Article courtesy of UWI Notebook
Posted: March 30, 2009
The University of the West Indies, Mona has launched the Greenitiative as evidence of its commitment to facilitate sustainable growth as a higher education institution. The initiative was launched on the occasion of the Grand Commemoration Celebrations Dinner held recently as the culminating activity to honour Professor Anthony Chen, distinguished climatologist and physicist. Campus Registrar, UWI, Mona, Dr. Camille Bell-Hutchinson said “the Greenitiative symbolized the campus’ commitment to reduce the volume of solid waste generated by the UWI in the course of its administration, preserve and restore the grounds and edifices of the campus and improve energy efficiency in the administration of the campus and its students. Additionally this Greenitiative would “promote sustainable living practices among its staff and students.” She added that “in pursuing these objectives, we are contributing to the establishment of environmentally-conscious practices within the nation, the region, and indeed, the world.”
The Greenitiative agreement was signed by Professor Gordon Shirley, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of UWI, Mona and Dr. Bell-Hutchinson, Campus Registrar, UWI, Mona. Professor Anthony Chen signed as a witness to the agreement.
What are your thoughts of the UWI's "Green" movement? Leave a comment here.
This girl is having more fun than everybody else at the UWI Carnival Road March. See for yourself, here.
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Written by Tim Patterson
Feature photo and photo above by Abram
JET is a Japanese government program that places English speaking foreigners in public schools throughout Japan, primarily in rural and suburban areas. The purpose of the program encompasses cultural exchange along with language instruction. The department that sponsors JET wants to expose ordinary Japanese citizens to foreigners while also encouraging foreigners to learn first-hand about Japanese culture.
Since actual teaching is only part of the job description, you don’t need teaching experience or certification to qualify for JET. You don’t need to speak any Japanese either. Indeed, for recent college graduates who find themselves with dim job prospects, student loans and a semi-useless liberal arts degree, JET can be an absolute lifesaver.
How To Apply
You must apply for JET in your home country. The first step is a paper application. If you don’t screw that up, you’ll be scheduled for an interview at the nearest Japanese consulate.
Dress as well as you can for the interview. You should look and act like a young Republican. Come prepared to demonstrate three things: emotional stability, an interest in learning about Japan and basic teaching ability. Be sure to have a 5 minute lesson plan ready to deliver.
If all goes well, you’ll get a letter of acceptance followed by a specific assignment to a school system somewhere in Japan.
Payment and Responsibilities
JET pays well, especially when the yen is strong against the dollar. You’ll make the equivalent of about $35,000 per year. Rent is often free or subsidized, and since most JET placements are in the countryside, your overall cost of living will be quite low.
Job responsibilities vary, but are rarely more demanding than 25 hours of team-taught lessons per week. Your main job is to be a good guest – show up on time, be appreciative and stay out of trouble. For ambitious personalities JET can be boring, but if you just want to enjoy Japan with lots of free time and minimal responsibilities, it’s absolutely perfect. The Japanese are warm, welcoming and generous to foreigners.
JET requires a one-year contractual commitment, with the option to re-contract for one or two additional years. Many JET participants use the money to pay off student loans or travel in other parts of Asia; some fall in love with either Japan or a Japanese person and stay on. Some people can’t take the culture shock, waste the year drinking and then hightail it back home.
JET won’t be the best job you ever have, or a life-long career, but for young people who want to make some money and experience a foreign culture, it’s a great opportunity.
For more information:
How To Get A Job Teaching In Japan
Article Courtesy of Matador Abroad
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During Chancellor Hall's Lion's Week, there is a revered tradition that takes place every year without fail - Sing Out. Where the five blocks on hall, Aye, Che, Runci, Dynamite and X, all take to the second floor of Block Aye to give their renditions of the Hall Song, an original Hall Chant and an equally original Immortal Song. This year was no different, except for block Aye's very 'interesting' performance. Take a look...
Click here to see the video
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Do you have what it takes to get through the recession? Here are the traits that get home based business owners through the hard times.
