CONTENTS
11 6 EDITOR’S NOTE Land of wood, water and missed green opportunities p.5
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NEWS p.7 DO GOOD Local environmental movement fights to stay afloat p.9 BUSINESS LOUNGE Jason Robinson and the Solar Buzz Jamaica story p.11 Financing options to go green in your business p.15 INSIGHTS Jamaicans uneasy with new tax package p.17
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DIASPORA Rosie Parke: Putting the ‘PEP’ in media relations p18 START UPS C2W launches IPO to support Caribbean songwriters p.21 4 tips for growing your business p.22 Y-FOLLOW The ‘green’ directory p.23
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Editor’s Note
Land of wood, water and
missed green opportunities
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t has always baffled me that a country like Jamaica, with practically year-round sunshine, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and constantly cooled by strong winds, should be caught in the throes of an energy crisis. Over the years, successive governments have failed to properly take advantage of these abundant natural resources to diversify our fuel mix. At the same time, as a people, we have continued to exploit our environment, from dumping garbage in rivers and gullies to denuding forestlands. While many countries have embraced the green movement, Jamaica, the land of wood and water, has been slow to catch on. The green economy is ripe with opportunity for those with patience and insight. One such person is Jason Robinson, who left Hollywood’s party scene to return home, armed with the knowledge gained from California’s passionate green movement, to start Solar Buzz Jamaica with his family. After running into red tape and finding that the country was not ready for their initial service, the Robinsons changed directions and after just one year of
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operation, the company is well on its way to becoming a household name. While the local green industry starts to grow, the environmental movement continues to struggle, as we hear from Jamaica Environment Trust’s Diana MacCaulay. However, the movement soldiers on with the upcoming Green Expo and the push by several local banks to assist companies in going green through special loans. We are obviously behind the curve in this regard, and for a country whose economy relies so heavily on sustaining its natural beauty, this shouldn’t be the case. Obviously, more information and education are needed at all levels of the society to help Jamaicans take better care of their surroundings and conserve energy and to open our eyes to the many opportunities in this important economic sector. It is time for us to truly go green. Tracey-Ann Wisdom
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News
National Environmental Awareness Week
Draft Small Business Procurement Policy ready
The National Environment Planning Agency (NEPA) kicked off National Environmental Awareness Week on June 2 with a service at the Andrews Memorial Seventh Day Adventist Church. Events for the week are:
The draft Small Business Procurement Policy for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector has been completed and will be tabled in the House of Representatives later this month.
t &OWJSPONFOU &YQP +VOF Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios at 2pm t 3PVOE )JMM &OWJSPONFOUBM )FBMUI BOE 4BGFUZ %BZ +VOF Roundhill Hotel, Hopewell, Hanover from 9am - 3pm t 1BSJTI $PVODJM TUBLFIPMEFST NFFUJOH +VOF "OHMJDBO $IVSDI Hall, St Ann’s Bay at 10am t -VODIFPO NFFUJOH XJUI MPDBM private sector/business interests - June 6, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios at 12:30pm
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June’s environmental calendar t %JTBTUFS 1SFQBSFEOFTT .POUI June 1 – 30 t "UMBOUJD $BSJCCFBO )VSSJDBOF Season: June 1– November 30 t /BUJPOBM &OWJSPONFOUBM "XBSFness Week: June 3 – 9 t 8PSME &OWJSPONFOU %BZ +VOF t 8PSME 0DFBOT %BZ +VOF t 8PSME %BZ UP $PNCBU %FTFSUJfication and Drought: June 17
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton will table the Green Paper during his contribution to the sectoral debate in the House of Representatives on June 20, to invite public input that will inform the final document. The policy is to support start-ups and early stage ventures as part of the government’s thrust to increase competitiveness, which require ministries and agencies to procure a portion of their goods and services from micro and small enterprises. The document was drafted by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce and the Ministry of Finance and Public Service.
