My Entrepreneurial Journey

Honestly this course has been so helpful to my self development. Next to my first foundational course, this course has left an impression on how I see my life and how I respond to situations. I did not know exactly what I was going to do after I left school, like most of my colleagues. But this class opened up opportunities I had never even considered!

The film industry guest speakers for example, did not interest me at first. I did not do much film in my specialization and I did not think what they were saying could apply to me. I was set in my designer world and I never intended on doing anything else. But after discovering a need for film makers in Jamaica, it was almost like magic that I began recognizing needs to be filmed everywhere. Most people learn by experience. But so many Jamaicans seemed to be deaf- eared to the problems of crime, aids, our dying culture and other social issues. Also realizing that I have a particular interest in social entrepreneurship, I began thinking of ways to get people more aware and involved. Many of them included stories to be filmed, whether they were staged or presented via a documentary. That class that I never expected much from has driven me to find out more about film in all its aspects- directing, producing, script writing. In fact, I plan to intern with a self taught but excellent and driven film director of Jamaica. I chose not to go to a top notch company with everything already taken care of because I wanted to learn it the real way... if I wanted to start out as a film entrepreneur. I have even sought advice of the market for film from lecturers and I was encouraged that it was not the years of experience or age that makes you a good film maker... people seriously mainly look at your work and it will speak to them. In a society of traditional jobs causing a lack of employment mediocre work (because there are more new things that can be done), this breaks a barrier. I intend to do well not just for myself, but for other Jamaicans to show them that they can do what they love, if they are really serious about it. I am learning about the price of gathering my own equipment and it is not an easy task, but I believe for my own sanity, its worth it.

Film has been the main thing on my mind. However, I am more aware of the various opportunities out there and my eyes are much are agile at looking for them now. I have invested in an idea sketch book. This is a comfortable little book with blank pages, blank canvases waiting for me to create life with them. On these pages, I put drawings that inspire me (to be used as t- shirt designs or paintings in the future). I also jot down ideas that come to me; needs, to be more specific. I also encourage my friends to update me on needs around them, that I may not have access to but may be something that is a need larger than I would think. This is because I have learnt that entrepreneurship cannot be done alone. We need people around us to give us different perspectives, to help out with the workload, to do the things you cannot do so well more efficently, and to keep us sane by keeping us company. I have learnt that from my lecturer and computer- based entrepreneur, David Bain.

Entrepreneurship takes work and a lot of investment. But it is worth it. Ultimately there is greater satisfaction and often times more money than a traditional job (alone). This course was an opening to bigger things for me. I plan to make use of it in my life and my situations, not just to develop as an entrepreneur, but as a graduate and a woman in society, making a difference. I encourage you who read this, not to run from your passions, your talents, your dreams... but to face them, and make plans to make them a reality. As the Nike logo so boldy states, JUST DO IT!

Entrep~Lady

My entrepreneurial ideas

I have had these ideas for a while and I think I will share some with you aspiring entrepreneurs out there. I am feeling generous tonight so here are just a few. I base this list on things I am good at, I have the opportunity to learn or improve in them and things I just love. These form the basis of my entrepreneurial daydreams and are regularly updated (the document is located on my smart phone).

1. Children- STRAIGHT, every aspect. They are one of my passions considering I like to think of myself as a child at heart, when it is appropriate.
2. Teaching- I have had experience in teaching at Sunday School, as an NCO in cadet and now an adult instruction in the Jamaican Combined Cadet Force. I also like helping persons with their assignments, ESPECIALLY multimedia which I ultimately love. It is a possibility that I do something along these lines.Healthy Employee-Management Relations (Internal Auditing)- there is seriously so much satisfaction from doing a job like this. I know I am not the only one in my group feels the same.
3. Photography
4. Events Planning
5. Story writing
6. Film and video production (Very motivated)- Plan to intern with one the Jamaica's better videographers and Directors of Photography. His name is Darren Scott. I am in contact with him through my lecturer, David Bain. 
7. Make up artistry
8. Motivational speaker
9. Food dressing
10. Open up a child daycare at a noble instituion (nameless for now)
11. Social responsibility issues like creating documentaries about real life situations and impacting scenarios that people can identify with and can cause social behaviour change.

These are some ideas. I am still figuring out what is the main connection. This will surely guide my priorities as I decide where to go and what to do from graduation onwards. 

Visit to the Stock Market Exchange

What was previously known as just one of those rare pretty buildings in the downtown area, was opened up to me the day I ventured inside it. I speak of the Jamaica Stock Exchange headquarters. Myself and my three other colleagues waited in the lobby for quite a while until anything was underway. We were a bit antsy as well, as we had final projects to be working on and three hours at this uninteresting place was worrying us a bit about time management. What was worse for me was that, in my desperation to cure my boredom and idleness in the waiting period, I reached for the coffee table literature for some home... only to be bombarded with financial information from these documents. Math, a subject that many CARIMAC students are fearful or anxious of, was not my best or favourite subject. Seeing those numbers turned me off immediately. After all, it seemed this place was all about mathematics and fancy business running. 