Regardless of your definition of success, there are, oddly enough, a great number of common characteristics that are shared by successful businesspeople. You can place a check beside each characteristic that you feel that you possess. This way, you can see how you stack up. Even if you don't have all of these characteristics, don't fret. Most can be learned with practice and by developing a winning attitude, especially if you set goals and apply yourself, through strategic planning, to reach those goals in incremental and measurable stages.
The Home Business Musts
Like any activity you pursue, there are certain musts that are required to be successful in a chosen activity. To legally operate a vehicle on public roadways, one must have a driver's license; to excel in sports, one must train and practice; to retire comfortably, one must become an informed investor and actively invest for retirement. If your goal is success in business, then the formula is no different. There are certain musts that have to be fully developed, implemented and managed for your business to succeed. There are many business musts, but this article contains I believe to be some of the more important musts that are required to start, operate and grow a profitable home business.
1. Do what you enjoy.
What you get out of your business in the form of personal satisfaction, financial gain, stability and enjoyment will be the sum of what you put into your business. So if you don't enjoy what you're doing, in all likelihood it's safe to assume that will be reflected in the success of your business--or subsequent lack of success. In fact, if you don't enjoy what you're doing, chances are you won't succeed.
2. Take what you do seriously.
You cannot expect to be effective and successful in business unless you truly believe in your business and in the goods and services that you sell. Far too many home business owners fail to take their own businesses seriously enough, getting easily sidetracked and not staying motivated and keeping their noses to the grindstone. They also fall prey to naysayers who don't take them seriously because they don't work from an office building, office park, storefront, or factory. Little do these skeptics, who rain on the home business owner's parade, know is that the number of people working from home, and making very good annual incomes, has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years.
3. Plan everything.
Planning every aspect of your home business is not only a must, but also builds habits that every home business owner should develop, implement, and maintain. The act of business planning is so important because it requires you to analyze each business situation, research and compile data, and make conclusions based mainly on the facts as revealed through the research. Business planning also serves a second function, which is having your goals and how you will achieve them, on paper. You can use the plan that you create both as map to take you from point A to Z and as a yardstick to measure the success of each individual plan or segment within the plan.
4. Manage money wisely.
The lifeblood of any business enterprise is cash flow. You need it to buy inventory, pay for services, promote and market your business, repair and replace tools and equipment, and pay yourself so that you can continue to work. Therefore, all home business owners must become wise money managers to ensure that the cash keeps flowing and the bills get paid. There are two aspects to wise money management.
- The money you receive from clients in exchange for your goods and services you provide (income)
- The money you spend on inventory, supplies, wages and other items required to keep your business operating. (expenses)
5. Ask for the sale.
A home business entrepreneur must always remember that marketing, advertising, or promotional activities are completely worthless, regardless of how clever, expensive, or perfectly targeted they are, unless one simple thing is accomplished--ask for the sale. This is not to say that being a great salesperson, advertising, copywriting whiz or a public relations specialist isn't a tremendous asset to your business. However, all of these skills will be for naught if you do not actively ask people to buy what you are selling.
6. Remember it's all about the customer.
Your home business is not about the products or services that you sell. Your home business is not about the prices that you charge for your goods and services. Your home business is not about your competition and how to beat them. Your business is all about your customers, or clients, period. After all, your customers are the people that will ultimately decide if your business goes boom or bust. Everything you do in business must be customer focused, including your policies, warranties, payment options, operating hours, presentations, advertising and promotional campaigns and website. In addition, you must know who your customers are inside out and upside down.
7. Become a shameless self-promoter (without becoming obnoxious).
One of the greatest myths about personal or business success is that eventually your business, personal abilities, products or services will get discovered and be embraced by the masses that will beat a path to your door to buy what you are selling. But how can this happen if no one knows who you are, what you sell and why they should be buying?
Self-promotion is one of the most beneficial, yet most underutilized, marketing tools that the majority of home business owners have at their immediate disposal.
8. Project a positive business image.
You have but a passing moment to make a positive and memorable impression on people with whom you intend to do business. Home business owners must go out of their way and make a conscious effort to always project the most professional business image possible. The majority of home business owners do not have the advantage of elaborate offices or elegant storefronts and showrooms to wow prospects and impress customers. Instead, they must rely on imagination, creativity and attention to the smallest detail when creating and maintaining a professional image for their home business.
