One has to put in the time to just think about what they're doing. 

During the last year, I have met with people who wanted different things/results for their lives and businesses. Despite their backgrounds, one common thread was that they never were able to grasp the time necessary to dedicate themselves to realizing these goals. Some had the plans, in their head, which seldom does any good; but they didn't really commit to anything, not even in writing. 

Those who went through the modeling process with me realized that there is a sequence that can be applied to the way we execute our plans. However, we cannot just use a haphazard approach and hope that the details will sort themselves out. There is a recipe for success and they are tools, systems, and measurements that can be applied to somewhat ensure we are close to the planned results we desire. 

The systems are not only for operations, but for finance, marketing, and legal elements that are related to the business/personal activities. Once followed, our lives can become much easier and streamlined. 

People are willing to learn, and the feedback from those who have met with me, shared and learned with me, and followed the plans was encouraging since their stories tended towards the path of success and growth as they saw it. 

I am excited about the possibilities for this coming year. Since:

• There are systems that enable people/businesses to realize planned results once followed; 
• People are willing to learn just how this can be done; 
• They are recognizing the benefits/opportunities for applying themselves; 
• There has been a reduction of hopelessness; 
• In an environment where there has been economic displacement, people can quickly acquire economic stability regardless of the scale of their operation/development; 
• The principles can be applied to individuals, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations;
• The assistance is not only limited to being provided through me but is available globally. 

2018 is almost over, but 2019 and beyond holds promises that can be realized by all who wish to apply themselves. From Blades & Blades Consultancy Services LP, here's wishing you every blessing in the new year. May your plans be realized by you and those whom you will serve. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Story Time - Brief business examples

There's a saying the elderly repeated when I was growing up, that to talk is to reveal. It is for these reasons that I constantly tell the youth that they should grasp their education with both hands and feet. It is because, even when you have qualification and experience, there are people within the workforce that will still try to take advance of you.

When you're young and full of energy that is the time that you should try to live your life to the fullest before family etc. comes on board. People go through challenges and when they do, it is important that they maintain the right mindset if not they can be easily led off course; that is assuming they had a course planned.

Nowadays, I have a greater peace of mind than when I may have worked for significantly more money. Though I frequently get my medical check-ups, they are more preventative than curative. I know what it is to have money and I also know the flip side of the same coin.

High paying jobs are not always as they seem. They have pressures that are associated with them that can be daunting if you don't have a strong support group coupled with strong resolve. I gather much of my strength from The Almighty God. It has allowed me to fare better with the storms I weathered.

Working with various teams, I have been blessed to have always been a part of a team of high performers. Standards have been set high and exceeded on many an occasion however to realize this required lots of discipline.

In the early days of my working, I was asked why I go to work early even though I'm in charge. Upon reflection, when I drove on the roads at that time I found that there was less traffic, and those who passed by in one direction or another often happened to be the well-known business leaders within our country.

This preparation meant that when those with whom I worked called meetings at seemingly odd times I was always prepared for the most part. Although, I do remember going into a meeting one evening that was so much pressure that when I caught myself, I had driven past my home without even realizing it and ended up by the airport. It was a meeting that almost left me bewildered for the most part, and I remembered the best revenge is a massive success, which I set about to have happen the very next day. I decided instead of going home to return to work and encourage my team of marketers to really excel, and so they did. The very next day sales were asking me to ease off the pressure from them; to which I reminded them what they said in the meeting and hung up the phone.

My first trip to The Cayman Islands taught me the importance of learning Geography. My orders were to catch the next flight out to meet the VP in Miami at American Airlines counter, I was not to be late. Upon arrival, I was bumped to first class, given my instructions for the marketing research on the flight over, and when going to collect my luggage once we arrived was told by the VP if I ever travel with him again don't have luggage, anything that can't fit within a carryon is not needed. These guys were high pressure but also high performance. The environment was one where we made things happen and though reasons were acknowledged, excuses weren't tolerated.

Whenever we hit revenue targets and exceeded them the celebration was short and the next target was set. If we missed even by a fraction, the target was reset and we strive to hit it again. There was no almost there. If we wanted anything, first we worked, then achieved, before we could realize the reward. I still use that approach to this day and therefore abstain from hire purchase transactions for the most part.

Doing without keeps you sharp! Your observation is then keen, and your strategies set on replicating success.

