May 18, 2011
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Most Americans go to Jamaica for a warm weather vacation. This wonderful island conjures up images of sandy beaches, reggae, Appleton Rum...tropical paradise. Last week, I spoke at a conference of 350 Jamaican business leaders in Ochos Rios. Here is what we can learn from them:
1. "Tun Yuh han an Mek Fashion!"
This popular Jamaican idiom is translated as “When you turn hand, make fashion.” In other words, when things go poorly, be innovative and make something out of nothing. Life for business owners never turns out the same way as the business plan states. When things do not go as expected, business leaders shine by being innovative and taking the next positive action.
2. Bob Marley went from failure to icon
In Jamaica, the name Marley is music royalty. But in 1962, Marley's first two recorded songs were commercial failures. Over the next 20 years, Marley became a worldwide music icon, and in 1999, long after his death, Time magazine chose Exodus as the best album of the 20th century. Similar to Elvis, Marley’s family has done a fantastic job licensing his brand. Where T-shirts in Jamaica routinely go for under $10, if a fan wants a shirt with Marley's image on it, the cost will be $27.
3. Formality has value
With their British heritage, Jamaicans like formality. Calling business people by Mr. and Mrs. is a common practice. In the spring heat of Jamaica, most conference attendees were wearing a tie and jacket. In fact, most of the children attend public schools in the uniform representing that school. “Dressing up” for work is important. The more casually we are dressed, the more casual we work. We are more productive and behave in a certain way when we are in our “work clothes.” Rituals are an important part of any business.
4. Resiliency is the key
From its slavery beginnings to independence in 1962 to now, Jamaicans have gone through a historical struggle. However, not one Jamaican I met played the victim to their circumstances. Every Jamaican business owner was happy. To them, every situation was “a blessing.” Similar to the ideas behind the law of attraction, we are what we think about. In business, complaining actually does nothing. Assessing the situation and taking action is always the next best step.
5. Customer service is the only sustainable advantage
Richard Byles, CEO of Sagicor Life Jamaica, one of the most successful businesses in the Caribbean, stated that the future of every business is in their customer service. In a tourist based economy, this is especially true. Tourists can go to many places in the world for sandy beaches and warm water. As Byles explained, in a world with no geographic boundaries, almost everything is a commodity. The true differentiator in your business is customer service.
Have you learned business lessons from your travels?
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Somewhere Else 10 months ago
It's a pity that the author did not ask Jamaican business leaders about the cost of rampant homophobia and violence against gays and lesbians.