Tag Archives: Usain Bolt

Strike Gold with Brand Jamaica

Income Creation, , , , , , , ,

Jamaica is indeed a very inconsistent country. While it is probably one of the most influential nations in the minds and hearts of millions of people around the world, Jamaica has been struggling for years with insufficient income, inadequate infrastructure and immense indebtedness.

Foreign investors will experience Jamaica as a place offering lucrative business opportunities, but local entrepreneurs often find it difficult to overcome the various impediments to business success. It almost seems like two different business worlds exist for overseas and Jamaican operators.

Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae; a tiny island that developed a musical form that has taken over the world is almost unheard of. However, we are losing out on the value of our music as overseas musicians are producing quality reggae and profiting from it in ways that locals do not.

Manufacturers in far-off regions such as Asia are making super profits from incorporating Jamaican images or the words ‘Jamaican Style’ on their products. Conversely, many of our local producers have not been able to adequately exploit the gold mine that can be found in Brand Jamaica. Continue reading Strike Gold with Brand Jamaica →

Don’t Settle for Less – Aim Higher

Goals, Wealth, , , , , , , ,

Recently, I conducted a training session for sales persons from various Caribbean countries, where I outlined the budgeting techniques which would allow them to manage their income effectively. I also demonstrated how using a budget could help them to set and achieve their sales goals.

One participant from a smaller island explained that it was hard to stick to her budget because she often received widely fluctuating bills from a utility company in her country. She could pay as much as fifty per cent more on a bill, without actually increasing her usage of the service.

“How can you manage your money when your budgeted expenses are not consistent?” she asked. Continue reading Don’t Settle for Less – Aim Higher →

Business Lessons from Usain Bolt

Business Success, , , , , , ,

When Usain Bolt finished the 100 metres final of the 2012 London Olympics in a new meet record of 9.63 seconds, the eyes of millions of people were keenly watching his performance. With his brilliant accomplishment, the Jamaican sprint star demonstrated to his many fans around the world that he is indeed a legend in his own time.

In addition to his athletic prowess, I am inspired by Bolt for reasons outside of the sporting arena. After the 2009 Berlin World Athletics Championships, I reflected on some of the lessons that the sprinter could teach us about money. Discipline, self-belief and persistence were just some of Bolt’s habits that could also help us to achieve our personal and financial goals.

Bolt’s attitudes, actions and achievements continue to give us examples that are worthy of emulating. After watching him win another gold medal for Jamaica last Sunday, my thoughts turned to areas in his life that could educate and encourage entrepreneurs. Let’s look at some of the business lessons that we can learn from Bolt. Continue reading Business Lessons from Usain Bolt →

Giving Thanks for 2011

Money Reflections, , , , , , , , ,

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; … it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us.”

This quote from the Charles Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Cities eloquently expresses some of the conflicting realities of Jamaica in 2011.

As we approach the end of another year, it might be tempting for us to become cynical about our nation’s growth in the past and potential for the future. Politicians, psychologists, financial analysts, civil society groups and ordinary citizens all have varying opinions about the economic challenges that hinder our progress.

With ‘Brand Jamaica’ continuing to ride high, why is it that we couldn’t take advantage of our tremendous popularity and goodwill to reap financial benefits in 2011? Continue reading Giving Thanks for 2011 →

Making Money With Your Mind

Income Creation, , , , , , , , , , ,

Jamaican people are very creative, and it never ceases to amaze me how we can effortlessly invent catchy phrases and popular dances in an instant. As the saying goes, ‘There’s a new idea born every minute’; and in this country we are constantly coming up with new trends that excite our imagination for a time.

It’s fascinating to see the tremendous interest that persons from other nations have in our little island. There are many anecdotal stories of Jamaicans traveling overseas who are almost mobbed by strangers wanting to learn more about our culture and famous personalities. In their minds, every Jamaican must have the inside scoop on icons such as Bob Marley or Usain Bolt.

Despite our citizens’ talents, flair and international presence, we seem unable to truly capitalise on the popularity of brand Jamaica. Unfortunately, persons from other countries will come here and quickly take advantage of the profit potential of our culture; yet except for a few notable exceptions, most Jamaicans are not aware of their true value. Continue reading Making Money With Your Mind →

Money Lessons from Usain Bolt

Goals, , , , , , , , ,

As 100m sprinter Usain Bolt propelled his way through the finish line in an astonishing world-record time of 9.58 seconds, Jamaica and the rest of the world celebrated his magnificent race. At the 2009 Berlin World Athletics Championships, Bolt definitely cemented his place in history as a legendary sports hero.

As I reflected on his amazing career, I realised that Bolt is more than an inspiration to aspiring athletes; he is also an example of what it takes to be successful with money. Here are some of the lessons that Bolt can teach us about our finances:

Examine What You’re Doing Wrong

My earliest memory of Bolt’s running was of a youngster who seemed to be struggling as he raced. Biting on his chain with a pained grimace on his face, he was a far cry from the smooth sprinting machine that he is today. Many of us find the financial race similarly difficult – despite our best efforts, it seems that we don’t have what it takes to win. Continue reading Money Lessons from Usain Bolt →