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Do Good
Local environmental CEO of Jamaica Environment Trust, Diana MacCaulay, reading to children on Earth Day 2011
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wenty years ago, Jamaica boasted a vibrant environmental movement, with a number of active groups all doing their part to preserve our wood and water heritage. Fast forward to 2012 and while several of these groups are still in existence and new ones have joined the fight, there is no longer a ‘movement’, just individual groups struggling to stay afloat. “I think it is far less of a movement than it used to be. While we have environmental groups that are carrying out good work in different parts of the island, it’s rare that we work together to achieve mutual goals,� said Diana MacCaulay, the outspoken CEO of Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), one of the remaining stalwarts. Battling burnout McCaulay attributes this to burnout, as these groups usually have to do a lot on shoestring budgets, which was not the case 20 years ago as funding for environmental NGOs was more readily available, primarily through the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ). The additional squeeze brought on by UIF SFDFTTJPO IBT OPU POMZ QVU UIF CSBLFT PO UIF BDUJWJUJFT of many of these agencies, but the constant struggle to stay active and relevant also causes many of these activists to just throw in the towel. Such is the case of Wendy Lee, former board chairperson of the Northern Jamaica Conservation Association (NJCA), who stepped down from her duties in 2007 due to exhaustion. Since then, the 23-year-old association has virtually ground to a halt. “The problem is, due to a lack of financial support and human resources to keep NJCA running, we have no current funded projects. NJCA has no income apart from minuscule individual donations from time to time and our administration is non-existent,� said Lee, whose advocacy still contineus through radio interviews and assisting students with environmental-based assignments. She also runs a small, selffunded wildlife rescue and care facility out of her home.
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Education and advocacy continue The NJCA is perhaps best known for its 2006 fight to revoke an environmental permit granted for construction of the Gran Bahia Principe hotel at Pear Tree Bottom, St Ann, which was later reinstated. In its heyday, the organisation also implemented projects like the Community Outreach, Education and Advocacy for Biodiversity Conservation in Northern Jamaica programme, funded by the EFJ. JET, which has the dual functions of education and advocacy, has also been busy. In recent times, it has fought the fake beach built on the Blue Lagoon in Portland and won a case against the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) regarding road expansion work on the Palisadoes strip, which is a protected area. The agency is currently judging its Schools Environment Programme, where the most environmentally conscious schools will be awarded later this month. This is being funded by the EFJ. JET has thrived by diversifying its income streams, not relying solely on the EFJ and grant funders. For groups that are struggling, MacCaluay suggested developing a paid membership structure and operating income-generating activities. She also said JET has an endowment fund, which it has been building TJODF Jamaica is grappling with a number of pressing environmental issues, including degraded forests and dying coral reefs and unity is needed if the movement is to have any impact. “The diversity of the groups is a strength, not a weakness,� MacCaulay said. We don’t have to agree on everything and we don’t have to all be working on the same things, but there must be a few things that we can agree on and work towards.�
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Business Lounge Real Business. Real Talk.
From Hollywood to Kingston Jason Robinson and the Solar Buzz Jamaica story
By Tracey-Ann Wisdom Photos by Jermaine Evans
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few years ago, Jason Robinson was living the Hollywood life. He had played small parts in an episode of CSI:Miami and the movie 500 Days of Summer, but he was most widely known for Rock Jamaica, the parties his company, Free i Entertainment, would throw at some of the glitziest A-list nightspots around town. The self-confessed ‘start up freak’, who moved from selling candy as a youngster to promoting parties at the University of Central Florida, had moved to California after selling his stake in JaRealty.com, “Jamaica’s first fully online business” to pursue his entertainment industry dreams.
I feel very positive “that the renewable
energy and green message in Jamaica is getting out there.