Did I get the shock of my life when I did decide to stay? I did. The first speaker came in and gave us a history and background on the company. This was helpful because it was English language, something we were more familiar with, I can speak definitely for myself in this area. What was impressive is that he did not let us focus too much on the math aspect before we get the full picture. 

I learnt that the stock exchange was more than just some old rich men making noise in a room over money. I also learnt the purpose of the business watch and winners and losers in business, because I never could understand the importance of that segment. Not only did the presentation get me aware but I felt like I wanted to be a part of it. 

Trading stocks actually sounded appealing, such that I would personally get some background trading in the accounting field so that I would be efficiently making money. After all, this is a money making venture. And could you believe I actually understood the spreeadsheet? It was broken down so simply, that I could go home now and buy and watch stocks.

Even with this information though, I wondered why did Gerry insist that we come here? What does this have to do with entrepreneurial skills? I soon learnt as I payed keen attention, that we were sent here as a ploy to start our businesses the 'right and legal' way. That means to pay our taxes and all those miserable things that young people like me do not look forward to. How else can you join this glorious stock exchange? I remember having a mental OHHH in my mind when I picked it up. But there were benefits from the stock exchange to doing business the proper way such as no tax deductions for the first five years, which is a very generous offer to a small company starting up with young adults fresh out of university like I will soon be. I must say, I appreciate the morals behind the decision. And not that I was thinking 'hard' about whether or not I would pay taxes, I think it will pay off if I do it the right way, and even invest in the Junior Stock Market while my business is young. 

This trip was a great opportunity to further my entrepreneurial journey and give me some ideas on how exactly I would run my small business realistically and not abstractly. I am grateful for the experience. 

Here is a glimpse at the 'hotel' for those of you who declined from a special dash of learning something to guide you in your business basics and traditions. 

I'm dreaming!

You know something has really hit me when I dream about it immediately. Last night I traveled to another world. It was on the CARIMAC lawn with a panel of 'venture capitalists', namely Dr. James, director of CARIMAC, Ms. Charmaine Henry, Dr. Livingston Whyte and about two others whose faces remain blurry. My group, Creative JEMS was to pitch their business idea and I was chosen to bring it across.

I remember doing all the talking. Trust me, I could feel the passion in my sleep! Our business idea surrounds serving young children, which I have always had a love for. It was educational, which I believe is more important than idle play. Now that I apply this dream to my stray thoughts and subject them to be analysed, I realize that I have a passion for children. I have a child's mind sometimes and I can play with them and do foolishness just to make them happy. I want to have six children after all, I must love children.

I have never looked into this aspect though that I could use that passion to drive my entrepreneurial ventures. Serving the children of Jamaica educationally would do us all a great value. We want to make good leaders, nuh? A child shall lead them. We want less brain drain... so why not start drilling cultural patriotism in their brains from a young age? It seems forceful, but it really is just smart long-term thinking. It is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks, and so we must practice proper and engaging learning tools as early as possible!

In other light, learning about the elevator pitch has helped me to organize my personal brand. As a future multimedia consultant, I must always be 'topping up' my image and abilities. I must be prepared to sell myself and my skills in any situation. Time and time again, I have sold myself, without my business card.... something I NEED to do, I KNOW! But if I am not completely prepared and confident, how can I make a successful pitch? I know that my skills are valuable and relevant. Through learning about this elevator pitch some more, I know I can be a better business woman and marketer and by extension, a successful entrepreneur.

Here are some tips to create the perfect elevator pitch.

~Madam-Entrep~

Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica (YEA): Address

We had a speaker, Fabian Brown, President of the YEA, who had come to encourage us in the field of entrepreneurship. Again, another inspiring lesson from this course. I definitely learnt more about myself as an enterprising individual. Some things he taught us...

Find our passion (s) and make our passions our business. Remember I spoke about my interests earlier? I'm gonna sift that a second time and choose the ones I realllly love. An important point to note in choosing your passion? According to Fabian, it isn't what you study, what you have work experience in, but what will want you to get up and do it everyday, even with little pay. Hmm it seems I will have to develop some new passions lol. So steps to successful entrepreneurship:

1. Identify your passion.
2. Be willing to recognize and own that passion.
3. Make a plan based on your passion.
4. Be willing to pay the price.
5. Open your perspectives to the risks of your passion.

We also learnt many inspirational quotes... he was a walking quote man. They were very interesting and motivational nevertheless. Some beautiful entrepreneurial tips to live by:

• Three words to reduce in your vocabulary- just, but, try
• Innovation + creativity= relevance & success
• Step outside the box
• Exceed expectations
• People, things and opp are in our lives most times for a reason and a season, don't allow them to stay for a lifetime.
• Make your passion your business!
• Entrepreneurs seize the moment!
• Seek to find the passion that exists in that moment to advance you. 
• Get up. Dress up. Show up.
• Entrep. make things happen.

