St. Lucia Simply Beautiful

January 13, 2010

Edward Harris At Large!

THE YEAR 2010 SEEMS SET TO BE THE YEAR OF ENTREPRENEURIAL EMPOWERMENT
I am very pleased with early steps being taken in 2010 to spread the entrepreneurial spirit among citizens of St. Lucia. Any action to empower citizens should be applauded, especially those targeting the youth in our midst. The Directors, Management and staff of the RG Group of Companies should be congratulated for the GEN-X initiative which is very timely and sets the trend for other companies to follow. The programme was officially launched on January 7, 2010 with an impressive ceremony which was well attended by representatives of the media.

Over the years, I made the point that business persons and professionals should make a point of giving back to their communities. It is very interesting to note that during the most difficult year (2009) when the financial walls came tumbling down, Mr. Rayneau Gajadhar felt the need to implement a programme that will change the mind set of individuals and forge the right attitude that will awaken the spirit of empowerment – financially and socially. The principal objective of GEN-X is to get persons involved in the project to “think out of the box” and come up with innovative ideas that will make a difference. It is very necessary for this project to receive support from the public and private sectors so that it could be successful and sustainable. Visit their website at www.cie-rgltd.com

There is a buzz about “St. Lucia’s First Ever Internet Marketing Seminar” featuring two of America’s outstanding Internet Marketing Specialists. The event is scheduled for early February and is being promoted by the Internet Marketing Association of the Caribbean (IMAC) based in Vieux Fort. This is yet another project I alluded to in my writings and am very pleased to see that someone has taken the initiative to promote an Internet Marketing event. It is my hope that this project will receive the necessary support to ensure its success. You can check out their website at www.imacaribbean.com

I feel compelled to share with you highlights of The 2010 New Year Checklist for Your Business extracted from one of the several blogs I subscribe to. Hereunder are the 10 suggestions that I find very informative and practical. 1. Use “Cause Marketing” 2. Use Social Media with Email Marketing 3. Nail Your Email Marketing 4. Make This the Year of Customer 5. Cut Costs 6. Listen to Your Customers 7. Find New Customers, Inexpensively 8. Build Your Email List 9. Hire People Who Care 10. Embrace Word of Mouth. You can join the mailing list at http://www.verticalresponse.com The blogger also predicts that 2010 is poised to be a great year for growing your small business.

Social Networking continues to be hotly debated and it is the feeling of many internet marketing gurus that it is important to engage this type of medium to effectively market your products/services. I am very impressed with www.linkedin.com and will encourage business persons and professionals to join this network. Most Industries are represented and by joining specialised groups, a lot of knowledge could be gained.

In 2010 it is necessary for all persons involved in the public and private sectors to commit to ease frustration in processing business transactions. Timely responses to enquiries can go a long way in easing stressful situations. In difficult times everyone will like to know that the other person cares. We must all commit to doing things that will encourage proficiency and productivity. If it is necessary to part with our old ways for the sake of progress, let us do it. We must strive for results that will redound to the benefit of all.

The private sector is the engine of growth is a statement that we associate with economic activity but must now be expanded to include social responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) must be implemented in every company – find a cause to support.

Regardless of whatever the state of your business, don’t give up your status as an Entrepreneur, change course if necessary.
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge and expect Daily Miracles!

Edward Harris
Biblicist, Freelance Journalist, Realtor, Business & PR Consultant
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com www.brainstorminggroup.webs.com
www.cariblist.com St. Lucia – Agent ECREDMC

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