Sure we can realize goals on occasion, however, can you say you can replicate it 22 - 26 days per month?

Why am I telling you this? In our current environment, we are faced with challenges. Unemployment for some, inability to afford things by others, the opportunities that seem to be constantly escaping us by others. WE MUST NOT LOSE HOPE.  Faith is the beginning of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.

What I've learned is:

1. You must write your goals and have pictures of them;
2. A date by which you wish to achieve them must be on there;
3. You must be committed to reaching that/those goal(s);
4. Recognize you can reset the goal(s) if you miss it/them;
5. You must work! They are not realized by wishing about them. 

There's a winner within you waiting to be recognized; not by the world but by you. YOU HAVE TO recognize YOUR INNER WINNER! 

Here's hoping you benefited from reading this. I am Richie B. 

Money...it's not always the problem

Often, when I engage with entrepreneurs they invariably think that inadequate funding is the source of their problem. On the surface, it may appear true; but when we take a real look examining the various aspects of the business, we find that there are some aspects of the business that if money was engaged the business would be far worse than it is without the funding.

The most cliched statement, "money follows management" is not just a cute sound bite. It's actually true. With good management, a business operation can address the issues that can cause it to flounder.

Surefire ways showing how the finances will be utilized are presented, often along with the marketing paint brush that includes the following:

• We are operating in a $x million/billion industry. Just 1%.....
• The SWOT does not allow for addressing real situations that were previously thought would never happen (Do we really need to say what kind of streets the business can end up on?)
• Big titles/bunches of keys, and no real resources to back up the rhetoric
• Inexperienced individuals who don't have the support of a more experienced team (see the previous point, since it is easy to deconstruct that there is no difference between the owner and the management. If incorporated, you'd find you can prepare job letters for employees to get loans, but you cannot get any for yourselves. 
• NO DISCIPLINE, sometimes you get funding for entities who then misappropriate the funds like it was a huge payday and not something to be used as the plan prescribes. They party spending the money more on entertainment than business. 
• No governance, who is going to ensure compliance with the plan within the entity? 
• We are going to use Social Media in our marketing. When probed, there's no real plan. It does not work by throwing enough mud against the wall hoping for some to stick. 
• Many are unable to answer operational questions of all types. 

I think you're getting the picture. Business is a team activity. Lone Rangers would be seen as owning a job and not having a business, they must work to generate income. Again no systems are in place. 

Many are operating in a red ocean of activity, often competing on price rather than looking at their unique positions to identify what their real model of operation is going to be. 

Take a serious look at your business, get help as needed to assist you in realizing the true potential of your entity. Should you require assistance, visit us at www.bladesandbladesconsultancy.com and we'll at the very least point you in the right direction if we are unable to help you ourselves. 

Have a wonderful remainder of the week. 

Business requires commitment

Often, I get the opportunity to meet with individuals that when you hear them speak, you'd think they were ready to move the world. Great goals, big ideas, well laid out plans, in some instances, and these all sound great until they hit the first snag whatever it may be.

Too often, they are ready to cut and run. In most instances, many hunker down and pray the challenge would leave if they ignore it. They even seem surprised that the issue is still there when they figure enough time has passed.

Going beyond all the plans that are made is the action which needs to be taken to realize those plans.

When prospects tell me what they want to do, I may sometimes say, I'll soon know how serious you are. Invariably, you get to see who has the toughness and tenacity to really go after what they want.

It is said, talk is cheap. We have heard that at various stages throughout life. It is more true than you can possibly imagine. Since many people want to shortcut the business process, they end up in the following cycle:

• Constantly cash-strapped; some of the same people who, as employees, would speak of pay increases don't even want to pay themselves.
• No vacation time; some don't even want to take a day off without feeling guilty.
• Training courses are suddenly too expensive. 
• Those who used corporate expense accounts and charged easily when they spent someone else's dime suddenly become penny pinchers. 

They are some people who would work for others more diligently than they would for themselves. They are not suited for self-employment. 

Business requires commitment! This commitment is required on many different fronts - Financial, Marketing, Operations, and Legal, to paint with a very broad brush. 

The transition from grade to paid

Every year, if you ever get to be near a graduation listening to people speak, there is often the reference to finishing studying and entering/continuing in the world of work. This is often met by the private chuckle of the experienced listener since they know full well; the course of studying is never done.

