What advice do you have for prospective entrepreneurs?
Hmmm. Be prepared to work extremely hard, success doesn’t come overnight. Register your business & ensure you pay your taxes & comply with government rules and regulations. Research, Plan, Execute. Focus on your internal processes & the people in your organization. Happy staff makes happy customers which will eventually make you happy and smile to the bank. Be in the know, know your industry, know your competitors, and keep ahead of the game. Remain humble; don’t let success get to your head. Rise fast, fall faster. People will say you have changed, change is good and you have no choice but to change as you gain more experience & develop. Network – join chamber of commerce, Kiwanis, etc. Use Social Media to your advantage – LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook. Grooming and appropriateness is important, eat properly (fruits & vegetables), exercise regularly, rest is important, make time for family (your kids need you & your spouse also needs your attention). Find a role model and study them. As a business leader/entrepreneur it’s important to pay it forward by being a mentor to a youngster and give back to your community. Hire young people and give them work experience. Last but not least, always give thanks. The more you give, the more you receive.
What do you do?
I hustle. I juggle. I work hard. I provide for my family. I fight. I persist. I keep pushing forward. I never give up. I learn. I grow. I fail. I win. I teach. I encourage. I facilitate the growth and development of people. I run businesses. I’m an Entrepreneur & I consider myself a philanthropist. I research. I plan. I organize. I manage. I make strategic decisions about moving my companies forward.
Why did you get in business?
I got into business because I was always fascinated by business. I was born into a family business; hence, I have a business background. I remember while attending high school, I would sell games at school and I made good money to be able to save. Also, while attending Montego Bay Community College I embarked on various activities to make money. I was the Valedictorian of my class & I was also the Contracted Photographer for the Valedictory Service. Needless to say, I was shooting and graduating at the same time. So, I was always business-minded and looking for opportunities. Also, because I’m passionate about business and my financial freedom.
When did you first realize you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
From mi have sense. Since High School I realize I had leadership qualities. I liked being in charge. I liked giving directions and playing the lead role. I also liked leading by example and getting my hands dirty as I’m a hands-on person.
What were some of the key things you
did to become an entrepreneur?
Save, Research, learn money management. It’s important to understand your Industry, know your market, competition and your customers. Understand the legal requirements before diving in. Ask questions, get help, someone has been through the path before you, why reinvent the wheel.