9. Get to know your customers.
One of the biggest features and often the most significant competitive edge the home based entrepreneur has over the larger competitors is the he can offer personalized attention. Call it high-tech backlash if you will, but customers are sick and tired of hearing that their information is somewhere in the computer and must be retrieved, or told to push a dozen digits to finally get to the right department only to end up with voice mail--from which they never receive a return phone call.
The home business owner can actually answer phone calls, get to know customers, provide personal attention and win over repeat business by doing so. It's a researched fact that most business (80 percent) will come from repeat customers rather than new customers. Therefore, along with trying to draw newcomers, the more you can do to woo your regular customers, the better off you will be in the long run and personalized attention is very much appreciated and remembered in the modern high tech world.
10. Level the playing field with technology.
You should avoid getting overly caught up in the high-tech world, but you should also know how to take advantage of using it. One of the most amazing aspects of the internet is that a one or two person business operating from a basement can have a superior website to a $50 million company, and nobody knows the difference. Make sure you're keeping up with the high-tech world as it suits your needs.. The best technology is that which helps you, not that which impresses your neighbors.
11. Build a top-notch business team.
No one person can build a successful business alone. It's a task that requires a team that is as committed as you to the business and its success. Your business team may include family members, friends, suppliers, business alliances, employees, sub-contractors, industry and business associations, local government and the community. Of course the most important team members will be your customers or clients. Any or all may have a say in how your business will function and a stake in your business future.
12. Become known as an expert.
When you have a problem that needs to be solved, do you seek just anyone's advice or do you seek an expert in the field to help solve your particular problem? Obviously, you want the most accurate information and assistance that you can get. You naturally seek an expert to help solve your problem. You call a plumber when the hot water tank leaks, a real estate agent when it's time to sell your home or a dentist when you have a toothache. Therefore, it only stands to reason that the more you become known for your expertise in your business, the more people will seek you out to tap into your expertise, creating more selling and referral opportunities. In effect, becoming known as an expert is another style of prospecting for new business, just in reverse. Instead of finding new and qualified people to sell to, these people seek you out for your expertise.
13. Create a competitive advantage.
A home business must have a clearly defined unique selling proposition. This is nothing more than a fancy way of asking the vital question, "Why will people choose to do business with you or purchase your product or service instead of doing business with a competitor and buying his product or service?" In other words, what one aspect or combination of aspects is going to separate your business from your competition? Will it be better service, a longer warranty, better selection, longer business hours, more flexible payment options, lowest price, personalized service, better customer service, better return and exchange policies or a combination of several of these?
14. Invest in yourself.
Top entrepreneurs buy and read business and marketing books, magazines, reports, journals, newsletters, websites and industry publications, knowing that these resources will improve their understanding of business and marketing functions and skills. They join business associations and clubs, and they network with other skilled business people to learn their secrets of success and help define their own goals and objectives. Top entrepreneurs attend business and marketing seminars, workshops and training courses, even if they have already mastered the subject matter of the event. They do this because they know that education is an ongoing process. There are usually ways to do things better, in less time, with less effort. In short, top entrepreneurs never stop investing in the most powerful, effective and best business and marketing tool at their immediate disposal--themselves.
15. Be accessible.
We're living in a time when we all expect our fast food lunch at the drive-thru window to be ready in mere minutes, our dry cleaning to be ready for pick-up on the same day, our money to be available at the cash machine and our pizza delivered in 30 minutes or it's free. You see the pattern developing--you must make it as easy as you can for people to do business with you, regardless of the home business you operate.
You must remain cognizant of the fact that few people will work hard, go out of their way, or be inconvenienced just for the privilege of giving you their hard-earned money. The shoe is always on the other foot. Making it easy for people to do business with you means that you must be accessible and knowledgeable about your products and services. You must be able to provide customers with what they want, when they want it.
