NEXT Limited Pacific, Pacific Building, Vila (2026)

05/03/2023

Due to the circumstances, Next is offering a special price for its drone shots for anyone who needs drone photos of their roof or properties for their insurance companies after TC Judy and Kevin. Regular price 30 000 vuv before Vat for 15 minutes of drone shooting. Starting tomorrow Monday 6th of March to March 30th we bring down the price 🌀 - 30% 🌀. We deliver proper invoices. You can contact us through Whatsapp or mobile 777 4404

25/11/2022

𝐁𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 – 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐱 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.

Welcome to this series on ideas, what they are, how we get them, what we do when we have them and how we grow them. Over the last few weeks, I have been exploring tools for exploring and developing ideas.

An idea is defined as a formulated thought or opinion – a thought or a suggestion as to a possible course of action - a plan, thought, or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation. For example, you might have an idea about how to counter the effects of climate change on your island or what to do about youth unemployment or how to prepare for a cyclone.

Today my focus is on what it means to ‘think outside the box’, how it can be done and how to overcome likely challenges and obstacles.

The concept of ‘the box’ refers to the world we create around us – very often our comfort zone. It contains our thoughts and beliefs and habits. It is obviously affected by our conditioning and the influences we have been subjected to throughout our lives. I have met many people who tell me that they are not creative without really thinking about what this means and why they think like this. It is simply a habit and maybe they just reflect what they have been told by others.

Innovative people will always look to find other ways of doing things or of solving problems. If they have no money they will look at what they can grow or make to sell. They will take a half full view of life and not allow obstacles hold them back. It takes courage to be the only green umbrella in a sea of black ones! Remember the words of Mahatma Gandi - 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.

To be successful in thinking outside of the box, and maybe eventually getting rid of the box all together, requires you to do a number for things.

Firstly, you need to really understand yourselves and to know what you are good at and where your weaknesses lie. This is not an easy task to do on your own and you might find it useful to get the support of a coach or mentor to help you create your own ‘out of the box’ action plan. Start by making a list of your strongly held views and opinions and of the factors that influence your lives and how you make decisions. Many of these will be very positive and important to you but some may hold you back. If you lack confidence or self-belief you need to examine why that is and what you can do about it. A low level of self-confidence will not help you become more innovative or creative.

Identify one aspect of your life that you would like to change and start to imagine what it will be like once you have made the change – that is what you are aiming for. Changing behaviours and life-long habits is not easy but it is possible if you are determined. Brainstorm the changes you would like to make and involve those closest to you. Write everything down and then spend time thinking seriously about each idea and comment.

Earlier this week I was with a group of people in Port Vila who run small, informal businesses. They all want to explore ways of working outside the box and they all have stories of negative attitudes and experiencing jealousy from others. We agreed that it was best to work in a group with like-minded people and take one step forward at a time. If that does not work, then take another step maybe in a different direction! The important thing is never to stop moving forward.

Thinking outside the box takes commitment, effort and confidence. The more you believe in yourself the more you will be able to do it. You will also find that once you have one new idea others will follow. You will start a chain reaction in your brain!

Most entrepreneurs will talk about the times they have failed at things before they did anything that was successful. Thinking and acting outside of the box could well be the most important thing you ever do because once you do it for the first time you will never look back and never again will your actions be constrained by old habits or the views of others.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you with stories and questions.

Next week is the last in this series. Please send me feedback and if you have any other suggestions or any questions or comments, please contact me.

𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 (𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.𝘤𝘰𝘮) 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘶-𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴. 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 ‘𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯’, 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘴, 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘸, 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴. 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴@𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.𝘤𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭@𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.𝘤𝘰𝘮

07/11/2022

> 💸

Here it is!! Finens Nakamal is back to offer you quality and affordable financial management training 💰.

Two courses available this month for small businesses seeking more training in financial management & book keeping and access to finance.
Special offer of 10,000vt per course.
APPLY NOW - only 10 seats available 🏃.

📣 Application closes on the the 7th of November.

Send an email to : [email protected] or call 5365741 to secure a spot.
With Business Link Pacific

07/11/2022

>
Short course on how to access finance is now available with V-Lab. If you are interested, send a short expression of interest to: [email protected] or call 📞 5365742.