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Co-founder, director and CEO of Solar Buzz Jamaica, Jason Robinson
However, it was California’s passion for the green movement that soon won him over and would eventually see him move back home to start another company, Solar Buzz Jamaica, with his younger brother Justin and their father, Gordon. A different vision “I had gotten involved in solar energy there and was also working in entertainment. My brother, Justin, was in Jamaica and kept informing me about the energy crisis down here and I moved back,” Robinson, the company’s co-founder, director and CEO said. “We were both part of another solar energy company at first and we decided that we wanted to start our own company to pursue a different vision than what most solar energy companies were doing in Jamaica.” Coming back from California’s green lifestyle, Robinson expected to find a ready industry in Jamaica, but that wasn’t the case. “Solar Buzz essentially… started off as a solar company and, moving back, I was under the impression that Jamaica would be really attracted to the idea of going solar, that the government would be behind it and there wouldn’t be all these barriers to entry that the company came up on,” Robinson said. For starters, they weren’t allowed to sell power back to the Jamaica Public Service Company’s grid; they had to pay duties on many of the items they imported and there was a general lack of pubic education about energy conservation and going green. The Robinsons had to think quickly to spin the situa-
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tion in their favour. “Through that difficulty, we had to change the entire focus of the business, from selling solar energy to becoming an energy conservation company, educating people on the importance of conservation,” he said, adding that this change of direction has turned out to be more fulfilling. Several customers have even called to report negative JPS bills due to some of the measures the company has implemented for them. Thirty per cent savings on electricity Since launching last June, Solar Buzz has made it a priority to help average Jamaicans and commercial customers alike realise savings of up to 30 per cent on their electricity bills. “Most of our products are pretty inexpensive, that people wouldn’t really need financing for,” Robinson said. Among these products are the Owl Electricity Monitor, for which Solar Buzz has the exclusive distribution rights in Jamaica and the energy efficient pool pump, which uses 90 per cent less energy than traditional pumps. The Owl monitor is plugged into your breaker panel and shows how much energy each appliance in your home or business is using in real time. Solar systems installations are usually reserved for commercial/industrial clients, as this is more beneficial for these companies than the average residential customers. The focus is mostly on businesses that ulitise cold storage, which is a 24/7 undertaking. For commercial services, Solar Buzz works with local banks to help customers get financing. www.ezinesreader.com
A residential installation completed by Solar Buzz Jamaica
“Whether you’re residential or commercial, small business or large, we always try to start with an energy assessment and through that we will develop a plan,” Robinson said. He explained that up until the recent approval for net billing, which allows customers to sell their unused energy back to the Jamaican Public Service Company, residential customer had to purchase an expensive battery system to store power, which goes to waste if no one is home during the day to use it.
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I see solar really growing for us. We haven’t even scratched the surface of that side of the business yet.
Best use of technology Solar Buzz Jamaica is only one year old, but already it has generated a lot of interest in the media for its innovative take on going green and energy conservation. At the recent Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association/ Jamaica Exporters’ Association Expo at the National Arena, the company walked away with the prize for best use of technology in a display. This was quite a coup as it was one of the smallest booths at the event. “It was a stretch for us because we’re such a small company. Financially, to be involved, it took its toll, but I definitely can say it was well worth the investment,” Robinson said. While there, the team caught the eye of various government ministers, including energy minister Philip Paulwell, who invited them to participate in the Energy Efficiency Conservation Programme. Paulwell also expressed interest in having the OWL energy monitors featured in the national programme.
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Robinson receives the award for best use of technology in a booth from LIME Jamaica chairman, Chris Dehring at the recent JMA/JEA Expo.
These are significant achievements for a company so young, but obviously, Robinson is not about to rest on his laurels. Solar Buzz Jamaica continues to spread the message about the importance of renewable energy and conservation throughout Jamaica, while expanding its product offerings and looking to get them into retail stores. Robinson also has an eye on the wider Caribbean market and has even had talks with potential customers in Latin America.
Spreading the green message Of course, they also have to push the solar power aspect of the business, which he admits is still in its infancy. “I see solar really growing for us. We haven’t even scratched the surface of that side of the business yet,” he said. “The way that we’ve seen to spread the green message is to focus on helping people solve the initial problem here (high electricity bills) through inexpensive ways and once they can start saving, you can start educating them on other ways in their lifestyle to go green.
”
“It started off extremely challenging. It’s always going to be challenging, but what I’m really proud of is the way we were able to approach these challenges and expand our services and products lines to really take advantage of the opportunities that are there,” Robinson continued. “I feel very positive that the renewable energy and green message in Jamaica is getting out there.”