16. Build a rock-solid reputation.
A good reputation is unquestionably one of the home business owner's most tangible and marketable assets. You can't simply buy a good reputation; it's something that you earn by honoring your promises. If you promise to have the merchandise in the customer's hands by Wednesday, you have no excuse not to have it there. If you offer to repair something, you need to make good on your offer. Consistency in what you offer is the other key factor. If you cannot come through with the same level of service (and products) for clients on a regular basis, they have no reason to trust you . . . and without trust, you won't have a good reputation.
17. Sell benefits.
Pushing product features is for inexperienced or wannabe entrepreneurs. Selling the benefits associated with owning and using the products and services you carry is what sales professionals worldwide focus on to create buying excitement and to sell, sell more, and sell more frequently to their customers. Your advertising, sales presentations, printed marketing materials, product packaging, website, newsletters, trade show exhibit and signage are vital. Every time and every medium used to communicate with your target audience must always be selling the benefits associated with owning your product or using your service.
18. Get involved.
Always go out of your way to get involved in the community that supports your business. You can do this in many ways, such as pitching in to help local charities or the food bank, becoming involved in organizing community events, and getting involved in local politics. You can join associations and clubs that concentrate on programs and policies designed to improve the local community. It's a fact that people like to do business with people they know, like and respect, and with people who do things to help them as members of the community.
19. Grab attention.
Small-business owners cannot waste time, money and energy on promotional activities aimed at building awareness solely through long-term, repeated exposure. If you do, chances are you will go broke long before this goal is accomplished. Instead, every promotional activity you engage in, must put money back in your pocket so that you can continue to grab more attention and grow your business.
20. Master the art of negotiations.
The ability to negotiate effectively is unquestionably a skill that every home business owner must make every effort to master. It's perhaps second in importance only to asking for the sale in terms of home business musts. In business, negotiation skills are used daily. Always remember that mastering the art of negotiation means that your skills are so finely tuned that you can always orchestrate a win-win situation. These win-win arrangements mean that everyone involved feels they have won, which is really the basis for building long-term and profitable business relationships.
21. Design Your workspace for success.
Carefully plan and design your home office workspace to ensure maximum personal performance and productivity and, if necessary, to project professionalism for visiting clients. If at all possible, resist the temptation to turn a corner of the living room or your bedroom into your office. Ideally, you'll want a separate room with a door that closes to keep business activities in and family members out, at least during prime business and revenue generating hours of the day. A den, spare bedroom, basement or converted garage are all ideal candidates for your new home office. If this is not possible, you'll have to find a means of converting a room with a partition or simply find hours to do the bulk of your work when nobody else is home.
22. Get and stay organized.
The key to staying organized is not about which type of file you have or whether you keep a stack or two of papers on your desk, but it's about managing your business. It's about having systems in place to do things. Therefore, you wan to establish a routine by which you can accomplish as much as possible in a given workday, whether that's three hours for a part-time business or seven or nine hours as a full-timer. In fact, you should develop systems and routines for just about every single business activity. Small things such as creating a to-do list at the end of each business day, or for the week, will help keep you on top of important tasks to tackle. Creating a single calendar to work from, not multiple sets for individual tasks or jobs, will also ensure that jobs are completed on schedule and appointments kept. Incorporating family and personal activities into your work calendar is also critical so that you work and plan from a single calendar.
23. Take time off.
The temptation to work around the clock is very real for some home business owners. After all, you don't have a manager telling you it's time to go home because they can't afford the overtime pay. Every person working from home must take time to establish a regular work schedule that includes time to stretch your legs and take lunch breaks, plus some days off and scheduled vacations. Create the schedule as soon as you have made the commitment to start a home business. Of course, your schedule will have to be flexible. You should, therefore, not fill every possible hour in the day. Give yourself a backup hour or two. All work and no play makes you burn out very fast and grumpy customer service is not what people want.
24. Limit the number of hats you wear.
It's difficult for most business owners not to take a hands-on approach. They try to do as much as possible and tackle as many tasks as possible in their business. The ability to multitask, in fact, is a common trait shared by successful entrepreneurs. However, once in a while you have to stand back and look beyond today to determine what's in the best interest of your business and yourself over the long run. Most highly successful entrepreneurs will tell you that from the time they started out, they knew what they were good at and what tasks to delegate to others.
