Lessons from Tessanne Chin on NBC's The Voice

At the time of this writing, Jamaica is still in a celebratory mood after Tessanne Chin, our own local Diva copped top honors in the talent show "The Voice".

Like many Jamaicans who were enjoying the broadcast of the Final Broadcast of the show in Half-way Tree, I am overjoyed, excited and inspired by what Tess has achieved. Tess has done what the Reggae Boys did in 1998, the Olympians (Usain Bolt,Shelley-Ann Fraser) Boxers etc, continue to do for us as a people. They make us feel like a "Nation". 

This might appear odd to some but I'm sure there are Jamaicans who understand my sentiments. That said, the excellence on the global stage is exactly what we long for as a people and what in truth is ours to claim as Jamaicans. We believe we are a great people, and so, even in the case of Tess, America was surprised at how talented she was, how versatile, but for us as Jamaicans it was a matter of recognizing what was self-evident. ‘She's so talented!’ And we respond of course, she is Jamaican!

Now to the lessons:

Lesson 1 - Be Humble

I firmly believe this word from the bible "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall". Throughout the competition, Tessanne remained humble and gracious in her interactions with other contestants, judges and the media. 

This I believe definitely endeared her to the people in America, who purchased her singles on iTunes and who voted her to the top and cemented her into the hearts of Jamaicans locally & internationally. 

In conducting herself with such class, she represented the best of the Jamaican spirit to the rest of the world. Uptown, the Educated Middle and the man in the street, were all proud of this daughter of the land of wood and water. 

Will Champlin finished third on The Voice

Whatever your goals in life, wherever you intend to end up, it would serve you well to remember that humility, meekness and gentleness is preferred. In other words, people like humble people! If people like you, maybe they will find it easier to do business with you. If people like you, maybe they won't have a problem supporting your events or buying products from you. If people like you maybe they will come back next winter to vacation at your resort. Will Champlin, not the greatest singer in the competition, was the only male in the top three because he too was humble.  In fact, Jaquie Lee, runner up to Tessanne, can too be commended for a level of genuineness and humility as well.

Lesson Two - Be Genuine, be yourself

Tessanne was as real a Jamaican as it gets. She made no attempt to be somebody else on the show. She effortlessly traversed between the rhythmic cadences of our Jamaican Tongue to English at various intervals for the duration of the show. This she did as naturally as breathing, it was no "put on", no acting. 

Bread and Butter

Junior Gong has been a forerunner in this for years (spitting hardcore Patios verses over any beat on the world stage). Hey, newsflash, people like genuine Jamaican-ness and they will pay for it if it is packaged properly. Woe to those trying to fix our broken-speech and Woe to those who are fighting against speaking English. They are two peas in the same Jamaican Pod, so embrace it.

As we are inspired by Tess and people like Bolt and Shelley to do great things, come next year (2014), let us not forget this important idea – be genuine. Let us creatively harness everything that is intrinsically Jamaican and take it to the global stage. 

Start local, think Global

Tessanne did just that, after ‘Hiding away’ in Jamaica for a while she went global with her entrance into one of the biggest talent competitions in the world, with an audience in the millions (13 and 11 according to Nielsen). Based on my little Arithmetic, and I mean very little, Tess would need Jamaica's population to increase four times over to get that audience in Jamaica. 

So, for us to get out of the economic slump we are in as a people, we need to start local but think and prepare for global.  When I say global, I don't just mean geography. I mean universal appeal - we need to create something that every person on the planet can use or enjoy. If you’re a tech person, consider the concept of Scalability- rapid growth with little or no additional investment (build a product that resonates with all people). If you are a Content creator (Writer, Blogger (DuttyBerry), Musician, Filmmaker) Create local, but have a vision for global distribution or at least consumption. Make it easy for the rest of the world to access and enjoy what you are producing (consider the freemium or subscription models).

Networks and Mentors Matter

How many young artistes have a Multi-platinum recording artiste close to them dispensing advice as in the case of Tessanne and world renowned Jamaican artiste Shaggy. Shaggy made a suggestion to Tess, she ran with it and the rest is history (after a year or prep work of course). Now Tess has widened her network to include Adam Levine, another global super-star.

Diamond selling Recording Artiste Shaggy

 In light of the fact that one of the lessons is being genuine it would not follow that you should try and befriend people simply to achieve your goals. Rather, I suggest that you be genuinely friendly and helpful to people you meet. You never know how small the world is. Everybody likes a helping hand from time to time, be willing to offer one without seeking anything in return and get this, you might actually get something in return.

