Why Jamaica Can (And Will) Lead the World in Next Generation Entrepreneurialism
Yes, Jamaica. You know the Jamaica I am talking about. The beautiful resorts, the amazing Dunn’s River Falls and the world famous “No problem, Man!” white glove service. (NOTE: It is in fact “man” and not “mon”, the American ear simply hears the accent as “mon”)
If you have ever visited Jamaica, via a flight to Montego Bay, that may be all you have ever seen, besides the few communities visible through the window of your bus during your mad dash from the airport to your caged in resort. I have vacationed in Jamaica as a tourist. I have done that. And I have relished the sliver of beauty I was exposed to.
My visit this September was not for vacation. It went to inspire people and show them the path of entrepreneurialism. Alas, they inspired me and have shown me the path.
I flew into Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, this time and stayed at a Jamaican home. I traveled and walked throughout Kingston. I saw the perimeter of the dangerous ghettos that tourists and locals alike rarely enter. I toured the middle class areas and walked parts of the wealthy Kingston 8 area.
And I spoke with many people. Many, many people. It was here that I discovered something I didn’t expect. I discovered something far more beautiful and inspiring than you would ever see as a tourist. It is the entrepreneurs of Jamaica with their relentless pursuit to improve themselves and the world that is beautiful and inspiring. In one word, I was impressed. In a few words, I was impressed to my core.
By any measure, Jamaica is small. An island that is dwarfed by Cuba. And Cuba, in the scheme of things, is extremely tiny itself. The economy of Jamaica, too, is small. New Jersey alone has an economy fifty times bigger than Jamaica. Fifty times! And even the population is small, with 2.7 million people living in the entire country. To put that in perspective, about 1.7 million people commute into New York City every morning. So, by the end of the evening rush, New York has moved more people in and out in a single day than Jamaica has as an entire population.
So what’s the point? Jamaica’s small. So what? There is power in small. Lot’s of power. David beat Goliath after all.
I believe the world is in the early stages of “next generation entrepreneurialism.” These are entrepreneurs who are building businesses not with the primary intent of getting rich, but with the primary or perhaps the exclusive intent of serving others. Don’t mistake this group for push-overs, or charities or hand-outs. This new type of entrepreneur has an absolute awareness and desire for riches. But they are acutely aware that wealth is inevitable, when they serve others first. Call them go-givers. Call them next generation entrepreneurs. Call them Toilet Paper Entrepreneurs, if you wish (I do). But know one thing for sure, they are getting rich. And they are getting rich, right.
So what does Jamaica have to do with the “next generation entrepreneur?” They are leading the way! Who would have thought it? But it is true. “Little” Jamaica is making a BIG impact. I have seen it first hand… I have seen the light (and lots of it, coupled with humid, 90+ F degree heat). This is how Jamaica is doing it:
Natural Opportunities Abound
1. Sun and Heat – The Jamaican entrepreneurs have caught on. They are the Mecca for natural energy research because of their continuous sun and warmth. They are sitting on the opportunity of a lifetime and they know it. The constant sun (minus a hurricane or two), can position them as leaders in the green movement.
2. Personality – The people of Jamaica, as a whole, are extremely courteous, friendly and stress free. Particularly when you base this on American standards. I can see the call centers now.
3. Location, Location, Location – A mere one hour time difference from the US East Coast (and that’s only during day light savings time – otherwise there’s no difference); a short flight from New York to Kingston; and a major shipping hub. Add those up and opportunities abound.
Hyper-Social Networking
1. World Wide Jamaicans - It is estimated that more Jamaicans live overseas than in their homeland. The U.K., Canada and the US are home to the majority of overseas transplants, providing local Jamaican entrepreneurs with a natural network that extends internationally… and in many cases the network is family members. Many transplants are starting to come back to their homeland and with them comes their wealth and their networks.
2. Two Degrees of Separation - Everyone doesn’t just seem to be related, but many residents are related in some way. It is not uncommon for Jamaican natives to have thirty or more Jamaican cousins if you are a native. This quickly adds up to only a few degrees of separation from some very influential folks like the Prime Minister, Usain Bolt, or anyone else in the country. Talk about power networking.