25. Follow-up constantly.
Constant contact, follow-up, and follow-through with customers, prospects, and business alliances should be the mantra of every home business owner, new or established. Constant and consistent follow-up enables you to turn prospects into customers, increase the value of each sale and buying frequency from existing customers, and build stronger business relationships with suppliers and your core business team. Follow-up is especially important with your existing customer base, as the real work begins after the sale. It's easy to sell one product or service, but it takes work to retain customers and keep them coming back.
James Stephenson is an experienced home based consultant with more than 15 years of business and marketing experience. He is the author of several popular books, including Entrepreneur magazine’s Ultimate Startup Directory and Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide, both available from Entrepreneur Press.
Article courtesy of Entrepreneur.comLeave a comment here.
By Christine Garvin
Article courtesy of Matador Network
By now, we all can agree that global warming is, in fact, real, and is, in fact, changing our climate.
The latest reports, like this one from the National Research Council, continue to surface seemingly on a daily basis, reminding us that we need to make changes, pronto:
Despite years of study and analysis, the world is unprepared for climate change and needs to rethink basic assumptions that govern things as varied as choosing cars and building bridges, the National Research Council reports.
And now, we have an economic crisis to contend with that in some ways, makes implementing these changes trickier:
“Climatic changes will be superimposed on social and economic changes that are altering the climate vulnerability of different regions and sectors of society, as well as their ability to cope,” the Research Council said.
As travelers, how do we best go about continuing to participate in seeing the world and learning from other cultures while reducing our footprint on the environment?
It is no longer a question of when, but how—immediately. One such possibility is being spearheaded by state governments on the West Coast of the US - alternative fueling stations might be found along the Pacific Coast Highway as early as this summer, for both electric cars and biodiesel, ethanol, and natural gas vehicles.
This is just one approach to curbing our carbon emissions.
What else can be done to save both our environment and the freedom to travel? Share your thoughts here.
Article Courtesy of The Jamaica Gleaner News.
Published: Saturday | March 14, 2009
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) now has posts on popular website YouTube.
According to the council, the posts have been made in an effort to reach a wider cross-section of people.
"We recognise that social-networking sites, such as YouTube and Facebook, are where a significant segment of our publics are, i.e. students and teachers (markers), and if we want to communicate with them effectively, we need to meet them where they are," Cleveland Sam, CXC's public information officer told The Gleaner yesterday.
He pointed out that the council would be on Facebook, a popular social network, in another few weeks.
"The site will feature everything that is happening at CXC and the registrar will, shortly, start a weekly video message on the YouTube site," Sam said.
Visit YouTube.com for more information.
Be sure to leave a comment.
I know its been a couple weeks, but you know what they say, "Better late than never." It was unfortunate that I didn't win any of the prizes at the New Kingston Golf Academy that day. Although, I did have a great time chipping and putting all over the place, and I did get some nice shots out of the event.
Note: Just so you know, golf ain't easy, but it sure is a lot of fun.
You can see the pics here.
Be sure to leave a comment.
The HEART Trust/National Training Agency (NTA), staged a two-day National Entrepreneurial Conference, at the Knutsford Court Hotel, Kingston, March 5- 6, which will focus on opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The annual conference, which is in its 4th year, was held under the theme, 'Honouring Entrepreneurs: the Backbone of a Nation's Economy.' It catered to all entrepreneurs, both who are in business or are about to start their own businesses.
The objectives of the conference included: developing an entrepreneurship culture in Jamaica; research and promotion of entrepreneurship; provision of opportunities for potential and existing entrepreneurs; and providing information to enhance business development. Some of you might have seen me on TVJ the other night talking about my business plans.
Here are a couple of pics from the first day of the conference:
You can view the pics here.
Be sure to leave a comment!
1. This town clock's tower was paid for by one of Jamaica's German settlers and he designed it to look like a German (Prussian) soldier's helmet.
Lucea.
2. Where was the first place in Jamaica to have electricity?
Black River. It was installed by the Leyden family in their house in 1893. The house is now Waterloo Guest House at 44 High Street.
3. Who said, "I would rather die in yonder gallows than be a slave another day" ?
Sam Sharpe.