Another point worth noting is that Digital technology was a big part of Tess’s early changes on the show, with slow itunes sales until things turned around for her to have the victory. What am I saying, “Social Networks” matter. Why? Digital technology and media are all about communication – they create the platform for people to connect. When people connect, things happen.

Another way out of our economic struggles as a nation is by leveraging the power of social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube). The current and future economic juggernauts are those who not just consume the content but those who create the content and platforms that allow people to connect. Find a way to join this network, it is global and guess what it rewards the people who are genuine.

 

Find a way to make money from your Facebook or Twitter; you don’t need a University Degree to do Social Media Marketing for instance. Find out why some Blogs are making people millions and why you should have one. The beauty of the World Wide Web network is that it allows you to bypass some of the “red tape” that would stop you from starting a traditional business for instance Government Regulations, Money (can’t access Bank Loans etc).  All you need is initially at least is access – find a free WIFI hotspot and get to it.

Create

 Start something, my wife said it best, so many people are doing great things in the world and there is so much to be said, why am I waiting on somebody else to do it? Why can’t it be me?  Tessane has awakened the spirit of the conqueror that had become dormant in many of us. She commands us to arise and do something great with ourselves and transform our country. What do you need to create? Who do you need to follow on Twitter or add of facebook? What idea do you need to turn into reality?

Start-Ups as Gardens not Buildings

Seth Godin notes that great projects are more like gardens than buildings. I have never tended a garden in my life, but I have fond memories of my neighbour tending hers.

I know from observation that tending a garden requires dedication, discipline and definitely some level of vigilance. I know she had to contend with changing conditions and pests etc

I find this perspective interesting because for me it means, thinking about the project or Start-up as a growing dynamic organism. This is radically different perspective building than building a static structure, which might just require maintenance.

I'm sure there is more to it but it is interesting. How about some gardening?

Create More, Consume Less

Recently, I was reflecting on the reason why my country Jamaica is experiencing so many economic problems. The simple conclusion I came to was this, we are consuming too much and creating too little. This for me is the reason why our export bill is so high and why manufacturing is so low. Creating is hard! I agree, but I suggest we start now, after some sweat and maybe some tears, we will reap the rewards.

There are a number of other issues associated with this mindset but I don't want to focus on those, what I would like is for us to work hard at creating more and consuming less. Creating could be as simple as writing your thoughts on a blog or in a journal. Create it and share it! In world of pluralism and a flood of advertising, one of the surest ways to make your mark and to be noticed is to be yourself! Create something that represents you in some way, make your mark on the world. While you are at it. plant and eat more Jamaican food. 

As the late Professor Aggrey Brown once said, "Name the world for yourself". 

Ostrich or Man?

There is a common myth that Ostriches bury there heads in the sand. This myth, some suggest may have developed because Ostriches dig holes in the sand to hide eggs and from a distance might appear to be hiding their heads.

While mythical, this is a great starting point for a discussion about something that has been on my mind for the last few days. That is, the way that some people deal with adversity (hard times). Many people from my observation seem to favor avoidance or denial as a response to adversity.

There are some people who mistakenly think that if they deny their problems enough, the problems will just magically disappear. The truth is, denial is not destruction! Also, burying one's head in the sand means only one thing in the end, death.

Don't let denial of a problem, albeit a nagging one, be the death of you. Face it and fix it!
If you can't fix it on your own, get some help!
Make no mistake, facing problems (business or otherwise) requires much faith and even more work.

Alcohol, Smoking or party euphoria are poor weapons in your fight against your problems. At best they are pain killers and distractions, at worst they add to your problems. Inevitably, you and your problem(s) will collide with disastrous results if you are unprepared.

So, stop hiding from the television set, open the letter (stamped urgent) sitting on your desk for  the past three days.  Pay no attention to the prophets of doom (masquerading as talk show hosts) get outside  and get to work fixing your problems.

Remember, there is no shame in asking for help. What is shameful however is hiding from your problems because of pride (I know too much, I  am too smart to not be able to "handle" this, they will say I told you so) Kill your pride and stay alive! So what are you going to do; hide or fight?