Course is available for only 10,000VT per person. Only 10 seats available, hurry up 🏃‍♂️ and book yourself a spot.

📣 Applications close on the 7th of November!!
With Business Link Pacific

16/10/2022

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬

Welcome to this series on ideas, what they are, how we get them, what we do when we have them and how we grow them. Over the next few weeks, I will explore tools for exploring and developing ideas and then focus on ideas in particular situations – land, water, food, transport environment, health, retail, construction, clothing and fashion, arts and crafts, recycling and personal services.

An idea is defined as a formulated thought or opinion – a thought or a suggestion as to a possible course of action - a plan, thought, or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation. For example, you might have an idea about how to counter the effects of climate change on your island or what to do about youth unemployment or how to prepare for a cyclone.

Walk around the streets closest to where you live and begin to write down what could be possible. What are the challenges that need to be overcome and what ideas come to mind. Ideally do this with a friend or colleague and start an ideas conversation as you walk. Maybe take a theme to focus on.

For example, think about your neighbourhood or community through the eyes of children. What are their needs? Where do they play? How do they get to school or the park? What keeps them safe? Make a list of questions before you go on your walk and take photographs to remind you of what you see. If you can, talk to children and their parents. Start to develop your own ideas process which you can refine and use in every situation.

When you get back home or to your shop or office then talk about what you saw and begin to brainstorm the needs and how you might respond. Create an ideas board just focused on the needs of children and young people. Draw pictures and use key words or images. The object of this exercise is to develop your own creative thinking ability and your confidence to express yourself sometimes to others who might be cynical or disinterested.

There is no reason why you should not expand your thinking and consider the whole neighbourhood. Think about issues like energy, waste, community, safety, transport, businesses. Excitement is infectious! If you get excited about something new then others will follow and the more people you involve the better because there will be more heads to help find creative solutions.

Perhaps there is an existing group in your area – a youth group or community or business organisation – that you could get involved. Turn them into an ideas group. Focus on what is possible not on what stops progress, which unfortunately is where so many organisations get stuck.

Ideas require forward thinkers, people able to imagine what the future could look like. Many years ago, I was involved with a community ideas process in New Zealand called an idea wall. We took over a large empty shop for a few weeks, covered all the walls in white paper and invited anyone to come in and start to create an idea for their community. There were lots of coloured paper and pens and sticky notes! What happened was that as one person identified an idea others would come and expand or add to it. So, the idea grew organically. The whole process brought people together to think, positively, about their future. Many of those ideas were turned into actual projects and achieved.

Imagine doing that in your family or community or business or province or country. Think about your business – I remember working with a small engineering company who used to invite a small group of customers and suppliers in every couple of months for an ideas meeting. They simply asked their customers what they could do better and what else was needed. Not only did this process strengthen key business relationships, it also provided the business team with totally different perspectives that they could then develop and benefit from.

Ideas can come from anywhere at any time. The challenge to us all is whether or not we are open to understanding and considering them or are we so engrossed in our own ways of doing things that we ignore other possibilities. Remember that your future will be built on a constant flow of new ideas.

Next week I’ll continue to explore small business ideas and how we might practically develop them. I hope you are enjoying this series all about ideas. Please send me feedback and if you have any other suggestions or any questions or comments, please contact me.

𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑤𝑤𝑤.𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚) 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑉𝑎𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑢-𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑐𝑜𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑃𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠. 𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 ‘𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛’, ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑠, 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑒𝑤, 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠. 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠@𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑧𝑒𝑙@𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚

02/10/2022

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬.

Welcome to this series on ideas, what they are, how we get them, what we do when we have them and how we grow them. Over the next few weeks, I will explore tools for exploring and developing ideas and then focus on ideas in particular situations – land, water, food, transport environment, health, retail, construction, clothing and fashion, arts and crafts, recycling and personal services.

An idea is defined as a formulated thought or opinion – a thought or a suggestion as to a possible course of action - a plan, thought, or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation. For example, you might have an idea about how to counter the effects of climate change on your island or what to do about youth unemployment or how to prepare for a cyclone.