4. Who said, "The monster is dead. The negro is free" and where did he say it?
William Knibb, midnight on August 1st 1838 in Falmouth. He was preaching in what is now the William Knibb Memorial Church.
5. Where in Jamaica had piped water before New York City did?
Falmouth. A 20 foot water wheel was installed in 1799 on lands at Martha Brae, which was turned by the current of the stream and emptied about 100 gallons of water per revolution into a wooden trough approximately 20 feet elevation. A six-inch main carried the water for about a mile into a large tank in the town square of Falmouth. The town square is still called "Water Square" as a result.
6. Who was the first black Custos of St. Andrew and what famous edifice did he build?
George Steibel. Devon House in 1881.
7. What is "Zella" ?
Another name for nine-night.
(The term may be unique to Portland however.)
It may be a derivative of zeli, the word for drum in Ewe, one of the Kwa languages of Ghana.
8. What is the tea made from "Love Bush" good for?
Colic, asthma and "mirasmi.."
9. Who declared that he would ascend to heaven on December 31st and descend back to Jamaica on January 3rd?
Alexander Bedward.
10. What would traditional midwives in days gone by put on a baby's navel after the umbilical cord was cut?
a dressing made of castor oil and nutmeg
11. What would she put in the water for the baby's first bath ?
Rum and a silver coin. Tradition holds that the father should provide the coin.
12. What would the child be "marked" with for protection?
Laundry blue or "coolie red" (carmine).
13. You can burn these leaves to keep away "duppy".
Croton. (aka Rosemary)
14. What animals, now died out, were brought to Jamaica in the 18th century to carry sugar ?
Camels.
15. What is another name for "Halifax Mutton".
Saltfish. Originally a cheap source of protein imported from Nova Scotia for enslaved labourers, many members of the planter class referred to it by this name while enjoying it as much as their slaves did.
16. What is a "cotta" ?
A pad of leaves or cloth placed under loads carried on the head.
17. Why would you place a broom upside down behind a door in your house?
To make an unwanted guest go away
18. Solas Market became Jubilee Market. What was its name before that?
There are currently 4 main markets in Kingston: Jubilee, Queens, Redemption Ground and Coronation. Solas market was previously known as Chiggerfoot Market. Chiggers used to be a common complaint amongst slaves who rarely wore shoes. After emancipation, the term chiggerfoot eventually came to be applied to poor people. Several markets had this name, both in and outside of Kingston.
19. What is the heart of a soursop said to cure?
Bed wetting.
20. What is a thunderball (or thunderbolt) and what is it used for?
Any smooth stone found in a field. They used to be put in earthenware containers of water to keep it cool. Known in other islands as "thunderstone" or "lightening stone", they are traditionally believed to have fallen from the sky and used to be of religious significance. The ones found in Jamaica have been identified as Taino in origin.
21. What is pinda cake made of ?
Sesame seeds and peanuts.
22. What are ‘’senseh’’ fowls good for?
They will unearth any guzu buried in your yard. Also used to chase mongoose.
Well, I definitely learnt alot today. Was there anything I got wrong or forgot to mention, be sure to let me know...Leave a comment.
Lovin' this song and the video by newcomer Asher Roth.
Watch the "I Love College" video here.
Visit Asher Roth's Website
Be sure to leave a comment
Article Courtesy of Brazen Careerist
By Jun Loayza
I started my company based on trial and error. Sure I had Guy Kawasaki telling me what he wanted on a business plan and executive summary, but I did not have another young entrepreneur to guide me through the startup process. Outrageously, there was no one out there who had the authority to grab my team and I by our collars and tell us that we are most likely NOT going to get funding and that we should NOT spend the majority of our time writing a business plan.
That’s what I want to do for you. I want to guide your through the process so that you learn the best way to launch a company.
The following is my 10-step process to successfully launching your very first startup company. Keep in mind, this quick guide is meant to get you to launch as efficiently as possible; this is NOT a how to build a successful company after launch. That post will come later. For my steps, I am assuming that you are young (under 30), do not have previous startup experience, and that you want to start an internet/tech company.