When you go through the discipline of studying, you must recognize that the courses you study are only a segment of the education. Additional lessons can be derived from learning the techniques of studying since it is going to be required throughout your working life if you are to remain relevant.

There are some things in life to notice when you're out here in the world.

• Those who have the best grades don't necessarily get the best career opportunities. 
• The A students work for the C students and the B students work for the government. 
• I have personally observed this many times over after reading it in the Rich Dad Poor Dad series. Don't be so afraid of being wrong that you lose the opportunity to learn from the experiences. 
• You will have tough times, but it isn't about you. Often times you will be an inspiration to others, but your experiences will enable you to speak from a standpoint of practicality. 
• Though your work is difficult enough, there are some people who will deliberately try to make your days more difficult to frustrate you for reasons you can't comprehend. 

Group work within the educational system is supposed to prepare you for working in teams where you have to interact with many others who may not share your value system. The personality traits that you'll see displayed enable you to realize that you're interacting with children in adult bodies. 

In short, to be paid well, you have to excel at what you do. Don't just show up, but execute on what is going to enable the entity you represent as a whole to benefit. Remember, it's not about you. Studying is a lifelong skill. Learn it to really accelerate in life. 

Barbados' 5 considerations in a dynamic business environment

Barbados is in an environment that it never really experienced before. Yes, we have had tough times, but there are some new elements which have become newsworthy which are entirely new to us, and the scale at which they took place the majority of Barbadians have never witnessed before.

The island, like many other jurisdictions, has placed a heavy emphasis on entrepreneurship. For many, the learning curve will be quite steep, since they would have gotten into business based on a skillset. As we have learned over time, having a particular skill set does not equip you for running a business.

Against this background, the rules for being involved in businesses are changing most rapidly with factors that are outside the range of control for those who are in business. What does this mean?

1. Businesses have to consider more than ever how they can become export ready. 
2. They have to establish and maintain statutory compliance. 
3. All businesses must be aware of their environment at micro and macro levels, noting how the actions of people in key roles can impact them in ways they have no control over.
4. Sources and usage of funds/funding since everything and everyone will be under scrutiny. Know your customers well!
5. Develop and implement strategies for navigating this environment from marketing, finance and investment, operations, and legal standpoints. 

There is a need to demonstrate a higher level of maturity when operating in business. Those in business advisory roles must step up to the plate upgrading their knowledge, skills, and abilities that would enable their entities to cope. 

It's time...

Daily in our lives, we are faced with recurring situations that if we are not careful can cause us to lose sight of our goals, aims, and aspirations. This can happen in our personal and working lives, yet so many people have chosen to remain dissatisfied rather than take action to change their outcomes. To have a conversation with them will seem like they are entrenched in disillusionment without any hope of relief.

Have you ever been tired of being sick and tired? Have you ever felt as if you were in a situation without hope for a better existence?

Well, you have to decide you want something different in your lives and be willing to commit to making those changes.

In short, It's Time:

• To stop procrastinating about going after your dreams. 
• To commit your life to the Almighty as he is a God of order and, right now, you can do with some order in your life. 
• To make solid concrete goals, and commit to realizing them within a specific timeframe.

Do you believe that you can do more with your life? That you can make a bigger difference? That you have huge unrealized dreams within you that, with the right effort, you can realize them within your lifetime. 

It's time:

• To get on purpose, and celebrate life and your achievements with those who are closer to you. 
• To identify the team members who will help you realize the success that you desire. Success is a team sport. 

Don't wait another moment, get to planning your future, especially when you realize the rate at which time is traveling. 

Communication Abbreviations and Productivity

Nowadays, all kinds of abbreviations are used in personal life and in business. It is as if communication is reduced to the stage where the writer in an attempt to be brief, not realize that they're doing themselves a disservice.

Saw this one recently in an article, and the more I thought about it, the more it troubled me. I'll show it below:

• TL;NR - Too Long, Not Read

The scenario then unfolded in my head about when communications came out prior to a meeting and when the participants arrived at the meeting, their behaviour indicated they were seeing it for the first time. In essence, they're unprepared.

There's nothing that rouses my ire, like another needless meeting that wastes time. Not every communication can be short and snippy. One would imagine that the writer would ensure that they are not being deliberately long to prove a point.

Some abbreviations also are quite rude. I wouldn't mention them here, but there's really no need to be that impolite in a professional environment. Freedom of speech does not clear one of responsibility in what's being communicated.