For the next few articles I am going to look at ideas in specific situations starting with ideas at home and in our communities. We are surrounded by new challenges everyday – each challenge will provide the opportunity for a new idea.

Start by creating an ideas log – some way to document all ideas as you get them, no matter how unrealistic they sound or whether they are big or small. Maybe use a whiteboard or a large sheet of paper or your mobile phone. Start with your family. Have a family meeting and brainstorm 25 new ideas that would help your family grow and develop. Involve all members of the family. Listen to everyone and write down what everyone has to say. This process is called ‘family ideation’ and is a great place to start and practice. Then you can move on to the local community and eventually your business ideas.

As people come up with an idea, get them to explain it if it is unclear. Thank them and do not judge. It does not matter if you do not agree with the idea – you can discuss later whether or not it might work. What is important at this early stage is that everyone is being encouraged to think and to think in a positive and creative manner.

You could start a family ideas meeting on a regular basis. As you get used to this process then move on to your wider community maybe by involving friends, other relatives and neighbours. Perhaps you take a topic that is meaningful to you and your group – for example land use or access to solar or concern about unemployed young members of the community or lack of quality housing or poor transport. There are no shortage of topics that will benefit from your creative attention!

Unfortunately, there is a temptation to expect others to do things for us or to blame others for the situation or problem that needs to be solved. This is not a positive attitude and is unlikely to lead to the best solution.

Ideas work when people are involved. Benjamin Franklin said; ‘𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑡; 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟; 𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛’.

Just imagine regular ideation sessions in your community where you take a topic – say land use or water / power access - and involve all members of the community to explore what could be done. Not only will new ideas be created but new relationships will be formed and people will start to work together creatively and with energy and enthusiasm. The process of idea generation will become a process of change and rejuvenation.

Everybody is capable of having a new idea, regardless of their age or status or gender or educational background. However, people do express themselves in different ways. Some will be comfortable with words while others will prefer music or Facebook or images. Become a facilitator of new ideas in your family and community. You will learn so much that you will then be able to apply to your business and the wider economic situation.

As an ideas facilitator you will need to become an excellent listener, capable of putting aside all possible distractions and giving 100% of your attention to the person expressing his/ her idea. Use positive body language to encourage others; write everything down; keep your own thoughts to yourself!

Finally, one idea will inevitably lead on to another. As you explore together you will see the reward of several heads thinking about the same thing!

Next week I’ll continue to explore small business ideas and how we might practically develop them. I hope you are enjoying this series all about ideas. Please send me feedback and if you have any other suggestions or any questions or comments, please contact me.

𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 (𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.𝘤𝘰𝘮) 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘶-𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴. 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 ‘𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯’, 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘴, 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘸, 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴. 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴@𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.𝘤𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭@𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.𝘤𝘰𝘮

26/09/2022

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Welcome to this series on ideas, what they are, how we get them, what we do when we have them and how we grow them. Over the next few weeks, I will explore tools for exploring and developing ideas and then focus on ideas in particular situations – land, water, food, transport environment, health, retail, construction, clothing and fashion, arts and crafts, recycling and personal services.

An idea is defined as a formulated thought or opinion – a thought or a suggestion as to a possible course of action - a plan, thought, or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation. For example, you might have an idea about how to counter the effects of climate change on your island or what to do about youth unemployment or how to prepare for a cyclone.

Coming up with ideas and then finding the opportunity to implement them involves the need to face up to and overcome challenges. Entrepreneurs have to become really good problem solvers.

A problem is something that is regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needs to be dealt with and overcome. Problems are part of everyday life and solving them is not new to any of us. However, sometimes we are not so good at solving them! Many people go too quickly to a solution without really understanding what the problem is! Some find everything too hard and bury their heads in the sand. Sometimes it is easier to blame others or expect others to find a solution – we leave it to our parents or the Government or our boss.

However, the life of an entrepreneur is all taking responsibility to solve problems. Einstein said that if he was given 60 minutes to volve a problem, he would spend 55 minutes exploring the problem and 5 minutes on solution.

This 4-part problem solving process will help you, as entrepreneurs, tackle any problem and, of course, it can be applied to any aspect of your life.

