Procrastinate your way to success...

So many people want to experience success. They take classes, attend seminars and workshops, have meetings, and in many cases, they obtain valuable information that would be useful in helping them attain their goal. There is a chink in their armour though and it's common to all these groups. Though it may sound more like an opinion than fact, it is something that has been observed repeatedly.

Most people procrastinate to their detriment.

No! That's not true. I'm not one of those people. Really, take a serious look at how you use your time. Honestly, are you really using your time well?

For most, the answer would be No.

Procrastination can make you famous, once you are quoted: [See the following examples]

• “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.”
  ― Mark Twain
• “You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.
  What mood is that?
  Last-minute panic.”
  ― Bill Watterson
• “Your Life Is Happening Right Now: Don't let procrastination take over your life. Be brave and take risks. Your life is happening right now.”
  ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart 

Procrastination seems to go hand in glove with excuses.

There are situations that took place over the years that may prove amusing to the reader.

1. Those who accidentally bump into you. They would never book an appointment with you, however when they see you their conversation invariably turns to their business. They ask if they can pick your brain and launch into the scenarios impacting them. They generally don't want to put the work in that is required but seek a quick fix to whatever challenge they perceive they are facing. That behaviour got curbed when I began walking with an invoice book to set a fee prior to entertaining their problem. They would then decide they will book an appointment for which they never show up. 
2. Those who want you to mentor them. Generally, I didn't charge for mentorship since I have always felt it to be something that is offered pro-bono. Now pro-bono work is only reserved for some charities....and all profit-making entities must clearly understand that fees are involved. In other words, I have qualifications as to who is considered a bonafide client.  
3. Recently, I had a meeting with a group of individuals.  One member of the party decided he wanted me to do the work and be paid afterwards since he had been burned too many times. When it was reiterated that we don't work that way and we too had our share of bad experiences, our meeting came to an end without an agreement on the way forward. His colleagues wanted to work with me. I no longer had the appetite to work with them since I saw the future problems when it came to getting paid from them. The opportunity was declined. 
4.  They are those who attend training workshops. Getting them to participate can be challenging depending on their personality. Nonetheless, they do. They get a lot of practical work which can be immediately applied to their businesses, and they do; at least while within the workshop. Few continue to maintain contact after the workshop to really take their businesses forward. Those who do, see good results in terms of business sustainability and growth. Observation reveals that many would rather complain about lack of opportunities rather than capitalise on available opportunities that present themselves. Opportunities don't necessarily come tailormade. 

Some people would rather wait until the time is right. It's similar until waiting until all the lights are green before leaving home. They wait in vain and then wonder why their success eludes them. 

They are factors that change all the time that people wait for them to evolve in the hopes that then they will achieve ultimate success. These factors are reflected in the following:

• The environment
• The thinking of the people
• The conditions 
• The money
• The right organisations that may influence the rules governing the type of entity

There may be other factors, however, one thing is certain based on repeated observation; you cannot procrastinate your way to success. 

Are we serious about our marketing? Here are 6 lessons.

You may wonder why I have such a topic for this post, but just Friday, March 15, 2019, in the evening an observation prompted me to put this post up. It is not intended to get the representative in trouble, but more importantly, reinforce the need for companies to be diligent about what they do with regards to representation within the market.

I happened to visit Pricesmart, Barbados when I encountered this product. Left to my own interpretation about what the product's benefits are I am yet to hear the voice of the lass who tossed it into not only my shopping cart but also those of others who happened to be going through the aisle.

Clearly, she came to the end of her shift as she just walked off after throwing her 3 pointers from quite the distance. This was done without a greeting or even an inquiry as to if I/we wanted the product.

Thanks for the free sample, but there are ways that things are done and this is not what I know product sampling to be. Surely the company paying for this product to be marketed had no intention of having their product represented this way. Then again, maybe they did since clearly no due diligence was done to find out if the marketing company had a track record of presenting products properly to the general public. It seems like they hired the cheapest company to get the product out.

Approaching the cashier, I had to indicate that this product does not have any pricing and described how it reached my cart. The cashier assured me it was a sample and nothing would happen when clearing security to go to my vehicle.

Here are some 6 lessons:

1. When marketing your businesses, the cheapest option is not always the best. 
2. You need to train your representatives on the presentation of the products they will be showing. 
3. The representatives need to be courteous even when their shift comes to an end. 
4. She did not know if I was a mystery shopper for the same/other brands or even for Pricesmart itself. (easily she could lose her job in an already tough job market) 
5. Your representatives need to know how to competently handle objections raised by potential customers. 
6. You never know who is a blogger. 

Marketing dollars are expensive, and often businesses have to be creative in order to find funds for marketing in an already competitive environment. Many need to remember that they are not working for the company for whom they wear the uniform, but primarily they represent themselves and cannot afford to take a shoddy approach to their work. 

If your team needs to be trained, there are a multitude of trainers who can help you realize your objectives. Marketing organizations need to invest in their teams so they get the best representation. As I always say, think beyond the first sale. 

Check back often as we post things that we observe. That's what we can do in the islands. I hope that this article helps businesses become more aware of how little deviations in behaviour can help/hinder the development of your business. 