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Business Lounge
Illustration by Oshane Coldspring
Financing options to go green in your business
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ou don’t have to operate a business in the ‘green sector’ to be conscious of your company’s effect on the environment. You can take steps to ‘green’ your business by installing solar panels to reduce electricity usage and low flow toilets and faucets to save water. You can also use fluorescent light bulbs or solar water heaters. These and other similar measures help to save you some money on your utility bills at the end of the month. However, they can be pricey to install, a fact that has prevented more companies and households from hopping on board the green bandwagon. The average small business doesn’t have the kind of budget that would allow them to self-finance major installations such as solar panels, but many local banks now offer loan options for companies looking to go green. Here
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are some options to consider. In all cases, the company’s renewable energy plan must be assessed and collateral/security provided. CAPITAL AND CREDIT MERCHANT BANK CCMB’s Renewable Energy loan allows new and existing customers to CPSSPX VQ UP NJMMJPO UP JOTUBMM TPMBS panels, turbines or any other green energy source. Interest rates are as low BT QFS DFOU QFS BOOVN XJUI VQ UP 10 years to repay. The bank also offers MPBOT UP QVSDIBTFnjTPMBS XBter heaters, with interest rates as low BT QFS DFOU QFS BOOVN XJUI VQ UP three years to repay. EXIM BANK Primarily targeting businesses in the manufacturing/industrial sector, this facility offers short- and long-term
lines of credit in both US and Jamaican DVSSFODZ :PV DBO CPSSPX VQ UP million long-term (five years) at interFTU SBUFT PG QFS DFOU GPS +BNBJDBO EFOPNJOBUFE MPBOT BOE QFS DFOU for US dollar loans. Borrowers needJOH NPSF UIBO NJMMJPO DBO CF BDcommodated at rates of 10 per cent +BNBJDBO BOE QFS DFOU 64 DEVELOPMENT BANK OF JAMAICA Borrowers can apply for this loan, under the DBJ-PetroCaribe Energy Fund, through the banks list of approved financial and micro-financing institutions :PV DBO BDDFTT VQ UP million at a rate of eight per cent on the reducing balance per annum, with up to five years to repay. Loans in exDFTT PG . BSF BWBJMBCMF BU QFS cent.
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Insights
Jamaicans uneasy with
new tax package Finance minister, Peter Phillips
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slate of new tax measures took effect at the start of the month, but even before that, the announcement of a number of these measures raised the hackles of many Jamaicans. For instance, the social media sphere and radio talk shows have been abuzz with impassioned complaints about the new taxes on books and local staple, beef patties. Meanwhile, members of the business community have reasons for both celebration and chagrin: corporate income tax for unSFHVMBUFE DPNQBOJFT XBT DVU GSPN QFS DFOU UP QFS cent, but all registered businesses will now have to pay a flat fee of $60,000 a year, in a move designed to halt tax evasion. These and other measures have been taken in a bid to raise $23.4 billion in additional revenue, to help fund the huge $612 billion budget. They are also part of the government’s threeyear Tax and Tax Administration Reform package, aimed at meeting the revenue demands of the budget, ensuring greater equity and simplicity and increasing compliance. According to finance minister Peter Phillips, during his budget presentation, some of the measures include “reducing distortions through drastic reductions in tax incentives and waivers [and] widening the tax base for both corporate income tax and consumption taxes.� However, many analysts have likened the new budget to a double-edged sword, beneficial on the one hand but lethal on the other. Case in point: the one percentage reduction of the HFOFSBM DPOTVNQUJPO UBY ($5 GSPN QFS DFOU UP per cent and its application to several previously exempted goods. Earlier this year, the PSOJ’s Private Sector Working
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Group, in its contribution to the tax reform debate, proposed B ($5 SBUF PG QFS DFOU XIJDI XPVME CF BQQMJFE UP B wider array of goods. This was met with derision as many saw it as taxing the poor. In light of the current tax package, isn’t the negligible one per cent cut then a slap in the face? Other contentious issues in sections of the business commuOJUZ JODMVEF B QFS DFOU ($5 PO FMFDUSJDJUZ DPOTVNQUJPO above 300 kilowatt hours, an adjustment to termination costs for telephone calls, which the telecoms companies will have to pick up and the new room tax levied on the hotel sector. The tax on electricity consumption is a blow to the manufacturing sector, which has been crying out for years about already exorbitant light bills, which increases production costs and consequently lowers the regional and international competitiveness of locally produced goods. The tourism sector has been hurt by the global economic downturn of the past four years as less people are travelling internationally. This new room tax could have a deleterious effect on the smaller properties in the hotel industry, which don’t have the same kind of resources the bigger chains and international brands do. The adjustment to the call termination rates has prompted Digicel to speak out, warning of restrictions to further local investment by the current telecoms operators. Even worse, it could be argued, other telecoms players looking to invest in Jamaica could be turned off by these measures.