The first step is to prepare – who are you going to involve in helping to solve the problem, where are you going to do it, when are you going to start, what resources or prior knowledge do you need and so on.

Now start to explore the problem. Write down the problem, or the starting issue, as you see it and then start to gather information. Ask lots of questions, work as a team, question each other and challenge your assumptions. The reason for doing this is to find out what the real problem is. Usually there is always something beneath the surface that is the real issue to be solved. Finally, at this early stage, ask yourselves what success will be like once the problem is solved and write it down. That is what you are aiming at.

Then the next step is to begin to explore options. Usually there is more than one way to solve a problem and it is important to consider all possibilities before deciding on a course of action. Evaluate each option carefully – what will it cost, what resources will be needed, who will need to be involved, how long will it take, will it really give you what you have identified as success?

Finally, choose the solution you think is best and start to work with it. Create a plan, prepare to act, put the plan into action and evaluate how successful it is. If it does not work, then you go back to your options and further planning.

As you begin to work with this problem-solving process you will face a number of challenges. Your own perceptions, lack of self-belief and attitudes might need to change in order to free you up to consider new possibilities. This is where the help of an outside person like as coach can be really useful. Working with others means good teamwork. Listen to each other and open your mind to other ways of doing things. Your ideas might not be the best! Just because you are the business owner or leader, does not mean that you should know the answer. Your staff, suppliers, family or customers might have better solutions. It is important to be humble enough to hear and understand what others have to say!

Start to use this problem-solving model in all aspects of your lives and practice. Involve others, generate excitement, and celebrate successes, even when you solve the smallest problem!

Next week I’ll start to explore small business ideas and how we might practically develop them. I hope you are enjoying this series all about ideas. Please send me feedback and if you have any other suggestions or any questions or comments, please contact me.

𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑤𝑤𝑤.𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚) 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑉𝑎𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑢-𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑐𝑜𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑃𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠. 𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 ‘𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛’, ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑠, 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑒𝑤, 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠. 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠@𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑧𝑒𝑙@𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚

22/09/2022

𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲. 𝐖𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬.

Welcome to this series on ideas, what they are, how we get them, what we do when we have them and how we grow them. Over the next few weeks, I will explore tools for exploring and developing ideas and then focus on ideas in particular situations – land, water, food, transport environment, health, retail, construction, clothing and fashion, arts and crafts, recycling and personal services.

An idea is defined as a formulated thought or opinion – a thought or a suggestion as to a possible course of action - a plan, thought, or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation. For example, you might have an idea about how to counter the effects of climate change on your island or what to do about youth unemployment or how to prepare for a cyclone.

Coming up with ideas and then finding the opportunity to implement them involves a number of challenges and last week I addressed one of the most common, the attitudes of other people! Today I look at a few more.

Finding the right people to share your idea with or even to work with to come up with an idea in the first place, can be challenging. In Vanuatu, V Lab’s Bisnis Nakamal starts its series of three business development programmes with the Seed Haos – a short programme specifically designed to look at ideas, how to get them and what to do then! The programme helps partipants on their journey of creative thinking by equipping them with tools to solve problems. A major value of such a programme lies in working with others – two heads will always be better than one. Bisnis Nakamal provides the right creative environment that encourages people to share and explore together. Try to find something similar in your area or contact me for advice.

Some people don’t want to share ideas with others as they worry that someone make take the idea. The only way you can avoid that possibility is to talk to no-one and that will not help you grow. You have to take a few risks on your journey as an entrepreneur. Choose people to collaborate with carefully and share information gradually. Lots of people will want to give you advice or even tell you what to do! My suggestion is to listen to everyone, say thank you then go away and make your own decisions. Competition is part of being in business and it keeps you focussed on what is special about your particular product or service. It might even stimulate you to do things that you haven’t previously thought of.

There will always be challenges around practical things like availability of money or land or equipment or finding the right people to employ to help develop your ideas. Try not to be put off. Work with a business coach and make a plan with some simple steps to help you move forward. Many people see problems that actually do not exist. You might not have any spare money to start developing a new idea but what else do you have – experience, skills, land, buildings, equipment, contacts, family, raw materials and so on. If you do not have the knowledge to help you develop your idea, you can go on Google and there will be someone with useful information.