International Influence
1. Name Recognition - For a small country, it has a lot of emotional influence over its super power neighbor. Mention Usain Bolt, Cool Running’s, Reggae, or Bob Marley and most of the world’s citizens instantly recognizes Jamaica. Try to do that for any other country in the Caribbean, perhaps the world.
The Right Mindset
1. Complacency, Not! – I have seen it first hand. “The satisfied” stop hunting and “the hungry” hunt harder. The Jamaican entrepreneurs are hungrier than any other entrepreneurial group I have ever met. But don’t mistake hunger with starvation. Starvation results in desperation. Hunger results in calculated moves. The Jamaican entrepreneurs are hungry, very hungry… but not starving.
2. Don’t Resist, Instead Strive – Possibly the biggest indicator of Jamaica’s inevitable entrepreneurial triumphs is the desire to strive, not the desire to resist. The Jamaican entrepreneurs I met had a great desire to be true to themselves, and to comply with their hearts desires. They clearly appreciate and want the achievements of wealthy nations, but they want it on their terms. Their way. This leads to differentiation, and leads to huge opportunity. The Jamaicans have this right – they are pushing ahead, not pushing away.
3. We Are What We Speak – No other variable has more influence over our success as entrepreneurs then what we say about ourselves. I have heard every Jamaican entrepreneur, both female and male say “No problem man.” But, and this is a big BUT, the meaning behind it is speaking to their success and not simply a quip to stress reduction. This popular phrase is being used with growing focus toward their aspirations. I asked one entrepreneur about the aviation business he plans on starting. I asked him if he really fathomed something so grand was possible. He said “Yes. Absolutely. It’s no problem, man.”
I’m not stupid. Jamaica is facing nearly (emphasis on nearly) insurmountable challenges. Guns for drugs trading, an overwhelmed police force, a burdened education system, a struggling (albeit improving) transportation infrastructure, skyrocketing inflation, rampant crime, the list goes on and on. The cup isn’t half full; but nonetheless there is clearly something to drink. And the young entrepreneurs of Jamaica are starting to fill the cup even more.
There is more than a mere hope in Jamaica. There is a belief here.
I have met with the next generations of Jamaican entrepreneurs. They know their destiny, it is undeniable. They will not be stopped.
I have talked with them, I have observed them and I have heard them. They know, deep inside, it is now their turn. And it is these entrepreneurs, here in Jamaica, who have started a small, but prideful and relentless change. Jamaica, in its on small way, has started the next generation of entrepreneurialism. The giant perhaps is still sleeping, but David for sure has awoken.
The entrepreneurial world has grown today. Maybe in a very small way, but it has grown. And more positive change has begun. The world has flattened even more, and as a result the opportunities for all of us have increased. The new generation of entrepreneurialism has been more clearly defined by getting rich right, not fast. And there is a country to thank. Not only for what they have done, but for what they will do. Thank you, Jamaica.
Subscribe to Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Blog and you too can get this crap delivered right to your bathroom (or where ever you use your laptop)!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tags: country leading entrepreneurs, Entrepreneur, entrepreneurialism, Jamaica, new generation
September 15th, 2008
As I was reading this post…it gave me chills three separate times. The way you craft your argument around why you believe what you believe is something no one can argue with.
Wow is all I have to say.
Thank You Jamaica.
September 16th, 2008
[...] Here is his motivating and inspiring post about why he thinks Jamaica will lead the world in The Next Generation of Entrepreneurship. Mike Michalowicz “The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur” Jamaica Post [...]
September 16th, 2008
Great post Mike and I was glad to be your host in Jamaica and expose you to what I grew up in, not the touristy side.
You certainly inspired the 60+ attendees and your book (and your next trip) will inspire an entire nation to merely repeat history and follow in the footsteps of Bob Marley.
As your quote of Marely in the book says as a great lesson about entrepreneurship: “My music will go on forever. Maybe is a fool that says that, but when me know facts, me talk facts. My music will go on forever.”
Jamaicans have a saying: “Wi likkle but we tallawah” which is simply “We are little but we are taller than whatever”
We are ready to “step out” and “done di place”
To di Worl’
September 16th, 2008
Well said mike. I like the confidence you have in us.
David I really believe we really are taller than we have ever been. And it’s our time to take a bigger slice of the pie that through our influence others have started to bake.