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Diaspora
Rosie Parke:
Putting the ‘PEP’ in Media Relations Rosie ‘Peppy’ Parke, also known to the many listeners and viewers of her popular show PEP Talk as Yaa Gyasi, is the definition of a self-made woman. She completed her high school education at Ardenne High School in 1992 and spent the next decade at Jamaica Telephone Company (now LIME) before joining the Jamaica Observer. PR maven and talk show host, Rosie Parke
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fter migrating from Kingston to Maryland in 2003 due to a family tragedy, she soon enrolled in a Public Relations and Management Masters programme at the University of Maryland University College. Piecemeal temp jobs followed before Parke realised she was meant to be her own boss. i*O * IBE B MJGF DIBOHJOH FYQFSJFODF BOE SFBMJTFE UIBU * was missing Jamaica and the way people connected with each other desperately. It was then that I decided to start Caribbean RIDDIMZ (a monthly networking series) with a friend. Two months later, he told me he was getting out of it, and I decided to make it my own and re-create it. My company, Peppy Entertainment and Promotions (PEP), was born out of that,” she said. Parke currently runs PEP in addition to working as the director of public affairs for a non-profit in Washington, DC. PEP offers a range of services including public relations, event planning and management, artist representation and booking as well as organising fitness and wellness programmes. Already cemented as a PR maven, Parke put her ‘gift of gab’ to even better use last year, carving a niche for herself in the competitive talk show world with PEP Talk, which is broadcast in 21 Caribbean islands via the CaribVision network, on DCTV in Washington, DC and on various Internet channels. The programme features guests from a variety of
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fields, including musicians and community leaders from the Caribbean, the Diaspora and Africa. “Notable guests include Cen’C Love, the late Faruq Muhammad, Seestah Imahkus, who I interviewed in Ghana and Tippa Irie, who I interviewed in London,” she said. Parke works independently but sub-contracts to various service providers. She is currently seeking a financial partner as she plans to expand operations into Jamaica, England, Canada and Ghana, where she does regular community work. “I do want to set up shop in Jamaica and Ghana in the next two years, primarily providing PR services to those who do not typically get media attention,” she said. This is part of Parke’s commitment to giving back, which was instilled in her as a child. She has done extensive work with community-based organisations and also plans her own selfempowerment and fund-raising events, including an annual Women’s History Month programme. Parke is also the cultural communications ambassador of the Universal Negro Improvement Association - African Communities League (UNIA-ACL). “Throughout my life, I have always felt like my purpose on this earth was to let my light shine and also help others and, to this day, I am very eager to do things which are bigger than me,” she said.
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Start Ups
C2W launches IPO to support Caribbean songwriters
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hen Rihanna started turning heads on the international TDFOF XJUI 1PO %F 3FQMBZ JO NBOZ Caribbean music lovers were proud that one of our own had made it – and with a definite ‘island’ rhythm. Seven years later, she is one of the biggest superstars in the game with a string of hits and endorsement deals. She has certainly done well representing the Caribbean, but checks of her song credits will reveal that there aren’t any regional songwriters alongside Ne-yo and her other hit-makers. This is one of the situations that spurred Ivan Berry to leave his job as a respected music executive in Canada to start Caribbean 2 World (C2W) Music Limited, a music publishing company that hopes to discover and develop the region’s very own crop of songwriters like Ne-yo. “I felt that the Caribbean, traditionally, has done a great job at the export of culture, but I felt that we didn’t reap the full benefits from our export‌ What we don’t want to do is export culture for the rest of the world to make a taxable income and the Caribbean is just not benefiting from it,â€? Berry said. The company, started late last year, is currently hosting a series of camps across the Caribbean, collaborating with
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(L-R) President and director of operations at C2W, Derek Wilkie; Jamaican-Canadian songwriter, Rupert Gayle; Max Goose, senior vice president of Island Def Jam; and CEO of C2W, Ivan Berry, at a press conference in Trinidad.