The Teas ("ty's") of Business

In business, life most things in life there must be some element of governance. Nowadays, many are jumping onto the bandwagon of entrepreneurship with the mindset that they want to be their own boss. What needs to be asked is, have we counted the true cost of the elements that are needed for business? Have we looked at key ingredients that if not present, the business is doomed to failure.

This short, interactive article will look at not the teas, but the ty's of business. We will highlight them and briefly illustrate how they can be useful in business. The list can be extended as you deem fit, however this is the starting point to just quicken your thinking into considering which of these apply to your business and how you may adapt them to move your business forward. You will be able to identify your own "blend" of business.

Responsibility

Authority

Loyalty

Dependability

Accountability

There, I have hyperlinked them for you. On this occasion, you are going to look them up individually rather than me tell you their meaning. Why?

It's because if you're serious about business, you would want to be aware of the ingredients that go in and make your blend that's suitable for you, your staff, and your customers. Ponder on the next image and see:

• The various elements that affect your business
• How can you manage them with all that's going on?
• What are some of the decisions that you'll have to make and how will the affect the big / small picture of your business?
• Do you affect only the local situation where you are, or do your decisions have an international impact? Think in terms of all the "publics" you will serve. 
• Are you setting any trends / just following leads within the market?

Business is dynamic, interesting, exciting, risky, sometimes stressful, gratifying, and despite the myriad of emotions and experiences - good and bad that it presents, more people want to get into business.

For instance; I want to publicly thank those who created these images that I have used in this article. My imagination would not have allowed me to convey this message as clearly without these images that they developed and never knew that they would be of use for me. Their decision though having an initial local thought has international impact. I also liked learning about their services when I followed their links, since it sort of blends with what I do.

Think locally / Act globally is more than a cliche. It is a MUST. I hope to enjoy your "ty" [pun intended]. Wishing you the best!

Some rough circumstances I've seen

It's been a while since I've last had the opportunity to post an article and not without reason. Some of the situations that I'm seeing in the business arena are giving me cause for concern. Without going into details here are a few:

• A business owes some money to the government which is less than what the government owes them. Having applied for funding, they need to get clearance certificates so that they can access the funding. It doesn't help that a new revenue authority has been formed by the government so that the difficulty in obtaining a clearance certificate is intensified. The delay's are costing the business daily both in terms of financial opportunity and credibility. 
• The youth are encouraged to get into entrepreneurship. The jump through all the required hoops and then when they now have a project that's ready for funding, it seems that the funding sources dry up or are unwilling to assist unless there is security in place. These young entrepreneurs are unable to navigate the systems despite the training to get the requirements met for the security. The result, frustrated entrepreneurs that can't find work nor generate employment with their projects; some of which had even won prizes in competitions. 
• Businessmen are always told by financial institutions that they need to have business plans to obtain funding. They then take ill-affordable funds to have these said plans prepared by professionals often securing the necessary talent to give their business structure. The local entities then want to under-fund them or decline them all together. In instances where FDI [foreign direct investment] is available, the business is frustrated with the process since the red tape of compliance seems formidable to them. Where can one truly get support for their business' development?

It is fortunate that for some who seek professional help they are able to get by the hurdles albeit with effort. However, what about those who don't have the access either by choice or who are just unaware; shouldn't they have an opportunity to eek out a livelihood as well? Let's hope for solutions within the coming weeks and months that would mean a better work environment that creates employment and generates economic activity is forthcoming. 

No Experience Required...

Throughout working life, there is always an emphasis on experience. Never mind the rush for qualifications, experience always seems to win in the end. We've often heard of the stories where experience and qualifications are played off against each other.

Thinking, as I often do, I realized that there are some things that require no experience to be successful. People advance in their careers almost daily with these attributes and they often stay within these careers for a long time.

What am I writing about? Here are a couple examples:

• Bad manners
• Disgusting attitudes 
• Poor work ethic
• Inappropriate behavior 
• Poor deportment 
• No dedication and commitment 
• Lack of hygiene 
• Unhealthy practices 
• No ethics
• The list can be endless

Yet even though these qualities are often discussed, they still find a way into our organizations though they are never shown on the workers' CV. We have highly advanced management education, still the ability to detect these characteristics before they enter the organization is elusive or these attributes have upgraded their stealth. 

It then brings into question, how these unwanted characteristics infiltrate our organizations so easily. Would love to get your thoughts and feedback.