September 16th, 2008
Great article. We just found your blog. This goes so much in line with what we are doing. We are now readers. Keep up the great work and inspiration.
L8R
September 16th, 2008
Beautifully crafted post.
You strengthen the teachings of some of the most successful entrepreneurs from which I have learned. One of their (collective) teachings is to serve others first. In the social networking medium, it is an absolute must. Just try to hit up someone with a blatant sale without offering to help them first and see how quickly you will be shunned.
It seems as though the Jamaican Entrepreneurs have taken our social network behavior out of the virtual and into the physical world.
As the world shrinks, it is great to learn about places and people that are kindred spirits to ourselves.
And yes…Dunn’s River Falls is amazing!
September 16th, 2008
Chase,
I am with you 100%. I think we need to leverage the fact that are different, yet the same. Meaning our up bringing, our backgrounds, our culture, etc. are all different. But the fact we are all humans, we are all the same.
It is almost bizzare how much the same we all are. You say it best – “we are kindred spirits”
Thanks for the comment, brother!
- Mike
September 16th, 2008
Mike,
Your post made my heart feel great joy. I love hearing about how people want to change their lives for the better and have a steadfast belief in what they are doing. I believe that in the depths of triumph greatness shines through, and in this post you clearly highlight that Jamaica is going through this.
I want the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Movement to continue to spread throughout the world, as entrepreneurs from every nation come together to realize we can all solve a whole mess of problems by loving more.
Thanks again for the great post, and keep up the awesome job you’re doing. I hope to see you again soon.
- Andrew
September 16th, 2008
* I meant to say the depths of despair, not triumph
September 16th, 2008
Dang! Right on! It is so encouraging to see that there are folks living with purpose and putting others first… the world needs more of this… it is cool to see people inspiring others by living as an example, not just talking about it… Keep up the AWESOME posts Mike; you’ll change the world one entrepreneur at a time.
September 16th, 2008
Well, right now its all about BAGAWIYA
the JAMAICAN clothing line thats all about life and living it to the fullest, with its bold designs and catchy phrases….its something that you can’t help but love…
cause life is like a BAG-OF-WIRE…….don’t get it twisted….
life is like a BAG -OF-WIRE……straighten it out……
life is like a BAG – OF- WIRE…..go with the flow….
September 16th, 2008
Mike has build a list of factors that could influence entrepreneurship in Jamaica in the near future. While his report is full of enthusiasm, I can’t stop thinking if the way he saw things isn’t that the way things go in Eastern Europe? A young generation of entrepreneurs that think the World if theirs and move mountains in a society that was asleep for so many years before?
September 16th, 2008
Excellent post Mike. As Scott said, the way the words are crafted cause chills, so much so that even myself, as a Jamaican, have experienced it. Its good for a change to hear such optimistic words generated from a mind that is not localized. Jamaica is full of innovative minds and we as TPE’S shall bring out the best in those who knew not what they had in them.
It was great working with you here, and I’m looking forward to bettering out aspirations for the future.
September 16th, 2008
Your post truly resonates with me and I apprecilove your vision. I’ve had the honor of working in and with Jamaican Entrepeneurs for the past three years primarily. Having traveled there regularly since 1985 and living there a year to get a feel for the entrepreneurial spirit / possibilities there, you can make a difference.
Cooked on a wood fire, often with an umbrella due to afternoon showers. Hand washed clothes had to be on the line before 5am to dry before first showers. It was an experience of a lifetime, I’ll cherish forever.
Today, generally speaking, the attitude is more positive; more people are sticking to their plan and it has become contageous. To keep it all in perspective, those with hope will make it work.
Anxious to read your future postings and learn about your continued successes.
September 16th, 2008
Very powerful piece Mike. Your article shows as entrepreneurs in as much as we are different, we are very much alike. Thanks for making the world a little bit smaller.
September 16th, 2008
Truly heartening and inspiring, I was captivated from beginning to end…As I mentioned to you early with this article alone you can win the hearts of many Jamaicans, simply because you praised Jamaicans, firstly as a people, a nation, and secondly as the entrepreneurs to lead the world.
I especially loved the quote “The satisfied stop hunting, but the hungry hunt harder”, truly words to live by, even die by…much love sah.
