MONTSERRAT, W.I. – “Although the reports of a dire tourism season is cause to tighten our belts, it is also a time to free our thinking and move outside the box,” says entrepreneur and author Nerissa Golden.
Golden is the founder of the Young Entrepreneurs Symposium and Truly Caribbean Network, a non-profit foundation established to create opportunities for Caribbean people globally.
The Caribbean is bracing for a tough tourist season as many of the largest world economies are struggling to regain their financial footing. Governments and tourism organizations are scrambling for solutions and many are fearful of whether they will have a job in the coming months.
“This is not a time to allow fear to control and limit your thinking. It is time for Caribbeanpreneurs to find new strategies to get ahead. This crisis is also creating new opportunities and we need to open our eyes to see them,” added Golden.
The entrepreneur suggests that people who may be fearful of losing their jobs in the coming season first of all, see the time ahead as a great moment of transition which can be to their benefit. Many of the most successful billionaires made their money during the toughest economic times, she explained, enterprising Caribbean people can do the same.
“First this is not just a problem for Caribbean governments to solve for its people. Each of us can take steps to improve our personal economic situations. The small kitchen business can probably be a greater source of income with a better strategic plan and some promotion. Rather than pressure clients who are also experiencing the same financial crisis to pay you all at once, find alternative payment structures to alleviate their burden and yours, barter where possible and be patient,” explained the author of The Making of a Caribbeanpreneur:
Golden, who is also a single mother said that every effort must be made to alleviate stress as the tendency under pressure is to lash out at those closest to us. “Be very watchful of increased areas of stress and find positive outlets to combat the pressure you may be feeling. Children and spouses are not verbal or physical punching bags. It is actually a time to reach out in love and give to others. The greatest power to overcome fear is love and this economic challenge is a good time to practice this.”
The Making of a Caribbeanpreneur:
More ideas on combating fears and finding solutions to financial and emotional struggles are available online at www.trulycaribbean.net. The author and speaker can be contacted at info@trulycaribbean.net for advice and training.
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Author and entrepreneur Nerissa Golden says the present economic challenges is an opportunity that Caribbeanpreneurs need to make use. She encourages them to think outside the box to find new markets, ways to maintain their income but do not see quitting as an option. Golden is the author of The Making of a Caribbeanpreneur:
