ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY NIALA RAMKALLAWAN
With the dawn of each day, the entrepreneurship industry within Trinidad and Tobago gains further recognition and becomes more competitive. So much, that stakeholders are now stepping in directly to offer avenues for training, funding, support, trading, marketing, and even networking just to be a part of the action.
As the industry continues to build at a steady momentum and exhibit exponential growth, with such a vibrant caliber of people, there is no shortage of talent, ideas or creativity. If you glimpse closely enough, one will discover these entrepreneurs capitalize at times on one, two or even a multiple blend of varying and diverse entrepreneurial strategies as they engineer the best technique to get that competitive edge.
In cultivating a combination of strategies to pioneer the absolute best technique, these entrepreneurs aim to be the Ultimate Game Changers.
Before we delve deeper, for a moment honestly ask yourself the following:
1st Question: Today, who am I?
An entrepreneur, sole trader, business owner, manager, leader, boss man or boss lady.
2nd Question: In 5 years’ time, who do I want to be?
How about an inventor, risk taker, problem solver, opportunity tracker, investor, financier, strategist, even a business tycoon?
3rd Question: With my drive and determination, what do I want to accomplish?
Happiness, financial stability, partnerships/collaborations, a diversified portfolio, grander professional network, a distinguished and reputable brand, reinvestment opportunities, recognition locally, regionally or globally, or to build a legacy for the next generation?
At present, many of you will respond ‘I’m an entrepreneur’. If that is the consensus, I urge you to not take the title lightly.
The Business Dictionary (2019) defines an entrepreneur as “someone who exercises initiative by organizing a venture to take benefit of an opportunity and, as the decision maker, decides what, how, and how much of a good and service will be produced. An entrepreneur supplies risk capital as a risk taker, and monitors and controls the business activities.”
I want you to pay particular attention to the four (4) key elements underlined as these qualities are vital for any game changer.
Oftentimes, you will need to look within yourself to untap that hidden potential, view the situation from a different perspective, venture into unchartered territory, think ‘outside the box’ or go the extra mile to gain that upper hand.
No matter which sector of the industry you are in, strive to be better, push forward, work smarter, welcome a challenge, take the initiative and leap at opportunities. Don’t be afraid to research, make mental notes or ask questions.
This brings us to our Challenge for the Week.
I challenge you daily for an entire week: To Ask a Question (yes, it’s that simple.)
Note: The questions can vary from asking a training institution about a particular course, seeking advice from an expert, acquiring funding from a financial institution, sourcing raw materials, and the list goes on.
(What’s the worst that can happen right?)
Maybe you’ll get a vague reply, the silent treatment or an outright ‘no’.
(Here’s the marvel of the challenge. Please continue reading.)
I want you to hear a ‘maybe’ instead of ‘no’
Because that ‘maybe’ today, will become a ‘YES’ tomorrow.
Now keep that momentum going into another week and develop a habit. As you become a powerhouse of knowledge, you will be able to make better decisions, at times more informed, well-timed, faster, smarter, and cost-effective.
Always remember the solution lies within no one else but YOU.
Constructive tips that will guide you to becoming the next game changer:
1. Surround yourself with a strong support system and positive network.
2. Guard your mind against negative influences. (Pay less attention to negative comments in social media, naysayers and gossip.)
3. Care for your body as it is your temple. (Eat nutritious, well-balanced meals, then incorporate activities to help you unwind from your daily routine. Do meditation or yoga, physical exercise, listen to music, go sightseeing, scrapbook, whatever it may be.)
4. Keep daily self-reflection and journal entries. (List at least 3 good and bad experiences encountered throughout each day and devise solutions on how you could have reacted or handled the situation differently.)
5. Build your emotional architecture by improving your mindset. (Populate your mind with motivational thoughts, success stories, inspirational dialogues and the greatest business books.)
6. Design a realistic Vision Board. (As you see it, BELIEVE you can acquire and achieve it.)
7. Lastly, but by no means least, cultivate and train your mind to stay focused and determined. Even today, set aside time to devote to your spiritual life, integrating gratitude, meditation and prayer.
YOU are the driver of your destiny and THE ONE who will go the distance. Don’t let minor hiccups in business or personal setbacks deter you. Forge ahead into unchartered territory because IT IS WITHIN YOU to be the NEXT Game Changer.
Sources:
Definition of Entrepreneur - http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/entrepreneur.html
Link used in article - http://blog.launchyourgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/greatness.jpg
Niala is a Freelance MSE/Social Media Advisor, the Owner/Founder of Gia’s Creative Studio and YBTT Mentor/Advisor providing ‘Insights from a Creative Entrepreneur’ on leadership, strategy, forging a legacy, motivation and success.
Niala Ramkallawan, MBA, BSc.
You can find me on:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niala-r-71b12742/
YBTT - https://ybcaribbean.skysthelimit.org/volunteer-profile/15317
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/giascreativestudio/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giascreativestudio.868/