September 16th, 2008
What a fantastic experience! Thank you for sharing it with us, and for reminding us how very small our big world is. I am particularly fond of the “Natural Opportunities” section of your article; the more organic an idea the more natural the progression to success. Use what you have around you and within you to achieve greatness. The Jamaican Entrepreneurs’ attitude, that clear understanding of their resources, abilities and hard work leading to successful ventures is inspiring.
September 17th, 2008
Why? Coz they are survivors! They are know for leaving a great life with limited resources unlike us in America we are surrounded by bundle of resources – libraries, barnes/noble, etc. When one has the drive to succeed and access to resources are limited, the drive at times will start reaching its peak level. This is when all kinds of ‘crazy’ ideas will kick in. The passion, culture, tradition, mannerism, lifestyle, all these leads to an entrepreneur with great success!
Go Jamaicans Go!
September 17th, 2008
Hiya…
Duly skimmed, must come back for more, I can tell you a TPE story of my own with my first biz back in the mid eighties in a relatively similar setting… someday.
Right now, thought of sharing with my FB peeps!
Really enthusing stuff, as after all, IMHO, it’s the world growing together that’s going to get us out of this big dilemma – together!
Saludos!
September 17th, 2008
Great piece! Jamaica is the nation of entrepreneurs indeed. Everybody knows how to make a mickle from a muckle and that’s what keeps us surviving and that’s what gives us hope.
The fiercely independent nature of my people is what leads them to pursue entrepreneurship. If only we could bottle some of it up and export it, we’d have a hot new commodity competing on the world market.
Very insightful post… and very accurate. Thanks for that.
Kerri,
Cultural ambassador and Jamaican entrepreneur
(www.peaceinportland.com)
September 17th, 2008
Firstly Mike thanks so much for a well thought out and informed post on Jamaica’s future entrepreneurial possibilities which can be hedged on the various sectors that will facilitate future growth that you so articulately highlighted. As a young Jamaican who lived in Boston for 7 years and has now returned home, I found your post particularly poignant (and really amazingly keen and on-the-ball for someone who was in the country for ~48 hours) as these are some of the reasons I decided the trod the path not often trod and return home to contribute to the entrepreneurial spirit. Your point stating that “The satisfied” stop hunting and “the hungry” hunt harder” was so dead-on, it’s an analysis of the Ja’n psyche that hit bull’s eye!
I wanted to speak specifically though to the response you received asking whether similarities could possibly be drawn between Jamaica and Eastern Europe. I certainly see similarities in that Jamaica now houses a young generation of entrepreneurs who are keenly aware that the world is as much theirs as it is anyone else’s for the taking. But both regions certainly traversed different paths to get to their current reality. I wouldn’t describe Ja’s reality as one in which “the society was asleep for many years”, rather, in contrast to Eastern Europe which has a strong and fairly recent communist history, Jamaica’s reality is one of vicious political tribalism (the roots of which were funded by international super powers – but that’s a different conversation for a different day) and socio-economic crunches having obtained in the 70s and early 80s. This led to the flight of many Jamaicans who then departed the island for the US and the UK in search of “greener pastures”. For those patriotic souls that remained, along with those that couldn’t afford to leave, they weathered the storm and gave birth to a generation of Jamaicans who were raised under a pride for brand Jamaica that had never yet been witnessed. Through music, sports, culture and a lot of hard work, an infectious love affair with Jamaica was born and immense national pride grew from this.
It is these young Jamaicans who are now the pioneers of the nation’s entrepreneurial efforts and with strong human capital, a TPE mentality and most importantly a sound belief that we deserve a standard of living we can be proud of, the trail has truly been set a blaze. I for one have experienced first hand the jubilation I have received whilst traveling to countries such as Ghana and various European countries and it was realized that I was Jamaican, people’s hearts would swell with joy, they would tell me that I descend from “Bob Marley country” and I’m sure that post our scintillating Olympic performance they’d add to that “the country where people run faster than cars and bikes”. Fact is, per capita, Jamaica easily has the most “intrigue appeal” of any other country out there and this is a fact of which its citizens are fiercely proud. This translates itself into the strength of our tourism product amongst so many other things. Simply put, brand Jamaica is now our biggest selling point. Hence the entrepreneurial spirit in JA is not now rising from an extended hibernation, but rather is now like iron that has been honed and sharpened by the furnace that is the difficulties our parents surpassed, their own entrepreneurial successes against the odds and the resulting paradigm shift to a resounding “Yes We Can” this has produced in us. Young Jamaican TPEntrepreneurs are enamored with the know-how that we can create our own destiny and are working to raise the tide nationally and in so doing raise all the nation’s ships.”