some of the biggest songwriters, such as Eric Bellinger (Usher, Chris Brown), Jackie Boyz (Madonna) and Rob Wells (Backstreet Boys, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez); and executives from major labels like Def Jam and Columbia, to assist the writers. The next camp is slated for Jamaica later this month. “Although we are inclusive of reggae and soca, the main business plan of this company is to create songs and copyrights for the global pop market. We’re writing for Beyonce, Katy Perry, Rihanna – for any global artiste,� he said. C2W writers have already penned songs they hope to get on the upcoming albums of superstars like Rachel Crow (X Factor), Amber Riley (Glee), Jeremih, Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber. Another major thrust is getting songs in TV shows and films. Exposing the writers to music supervisors in Hollywood, C2W hopes to help them craft songs for specific types of projects. C2W recently launched a successful IPO through Stocks and Securities Limited on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market, raising more than $129 million for QFS DFOU PG JUT TIBSFT 5IF CVML PG this, Berry said, will be used to fund the camps and travel expenses as he plans to take his writers to work with top studios
in the US, UK and Canada. Berry and his partners Derek Wilkie, CEO of the Barbadian Copyright Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (COSCAP) and Kris Astaphan, former executive vicepresident of Michael Lee Chin’s AIC Limited, decided on an IPO to get more investors to support the creative industry. “In order to change the thought pattern towards the creative industry, we have to allow the entire public to invest in the industry and show that we could put our money where our mouth is and prove to them that their investment is transparent and sustainable and accountable,� Berry said. C2W is a regional company and Berry is from St Kitts, but Jamaica was chosen for the IPO because the JSE Junior Market offered the best deal. “And where else to house this company when you’re talking about music and culture and creativity?� Berry added. The company is looking to sign and manage an initial 12 songwriters for the first few years. So far, it has signed Candy Gloster and Mark Cyrus from St Vincent, plus Alexander Larcombe and John King from Barbados.
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Start Ups
4 tips for growing your business
Entrepreneur, author and media personality, Mike Michalowicz
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ell-known entrepreneur, author and media personality Mike Michalowicz was recently in Jamaica for an event entitled Entrepreneurial Reflections with Mike Michalowicz. During his presentation, he shared his own journey – including the sacrifices, pitfalls and eventual rebounds of running a business. He shared with the entrepreneurs several key pieces of advice to grow their own companies. Here are four of his tips.
1. Focus on your 2. Don’t believe core clientele your own hype We’ve always been told that the customer – implying every single customer – is always right, but Michalowicz advised the audience to seek out and pay close attention only to feedback from repeat clients. They have developed a rapport with your business, so try to engage them occasionally with questions about your product or service and your performance. Bonus? They are more likely to refer you to others.
t %PO U CFMJFWF ZPVS PXO IZQF 0ODF ZPVS business starts to succeed, remember to prioritise and exercise financial prudence. After selling his first company and making his first millions, Michalowicz admitted to letting arrogance get the better of him and going on a mad spending spree. Consequently, he lost everything and was forced to rethink his idea of wealth and success. “As I was doing it, I didn’t get it because I had thought that was what successful people did,� he said. “I found most successful people don’t need to prove that they’re successful. The most successful people I’ve met since, are the most humble people in the world.�
4. Form strategic alliances with other companies in your industry “Get to know the other people your clients depend on,� Michalowicz said. Let’s say you own a technology training business, and you find out that your biggest client purchases equipment from a large computer store. You could approach the other business about creating a discount installation/training package, thus enlarging your network and customer base.
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3. Pick a niche and stick to it t 1JDL B OJDIF BOE TUJDL UP JU "T B small company, you might be tempted to try to reach every potential customer out there, but Michalowicz recommended that you find a niche market and work to become the go-to expert in that field. Instead of offering your technology training services across several industries, pick one – for example, private security companies. Then make sure the relevant people see you – call on the owners of these companies; attend security conferences locally, regionally and internationally; stage your own conference, if you can afford it. “The more people see you, the more they trust you and you get all their attention,� Michalowicz advised.
Get more tips from Mike: Pre-order his new book The Pumpkin Plan: A Simple Strategy to Grow a Remarkable Business in Any Field
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Y-follow
THE ‘GREEN’ DIRECTORY Whether you run a green business, are interested in the sector or simply want to stay abreast of news and information related to the movement, these are some of the people and organisations to help you.
NEWS AND UPDATES @EPAnews All the news from the influential environmental watchdog @UNEP The UN Environment Programme tweets on the orgnisation’s latest environmental initiatives @HuffPostGreen The Huffington Post tweets all its green coverage, ranging from the vital to the quirky BLOGS @sustainablog Founder Jeff McIntire-Strasburg has been writing about sustainability and green business since 2004. @the_daily_green A consumer-focused blog featuring helpful guides to going green, breaking news and fun posts like the ‘Weird Weather Watch’ @Earth2Tech For breaking news on cleantech companies and smart, focused analysis of the cleantech industry more LOCAL @ECCOMagazine For news and features on Caribbean eco-consciousness and environmental issues @jamentrust The Jamaica Environment Trust is an environmental nonprofit organisation focused on education and law advocacy. @nepajamaica National Environment and Planning Agency is the public sector agency in charge of managing and protecting Jamaica’s natural resources.
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