Your health is your Business

My allergies have been acting up the last few days, this has proven to be quite a bother in terms of productivity. My fluctuating energy levels, irritable demeanor provided great challenges in getting things done how I wanted and when I wanted and definitely annoyed those I interacted with (that's the mild way of putting it). I don't know about you but I tend to become abnormally sensitive when I'm not well. .

As an entrepreneur you often need to get things done in a timely and efficient manner to achieve your goals and objectives. It is therefore very important to define structures in your Start-up to account for periods of ill-health for yourself or your staff. Significant periods of down-time can affect your overall outcomes in a major way. Let me say it another way, the less time spent working means the less money you can make.

As the founder(s) of the Start-up, your health is especially important.This is in terms of knowledge, motivation and leadership. Until, your business has reached the point where those who work for you have assimilated the vision and can appropriate it even in your absence, you must be deliberate about staying healthy. As I always say to people, don't kill yourself trying to make life.

Think about it, if you don't slow down and pay attention to your health, one day you will just stop.
Oh, did I forget to mention, your dream stops with you, worse case, it dies with you. Let us be responsible builders, don't just work in your life, work on your life, stay healthy.

HOPE

If you live in a country with tough economic conditions remaining hopeful can be a challenge. That said, I recommend having a healthy outlook on life nevertheless. There are always opportunities to do great things even in the harshest of circumstances. Think of ways your business can help people, how your product or service can impact your community or country positively.

Go Outside
If you live in the city, consider taking a drive out of town (urban areas). Go where there are hills, watch the sunsets, smell the grass, pick a fruit yourself and eat it. Breathe in something other than smog, have a good conversation, laugh at yourself sometimes.

If you live in the rural areas, I suggest you take a drive (our bus) to somewhere you have never been. This will help you to remember that the world is a big place, you don't have to be limited by your circumstances.

Contribute
Most people live their lives with thoughts about what they can get, think about what you can give. This seems simple enough, reflect on it and do it. Make it part of your approach to building the business and see how it changes how you do things.

There are many horrible things happening, how can your innovation and passion contribute something positive to the world. The people you help will be very grateful.

Don’t make anything until you sell it

As an Entrepreneur, there is one thing that you are sure to be doing from beginning to end in business and that is sales. You may begin by selling the concept of the company, then proceed to sell the prospect of return to potential investors (angel, seed, venture), to finally selling the product or service that you are so enamored with.

Do not fool yourself, unless your passion turns into action you may be setting up yourself for failure. How do I know this? I have listened to those who didn't do know how to sell well (ideas etc) and not surprisingly didn't succeed. If you want to actually live your dream and achieve your goals for your start-up, learn sales.

How?
Understand as much as you can about what you are doing, the business you are trying to build, product you want to sell etc (In a word, Research). Remember, everything (a product, service etc) is about people, get away from the computer and actually talk to ________your answer should be (people) especially those in your target market (customer segments). Take my hate to blog, think fast but type slow foolish advice, Sell. Ok, that's enough motivation now go and sell it.

Don't go in Blind - Research is key for start-up success

Whatever your age, whatever the nature of the business, knowledge is key. Do not go into the situation blind, drunk on passion and idealism about money making. Get as much information as you can in order to make informed decisions. This is especially important in light of the fact that a lot of the money used for start-ups come from friends and family. Without adequate information poor decisions are often made, turning the angels into demons (oh and don't forget that the demons come for Christmas dinner or live down the hall).

Loss of money often leads to ruptured relationships, so if you value your relationships do your research. Don't lose money because you were too lazy to read or call somebody to ask some questions. Entrepreneurs must strive for fairness and good structures early into the process of starting the business (If you can afford get a lawyer and an account, formalize as much as possible how your business works).

Research can range from systematic Market research to simply spending the time to write a good business plan. Yes, you have heard it a thousand times before but this process is key in developing a deep thorough understanding of the business. Without adequate research, the challenges faced by an Entrepreneur are immediately compounded. In addition to Market Research and the writing of the Business Plan it is wise to get some good advice (find a board of advisers if you can).

Social Entrepreneurship - How about that?

Yes, It  is me again! Reporting on my gleanings from my class Entrepreneurial Skills in Communication Industry (COMM 3248). Today, we will be paying attention to the new kid in class, Social Entrepreneurship.