September 17th, 2008
@Ayanna Your comment is by far one of the best comments I have ever read on a blog post. To get your perspective is absolutely phenomenal.
September 17th, 2008
Well said Ayanna and seconded in every way.
Big up and nuff respect to my homeland “Out of Many One People”.
Mike, the response shows me how much this trip truly meant to my fellow Jamaicans and I owe you so much for agreeing.
September 17th, 2008
Well, right now its all about BAGAWIYA
the JAMAICAN clothing line thats all about life and living it to the fullest, with its bold designs and catchy phrases….its something that you can’t help but love…
cause life is like a BAG-OF-WIRE…….don’t get it twisted….
life is like a BAG -OF-WIRE……straighten it out……
life is like a BAG – OF- WIRE…..go with the flow….
September 17th, 2008
Ayanna,
I think you had an excellent view on the Entrepreneurship and society status in Jamaica. Actually in my comment about similarities with Eastern Europe I wasn’t trying to make one to one comparison between the two.
The beauty of entrepreneurship is that entrepreneurship itself it’s a tool to enhance opportunities. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers, and the economical environment, history are just variables that make entrepreneurship more interesting.
The new generation of entrepreneurs, being from Jamaica or from Eastern Europe change the face of the World and that’s something that should unite us all.
I’m actually going to write an article about Entrepreneurship in Eastern Europe. For now here is how Entrepreneurship feels here: Entrepreneurship: too much to know, feel and do
September 17th, 2008
To: The Small Business Entrepreneur Blog Author
Thank you for your kind sentiments. Your statement “The new generation of entrepreneurs, being from Jamaica or from Eastern Europe change the face of the World and that’s something that should unite us all.” truly resonated with me. I couldn’t agree more. I look forward to what the future holds.
I checked out your “Entrepreneurship: too much to know, feel and do” post and feel it aptly speaks to the mindset Entrepreneurs must adopt.
I also look forward to your article on Entrepreneurship in Eastern Europe. All the world’s regions have valid stories to share.
September 17th, 2008
I have asked Cristian to provide a post about entrepreneurialism in Eastern Europe and will get it up as soon as I can.
I think there are interesting similarities, and the knowledged gained can be exploited by Jamaican entrepeneurs.
- Mike
September 18th, 2008
Cristian just sent me the post about Eastern Europe… it is going to go up this Saturday. I think there is some really interesting similiarties with Jamaica.
- Mike
September 19th, 2008
Ok looking forward to that post from Cristian then!
Cheers,
-Ayanna
September 20th, 2008
[...] Mike Michalowicz article on the new breed of entrepreneurs in Jamaica I’ve decided to make a small article on doing business in Jamaica. The report is based on [...]
September 20th, 2008
Hi Guys,
I’ve made a little report on Doing Business in Jamaica. Feel free to drop by and leave your comments!
September 30th, 2008
[...] come from US. You currently went to Jamaica and returned with an excellent article about the Entrepreneurship there. How do you feel about Entrepreneurship elsewhere than [...]
January 21st, 2009
Entrepreneurship continues to grow in Jamaica with the availability to reduce emissions and greatly increase MPG in their car, van, boat, jet ski, generators, etc.
Yes the green movement is in Jamaica. Further, they can reduce the amount they have to pay on their electric bill by installing the EMF Blokker in their home or office.
Ok, cell phone usage has increased dramatically, as have the amount of electromagnetic field and radiation you are receiving.
Did you know it takes 2 hours to return your blood to normal after a 15 minute cell conversation.
Serious stuff; help educate everyone to the danger and the solution.
The EMF phone Blokker (http://CSeaPerkins.com) is one excellent solution. Shield yourself and go about your business without worry.
Many ways for Jamaica to defend the environment while increasing income, health and recognition among your peers.
CSea