Step 1: Write your idea out on a piece of paper
It’s one thing to always day dream about your idea; it’s another more concrete matter when you have physically put your idea down on a piece of paper and committed yourself to pursuing your startup company. This is the “I think therefore I am” phase. If you have decided with your mind and heart that you’re starting your company, then you have started your company.
Step 2: Tell absolutely everyone about your idea
Don’t worry about your idea getting stolen. People are too busy with their own lives to actually stop what they’re doing to pursue YOUR dream. Your goal is to get people to criticize you and your idea so that you can learn from their criticisms, make your idea stronger, and give it a greater chance for success.
Step 3: Find the Dream Team
Find a team that compliments your skills. The Dream Team consists of the CEO, marketer, and developer. If you don’t have a network of entrepreneurial minded people, go to events in your area and chat with people about your idea. Meet up w/ those who gave the best feedback, who seemed genuinely interested, and who are passionate about your company idea. Give that person an offer if they have a successful interview.
Step 4: Once the team is on the bus, it’s time to figure out where the bus is going
Entrepreneurship is NOT a one-man show. Encourage your team members to argue and debate as much as possible so that you can iron out your best ideas. Remember, the hardest working team has an unwavering loyalty to the company. Create company loyalty by allowing each team member to contribute their ideas and expertise.
Step 5: Solidify a plan to generate revenue
Your team should all be full-time on this startup. How will you survive the next 6 - 12 months without any source of income? What can you guys do to generate revenue now and generate revenue once your product has launched? Do you guys have an expertise so that you can do consulting work? You must have an answer to each of these questions.
Step 6: Register to become an official LLC
This does a few things. Number 1, it makes your company more real in the minds of you and your team members. Once the process is complete, team members will have their official titles and will officially be given their equity in the company.
Secondly, you are no longer personally liable for any of the business that you do. If you get sued, your company is sued and people cannot go after your personal assets. I recommend using Legal Zoom for this step.
Step 7: Find a designer
You need to develop a BEAUTIFUL company logo, easy user-interface, and sticky color scheme. You want to live your brand, and a sticky brand makes it easier for your products and services to to be remembered. Though you may not have funding, your website needs to give off a professional, trust-worthy, high-quality feel.
Step 8: Start branding the company WAY before your product is launched
Hire part-time interns to work for you for free. In an internet company, it’s all about leveraging the blogosphere, the twitter community, optimizing your site for SEO, and utilizing all of the other social media networks. You can easily get people to do this for you for free. Listen to my interview with Andrew Warner to find out how.
Step 9: Your product should only do one thing and do it right
You may have a million ideas for features for your website. That’s great, but too many features is a hindrance to your site. Your product should only do ONE thing, and it must do it better than any other site out there. Once your product has established itself as a leader in that area, you can begin to add more features and develop your website.
Step 10: Work tirelessly until you have finished your product
If you have followed steps 1 - 9 successfully, then all that is left is a lot of hard work and execution.
Getting started on the right foot is extremely important. Let me know what steps you would like to add or modify so that we can all learn from each other.
Organizing of the events
Chip and Putt match play challenge
Twenty (20) players will be competing on the day of the event in the first round, after the first round we should have ten competitors remaining who will make it to the second round. In the second round, we should have ten competitors remaining to compete. However, after the second round going into the third round, only five (5) participants will make it through to the semi-finals. The semi-finals will encompass four competitors who will be facing off in goups of two (2) and one person will make it through to the final round, to compete against the participant who gained the most points from the first three rounds based on the number of holes that they won. One point will be given for each hole won by any participant and the tournament will be a nine hole chip and putt competition. This section however, will be the section in which the cash prizes for the first and second place winners will be distributed.
Nearest to the pin challenge
All twenty students will be competing for other prizes in this section, and these prizes will go to the first, second and third place winners. Each participant will be given three chances and the persons who are able to get the ball closest to the hole which will be marked after exploiting their three chances will prevail as first, second and third place winners in this category.
Transportation, date and time of the event
Transportation will be provided from the parking lot of The Bank of Novia Scotia at 10am to and from the venue. The date that is stipulated for this event will be March, 6 2009 and the venue will be the New Kingston Golf Academy.
Hope To See You There!
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