Tag Archives: Jamaica

How to lose your fear of selling

Income Creation, , , , , , , ,

As another ‘past-due’ bill arrives in the mail, you finally accept that you need to increase your income. Although you know that you should start selling something in your spare time to generate extra cash, you’re terrified at the thought of asking people to purchase something from you.

You overlook your forebodings and bake a batch of cupcakes that you hope to sell at your office. You timidly ask a co-worker to support your venture, but she declines because she is watching her weight. You decide to give away the rest of your inventory, resolving that selling is not your forte.

One of the complaints I get from people who wish to make more money is that they dislike the process of selling. They may say that they are not natural salespersons or that selling is too hard. If you feel apprehensive at the prospect of asking for money, you may think that you hate to sell. Continue reading How to lose your fear of selling →

Fear Is A Four-Letter Word

Money & Your Mind, , , , , ,

Many years ago, I was presented with an opportunity that left me filled with fear instead of anticipation. I was asked to teach a module of a Portfolio Management course, as the lecturer thought I had done well in the class the year before. My initial response was to decline the offer.

After reflection, I recognised that this development was perfectly lined up with the goals I had set; why would I fear taking it on? Examining my emotions, I realised that it bothered me that I did not know how to create a PowerPoint presentation, and that I was clueless about using a projector.

When I admitted my fears to the lecturer, she reassured me that those shortcomings were easily solved. After a quick introduction to the mechanics of setting up a projector, and a month’s worth of self-tutoring on PowerPoint, I designed my lesson plan and entered the exciting world of teaching. Continue reading Fear Is A Four-Letter Word →

Money Mission: Embrace the Opportunities in Change

Goals, , , , , , ,

As we continue to look at strategies that can help you to accomplish the financial goals that you set for 2013, it is important to consider some major obstacles that could be hindering your progress. Goal achievement requires you to be honest about the issues that may be holding you back.

If you are working towards your goals, you must be proceeding in a forward motion. No one has ever achieved anything by standing still or looking back on the past. So, in order to succeed in your objectives, you must be willing to move from where you are today onto new pathways.

Whether you want to budget effectively, save more, get out of debt, increase your income, buy a home, or start investing for your retirement, it is necessary for you to adopt improved money attitudes and actions. Change is integral to the process of accomplishing your financial goals. Continue reading Money Mission: Embrace the Opportunities in Change →

True Grit Brings Financial Success

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Recently, a reader shared that his secret for success was based on the four-letter word ‘grit’. His recipe to get ahead in life was to stay focused on his tasks, find ways to overcome any obstacles that might arise along the way, and work diligently and consistently until his goals were realised.

Speaking on a TED Talks Educational video, psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth explained that grit is “passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.” Grit is having the stamina to keep working at your important tasks every day, over many years, until you have accomplished your objectives.

Duckworth, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania who researches educational achievement, posited that grit is a better indicator of a student’s success than factors such as IQ. This trait may be even more critical than natural abilities or other determinants of achievement. Continue reading True Grit Brings Financial Success →

OCPD Can Wreak Havoc in Business

Business Success, , , , , , ,

Jennifer walked over to her assistant’s desk with an obvious look of frustration on her face. “Kathy, there are too many grammatical errors in this report. The line spacing is not consistent and we should use bullet points to shorten some of the paragraphs. Please redo it immediately!”

“But Miss Thomas, remember that Mr. Rogers needs to get the document right now so that he can complete his submission to the new clients,” Kathy countered. “The deadline is a few hours away, and if I stop to make those small changes, we might miss getting this major contract.”

Sighing loudly, Jennifer responded firmly, “What you need to remember is that we don’t send out imperfect work from this department. Do it right the first time, or don’t do it at all.” “In fact,” she bristled, “I will do it myself. I should know better than to let you work on such an important project.” Continue reading OCPD Can Wreak Havoc in Business →

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 →

Money Mission: Complete Your Tasks

Goals, , , , ,

At the start of every month, we have been looking at a specific issue that can affect your ability to accomplish the goals which you resolved to work on for this year. You can only make progress with your objectives if you continually place them in the forefront of your mind.

One major challenge to goal achievement is our propensity to get started on a project but give up on the process before it is complete. We get a sense of satisfaction once we begin carrying out the required steps, feeling content enough to know that we have started on the road to success.

Cross over the goal line
We may excuse the fact that we actually never finished the task at hand, saying that we are still on track. However, when it comes to goal achievement, you don’t get a ‘good effort’ in your homework book just for trying. A goal that’s only partially completed is a goal that has not been achieved. Continue reading Money Mission: Complete Your Tasks →

Financial Freedom at Last!

Money Reflections, , , , , , , , ,

On August 1, our nation commemorated another Emancipation Day; a time when Jamaicans can reflect on the challenging periods in our country’s history and give thanks that the practice of human slavery was abolished. Personal freedom is a right that we should never take for granted.

According to Dictionary.com, ’emancipate’ means to free from bondage, restraint or influence. A person who has been held back by a restrictive system, physical impediment or an inhibiting force will be emancipated when the thing that prevents him from moving freely is eliminated.

While we can celebrate the fact that our citizens are no longer bound by the organised structure of slavery, the reality is that many persons are still shackled by the chains of financial bondage. Their money problems hinder them from living their desired lifestyles and accomplishing their goals. Continue reading Financial Freedom at Last! →

Is Your Financial Life a Circus?

Money Reflections, , , , , , ,

Recently, thousands of Jamaicans got the opportunity to experience a variety of circus performers in action at Circus in the City held in Kingston. Energetic acrobats, daring stuntmen, amusing clowns and a mesmerising magician were some of the acts which were present at the event.

As I watched the performers entertain the audience with their skilful feats, I recognised that there were certain similarities between the circus activities and the many challenges people face with money. Here are some of the ways in which your financial world could be likened to a circus:

JUGGLING OBJECTS

Juggling is the art of manipulating several objects at once with your hands. The circus juggler uses extreme dexterity to toss several balls, clubs, rings or other props into the air, without letting the items touch the ground. It is one of the oldest forms of entertainment practised throughout the ages. Continue reading Is Your Financial Life a Circus? →

The Slight Edge Brings Major Results

Book Review, Goals, , , , , ,


I have often wondered why some people seem to get ahead in the game of life, while many others only sit on the sidelines and watch life pass them by. What is the defining factor that allows two persons with similar circumstances and opportunities to achieve vastly different results?

As a money coach, I usually search for strategies to help people to accomplish their personal and financial objectives. There is a wealth of information about goal achievement available in books, CDs, training programmes and on the Internet for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.

Searching for the right formula
I recently read a resource that appeared to hold the answer to one of my basic questions about personal achievement. In his book, The Slight Edge, businessman and author Jeff Olson promised to reveal the one secret component that could help people to achieve success in life. Continue reading The Slight Edge Brings Major Results →