Although much of the world has forgotten, Haiti continues its struggle to rebound after a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the region five years ago. The 2010 earthquake killed upwards of 200,000 people, and displaced 1.5 million others.
For a country already struggling with extreme poverty, it was a crippling blow. Haiti’s President Michel Martelly was, and is to this day, determined to rebuild the country. “Haiti is open for business” was the slogan and the election platform of President Martelly. This phrase serves as a slogan for his administration and a reminder that it is imperative to continue to work toward rebuilding and business growth in the country.
Many relief efforts are focusing on building new business strategies for Haitians. Partners Worldwide and Creating Jobs, Inc., are two organizations which are actively working to train local entrepreneurs with the business skills they desperately need to succeed on them own. Providing these skills to promote self-sufficiency is fundamental to ending perpetual poverty that was a problem in Haiti long before the earthquake. These business-focused training groups have incredible potential to truly benefit the people of this still nation which is still in distress.
This was my tenth trip to Haiti with the non-profit agencies Partners Worldwide and Creating Jobs, Inc. As a Certified Public Accountant, I mentor ten businesses in the areas of finance, sales, marketing and operations. Partners Worldwide and Creating Jobs.org bring United States and Canadian business men and women to walk alongside, coach, and mentor entrepreneurs in developing countries. Over the years I’ve made dedicated efforts to get to know these business owners, their families and their businesses deeply. This helps build the trust that is so vital to a mutual collaboration, and helps them to understand that I am committed to the long-term success of their businesses.
On each of my trips, I have focused on the best way to serve them individually. My approach is to understand what each entrepreneur needs. Only then do I determine the best way that I can help them. For example, Marabou Furniture Shop, which is run by Eliseme Jeanlouis, is one of the businesses I mentor. In the past Eliseme sustained Marabou Shop by contracting with NGOs (Non Government Organizations) to manufacture specially designed wood products, such as crutches, chairs, and other items. Since many NGOs have left Haiti, his sales have almost disappeared. When we met this July, we discussed key principles of ‘lead generation’ to develop an effective sales strategy. Our conversation covered the following topics:
- Defining the market.
- Formulating a plan to make direct contact with as many clients as possible.
- Figuring out how to get face-to-face meetings with them.
- Listing his top 50 potential business clients, and aggressively pursuing each one. In addition to family and friends, I suggested that he list contacts from school, church, business, sports and other activities he is involved in.
I also provided ‘refer-a-friend’ cards for him to distribute to customers. The cards will offer a discount to customers that refer new customers to him. My advice was to keep a database of the referring customers to build a sustainable customer base. I also brought him a photo album so he can display a broad example of his inventory to potential customers.
On this trip, an exciting new business was added to the group: ‘Holmy Center Auto Parts’ run by Cadet Jean Olmy. The business sells replacement and repair machine parts for motorcycles. Cadet has a sharp business mind, aided by the training sessions offered by Partners Worldwide. One strategic move he has made was convincing the landowner across from his business to open a motorcycle rest stop. On my visit there were six motorcycle riders conveniently repairing their cycles across the street! We also reviewed his financial records and discussed his inventory strategy. On my next trip I will bring a form that will allow him to review his sales and expenses month by month. This will help him understand trends and unusual activity going on so that he can make better decisions for his future.
On my last mission trip to Haiti I felt there was a developing trust between myself and the Haitian business owners as they now have begun to understand that I am committed to developing the long-term success of their businesses.
Although tourism is no longer a major industry in Haiti, it was once known as ‘La Perle des Antilles’ (The Pearl of the Antilles) and is, after all, surrounded by the heavenly turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Wahoo Bay Beach is a popular get-away for expats living in Port-au-Prince, and we spent a relaxing day enjoying the sun and delicious local seafood. After long hours working with the entrepreneurs, this was a needed moment of peaceful reflection for me.
This week was for me, once again, was a journey of encouraging, supporting, listening and indeed learning from business owners that share the same passions for business excellence as I do. My plan is to return in December to follow up on the various strategies I discussed with the business owners I mentor. They have become a very important part of my life, and it is my hope that I will see successes, and also, new ideas that they have developed. Although to some, Haiti’s issues may seem too large to overcome, I see them as opportunities to empower the people of this wonderful country and help them to develop sound businesses that will also help the country as a whole.