Has literacy been redefined

In all aspects of life, work and personal, it would appear that we have lost the ability to communicate what we mean in a way that we are understood by others.

At university, I learned a very important lesson in this regard. Many of us who ordinarily would get outstanding grades when we did accounts, struggled with financial management. It was so bad that it prompted the lecturer to have meetings with us to determine why this was so. The struggle was real.

During our first meeting, he asked me a series of questions. Among all the questions that we asked, he then gave instruction, "Show me how you read". At first, it seemed strange. How do you show someone how to read?

As I was observed reading, the lecturer then said to me that he saw where I was going wrong and showed me a technique for reading. Using this technique, it would feel as if the words were burned into my brain via a laser. More than that, I remembered what I had just read with clarity and understanding that I had not experienced in a lifetime.

It made me realize somethings:

• Reaching the university level does not mean you can read. 
• Being able to recognize and pronounce words is not reading, it goes much deeper into the comprehending of what was read and the interpretation of what is meant by the author communicating the message. 
• Over the years, I have realized that people who struggle with reading and ultimately self-expression quickly resort to violence as an outlet.

Can this be a reason why there is so much conflict within our society? Is this responsible for people resorting to violence as a solution since they cannot communicate effectively?

I remember taking a writing class with people who wrote novels and was told that I don't have what it takes to write novels, I'm more suited to business writing. A gentle let down if there's such a thing. Nonetheless, I persevered. My intent is not only to improve my writing, but my communicating on the whole. 

There are so many who have not grasped the rudiments of grammar, sentence structure and all the other linguistic techniques. There are so many publications saying what not to do, I read them since I believe that if you know the rules, then you know how to break them; did I write that? I really meant to apply them properly. 

Let's do better to see if we can enhance our literacy. Perhaps in doing so, we would improve our society as well. 

I welcome feedback. It helps with improving my skills. Why not jot me a note. Thanks for stopping by for the read. 

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. 

A fresh perspective is needed

Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 

Facing the challenges of people in business can be a daunting task. In business development, it means that I daily have to grapple with the challenges and problems that people present to me about their situations. Often they are related to their business, however, there are instances of some personal issues they need to address that often impact their businesses.

2018 has been a particularly rough year, it seems that bad news was just coming in from all directions. Averting foreclosures, turning around financial situations, dealing with all the challenges in business within an environment of uncertainty were all old hat to me or so I thought. The bigger the problem people had the more I enjoyed the challenge of successfully solving it for them.

This year, sure it may have been going on before, but I hadn't noticed it with this intensity. Lots of people I know died, and quite unexpectedly and at a rapid rate. It was at such a rate that I couldn't even attend all the funerals. Many were younger than I am.

'“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”' Ecclesiastes 1:2

I managed to recognize it earlier last evening when depression was trying to grasp me. Having heard others describe it, I never once experienced it before. Along the way, I wondered how many others have to grapple with this thing called depression, especially when everywhere they turn there is bad news. Reader, we have tried to compartmentalize our lives using human standards of understanding, and we are wrong. Life is intricately intertwined.

Of late, there are many who want to put God in a box, only calling on him when there is a tragedy. I have read comments by those who know better, it would appear, who post seemingly careless thoughts about what they think about God.

Well, thank God for my relationship with him, since you can really get some really negative thoughts coming at you that if left unchecked can result in a loss. It is important to have a default position. Mine is with Christ. The opening statement of this article sums it up to an extent.

How many others have to grapple with this with changes and challenges to their equilibrium with regards to work, family, lifestyle, country, and other aspects of living to which they have grown accustomed. Yes, the only thing constant in life is change, but are we prepared for these changes?

We can't rely on the government for assistance, but the government has to rely on us as we are facing a most dire rebuilding process given the magnitude of the situations we face. There are many who don't have a mechanism for coping. We have to be our brother's keeper. It is necessary for others to experience the joy of their salvation. A fresh perspective is needed.

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. 

People are fascinating to observe

I'm sure that at some point you've heard someone say that they wished they could be a fly on the wall. It's usually because they want an opportunity to just observe. Looking at people and questioning certain behaviors can give rise to more questions. It can lead you to see motivators that you would not believe could have existed in the situations where they occurred.

Some behaviors observed are:

• jealousy, gossip, selfishness, scheming, dislike without a reason, violence, following the masses and the list can go on with these more prevalent negative behaviors. 
• Alternately, we see though more infrequently, generosity, calm, patience, love, passion, concern

The situations within which we see these behaviors, good and bad, demonstrated are dynamic. Siblings having a serious quarrel can become quite defensive of each other against a third party who may intervene for whatever reason. 

How does this translate to our work lives?

All too often, we see disputes within organizations, and between organizations and customers that need not be so. Many situations can escalate to unnecessary proportions just because one part of or both parties did not seek to understand the other persons' perspective. The result is conflict. 

If we were to look back over a lifetime at the conflicts that we were involved in, what would we think of our behavior? Did we really handle that situation well? or could we have done better? Why do we so easily get drawn into situations of conflict?

Let's make a conscious effort, all readers, to be aware and not be so easily duped into becoming involved in a conflict.