Who is he? I don't quite know. I could ask him but he doesn't quite know either (He's still finding himself). Let me decode that for you smart people, Social Entrepreneurship is a young discipline of which scholars are still making sense. Here is what is known,

"Social entrepreneurs are individuals with innovative solutions to society’s most pressing social problems. They are ambitious and persistent, tackling major social issues and offering new ideas for wide-scale change"

So Social Entrepreneurship as the name suggests has a different underlying philosophy than traditional approaches to Entrepreneurship since it seeks some form of general good not only individual profit. It seeks to solve some social ill or at least make significant inroads in changing lives through innovation and business savvy.

Social entrepreneurship signals the imperative to drive social change, and it is that potential payoff, with its lasting, transformational benefit to society, that sets the field and its practitioners apart.

That said, there is hardly any real clarity about what the term really means because as you may have noticed, the definitions are quite inclusive. 

What it is not?

• It is not Philanthropy. Even though many people who may contribute to Social Entrepreneurship may be identified as Philanthropists. 
• It is not a Not for Profit entity (although some may operate in that manner)

Are you keen on helping society to become "unstuck" by changing the system then Social Entrepreneurship might just be your cup of tea. I end this post with a quote from one of the leaders in the movement. 

"Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry."

Bill Drayton, CEO, chair and founder of Ashoka

So, how about it? Again,  google it, it might just be the beginning of great things for you. 

Check out the links below for additional info...

http://www.ngobiz.org/picture/File/Social%20Enterpeuneur-The%20Case%20of%20Definition.pdf

https://www.ashoka.org/social_entrepreneur

http://www.pbs.org/opb/thenewheroes/whatis/

Mentorship (Reflections on the film American Gangster)

Clearly the idea of making my thoughts public on the internet is not very alluring. That of course makes me possibly the worse blogger in the world. Nevertheless, see if you can extract anything of worth from the black drool I will be spilling out below known officially as paragraphs.

If you have read my first post you will know that this blog is designed to document what I am learning in my Entrepreneurial Skills in the Communication Industry class. This my second post is about movies and what they reveal about Entrepreneurship. In class we were placed in groups, then each group was instructed to watch a Movie and identify the principles relevant to Entrepreneurs.

My group reviewed, American Gangster, actor of worth Denzel (I say no more). Anyway, to the point of the post. MENTORSHIP IS A BIG DEAL! To say it another way, get some good advice. This could range from a Board of Advisers to a single person that you can meet with say once a month of more often if time permits. This person or group of persons will help to nudge you in the right direction and provide objectivity since Entrepreneurs especially the young ones often have tunnel vision.

This is not a movie review so I won't say much about the movie except this, with guidance from Bumpy Johnson ( Clarence Williams III) Frank Lucas (Denzel) became the most successful business man in Heroine infested Harlem. Watch the movie and see how he built the brand "Blue Magic" or do like the rest of us and Google it. Whatever you decide to do remember that Mentorship is useful. So who do you know?

Diligent in Business - Comm3248

Your Passion. Your Business.

Passion, is fundamental to entrepreneurship. 

Passion, drives many people into business for themselves and also sustains them when they are actually in businesses. Passion is defined as, an intense emotion, compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something. It can also mean to suffer. 

Passion, according one business owner I was listening to recently,can make or break a business. Is your business idea compelling you to act? How enthusiastic are you about your business idea? These are fundamental questions you need to answer before you make that mad rush to register your business and start to create stationery etc.  The world is filled with people who have ideas, the truth is, many of those ideas are never going to be developed into actual businesses. 

Not every person has the passion to start and develop a business. That said, If you have already registered, you have taken money from your friends, family etc. Its not too late to ask the questions, the process might just help you to push on or to recognize an error in judgement. This in turn will lead you to stop the Child's Play or what we in Jamaica term Dolly House before somebody involved turns into a  life-sized Chucky and you are axed early  into your reign as business owner. 

Business, is just that, business. It is a serious matter that requires serious commitment and a serious self-evaluation especially as it relates to passion. Lets face it, to quote Javette Dixon, of Point Global Marketing, "no one is as passionate about your business idea as you are". So if you are a budding Communicator and you are considering launching out into the deep, be sure to exam yourself to see if your passion is enough.

Finally, there is a side to passion that many people are not aware of. Lucky for you, Diligent in Business aims to bring just those things to light. Passion in the Greek language can also mean suffering. Starting a business is one of the most arduous and challenging things that any  can pursue. When considering starting your business, ask yourself, how much you are willing to suffer, especially during the formative years (loss of income, time, comforts etc).