Is there an entrepreneur in me? I believe it is in everyone. Some, though, have to work harder to develop the traits. I want to learn more about myself and my enterprising possibilities. It can be done! It will be!

~Madam-Entrep~

Entrepreneurs cannot go it alone

In the new, more globally competitive environment, going it alone is so out of style. (Kotler, 2008)

Team-orientation seems to be big in this economical era. There is so much breakdown of roles and processes that no one person can do it all alone. A smart entrepreneur will accept and appreciate that. What do you think?

~Madam-Entrep~

33 ways to stay Creative ... by PS i made this...

As creative minds who depend on innovation to survive, we must strive to keep the creativity flowing. Here is a way to improve your entrepreneurial skills and success by simply having fun and learning about yourself in the process. I dare you to try at least 10 of these 33 ways to stay creative. You never know what new idea or venture opening your mind could take you on. Take a risk! What do you have to lose?

~Madam-Entrep~

GREEN THUMB...PINK SPOON: 33 ways to stay Creative ... by PS i made this...

Want to think different? Try thinking ahead!

Our goal is to lead customers where they want to go before they know where they want to go.- A 3M Executive

This is so true of an entrepreneur as well. As the President of YEA told us on Wednesday (which you will hear more about soon), entrepreneurs have to create the line; we have to make the trends. We must have something that sets us apart from everyone else. We must be different, innovating and outstanding. This quote encourages us to think ahead- think long term. We ought to have a vision whose scope encompasses the present as well as the future. The needs of today's society are important and indeed relevant, but will it be relevant in five years? What can you do to make sure your service or product is meeting needs and creating value for now and the future?

Research your market so well that you know what will value them before they even pick it up. That is a good way to be innovative, different, relevant and so... a successful entrepreneur. Can you think of any needs of the future? Be imaginative and curious! Explore the possibilities!

~Madam-Entrep~

Discovering the needs around us

A need is an entrepreneurial opportunity.- Gerry McDaniel

How do you identify needs as an entrepreneur? Do you depend on casual conversations with friends and acquaintances? That is very important for me to discover the needs of the society. But I took it a step further and proceeded to give a number of trusted and reliable persons a little notebook in which they can simply jot down the needs of those around them. That way I am reaching a wider audience and it is a helpful way to step out of my comfort zone and explore.

Sometimes we have to smart small, but even as we take our baby steps, dream BIG! My cadet Sergeants as a teenager always encouraged me... work smarter, not harder! How can you work to find a need in society?

~Madam-entrep~

Entrep. hero #1

This is just the first (I am most certain) of many entrepreneurs who have inspired my life. This started out as a class assignment in my Entrepreneurial course COMM3428 where we had to do a feature on an entrepreneur who did much for global or regional development. We would get extra credit for choosing someone outside the West so I went to Africa. I read up a couple of persons, but then I stumbled on this visionary, Jonathon Gosier.

Little did I know, this turned out to be more than just a course assignment. I found myself animatedly telling others around me about this man's entrepreneurial ventures! It is so exciting to even think about his accomplishments. Because he is in my field makes it even more enlightening! He stepped out of the box! He did something new and different.... totally!

Here is an interview about his endeavors. I know you can learn from him and be inspired too!
http://whiteafrican.com/2008/08/26/an-interview-with-appfrica-founder-jon-gosier/

~Madam-entrep~

My Interests

In order to maximize on possible business ventures, I will make a list of all my interests and special abilities. This is one of the first stages (I believe) in creating a personal brand for myself.

Interests:

• Jesus Christ
• Drawing
• Singing
• Painting (yet to learn)
• Cake decorating (yet to learn)
• Web design
• Public Relations
• Graphic Design
• National development- specifically agriculture and the creative arts
• Developing youth in leadership
• Make up Artistry (yet to learn)
• Playing the saxophone (big dream, yet to learn)
• Serving children (since I want to have at least 6 of my own)

You may have noticed that I have a major interest in creativity. As I grow, I will seek to unearth these deep interests and learn more about myself in the process. My aim, though, is not simply to make a lot of money to support my six children in the future, but to aid in the development and improvement of my Jamaica. Have you ever made a conscious list of your skills, hobbies or wishful dreams? Take that into consideration as you learn to become a successful entrepreneur!

~Madam-entrep~

First post

This is my first blog post on Blogspot. My tumblr account has been giving problems. Nevertheless, this shall be the official beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.


I am a creative lady, an ambitious visionary who has a strong desire to see national development. I have a love for the visual arts, I specialize in design. I have been researching more about this path of life and I have learnt that I can design for good. I love prettyness, but my designs will not only be polished and pretty, but purposeful. Many graphic and web designers head into one main field of entrepreneurship- corporate identity development. I want to step out of that box. I intend for a box not to exist now that I have turned on the road to successful entrepreneurship. Many have done it! You will learn more about them in a short while.


Won't you follow along the yellow brick road with me? The journey has only begun!


~Madam-entrep~