Finding the time you need to develop your idea might be a challenge, especially if you have a busy life. Treat it like a specific project and decide to give a certain amount of time each week to the idea. This is where is it helpful to work with one or two others so you can encourage each other and hold each other to account. On your own it is too easy to procrastinate! Maybe a one-to-two-hour ideas team meeting every week followed by a period of relaxation together. This will also give you something to look forward to.

A further challenge may well come from other demands on your life, and you find yourselves in conflict. You should be doing more work to pay for school fees, but you really want to follow your dream! Life is never going to be just one thing but always a collection of things that compete for time, attention, money etc. You will have to make compromises, and this is where careful planning and talking things through with an unattached outsider/ coach will be really useful. The coach will not make the decisions for you, but he/she will help guide you to your own solutions.

There will always be challenges and as you face them, one at a time, you will become more confident and more able to withstand what others are throwing at you.

Next week I will look in more detail at the problem-solving tool – a crucial part of our toolbox as we explore and develop new ideas. I hope you are enjoying this series all about ideas. Please send me feedback and if you have any other suggestions or any questions or comments, please contact me.

𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑤𝑤𝑤.𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚) 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑉𝑎𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑢-𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑐𝑜𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑃𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠. 𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 ‘𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛’, ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑠, 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑒𝑤, 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠. 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠@𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑧𝑒𝑙@𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚

14/09/2022

𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬.

Welcome to this new series on ideas, what they are, how we get them, what we do when we have them and how we grow them. Over the next few weeks, I will explore tools for exploring and developing ideas and then focus on ideas in particular situations – land, water, food, transport environment, health, retail, construction, clothing and fashion, arts and crafts, recycling and personal services.

An idea is defined as a formulated thought or opinion – a thought or a suggestion as to a possible course of action - a plan, thought, or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation. For example, you might have an idea about how to counter the effects of climate change on your island or what to do about youth unemployment or how to prepare for a cyclone.

In my last article I looked at some of the internal challenges such as lack of confidence that you will have to overcome as you develop new ideas. Today I begin to look at some of the external challenges that you are likely to face.

The first area of challenge that you are likely to encounter is other people! If you have been lucky enough to visit New Zealand or Australia you may have heard the term, ‘tall poppy’. The tall poppy syndrome is a cultural phenomenon in which people hold back, criticise or sabotage those who have or are believed to have achieved notable success in one or more aspects of life, particularly intellectual or cultural wealth; "cutting down the tall poppy". Poppies are flowers that usually grow to similar length but sometimes some grow taller, like some people!

As you progress with new ideas and as an entrepreneur it is likely that you will be seen as a tall poppy and some people will want to cut you down to the same size as everyone else! A friend of mine describes this attitude as being a ‘dream-taker’. They have no dreams of their own, so they don’t want you to have any either!

Rather than spend time trying to get people to change their minds, it is important to be aware of this behaviour and then to create your own personal strategy for dealing with it. Identify positive people that you know and enjoy spending time with. Decide who you want to listen to and take advice from. Be aware that dream takers have their own problems – maybe they are jealous or scared or simply do not understand what you are doing – but whatever the causes they are not your responsibility! Obviously, it is harder if these dream takers are close to you – family members for example. Try not to provoke an argument and, if you can help, do so as long as you do not compromise your own ideas or vision.

A few years ago, I mentored someone in New Zealand who had two dream takers in her life – her husband and her son. This was obviously very difficult for her as she loved them both and also loved what she was doing – her passion. Fortunately she was a very confident woman with a high level of emotional intelligence and, with a good plan and strong support was able to achieve her entrepreneurial goals and maintain her relationships.

Entrepreneurs will always be different and will stand out in the crowd. If everyone has a black umbrella the entrepreneur will have a green one! It is this willingness to be different that leads entrepreneurs to identify and succeed with new ideas. But of course, this comes at a cost. You will be seen to be different by others. This may lead to some unwelcome attention or focus on what you are doing.

As well as surrounding yourself with positive people, think about using an external guide – a mentor or coach – who is not subject to the same pressures, as someone to talk through good and bad times. Make sure you are always well planned, and you always do what you say you will do. Stick to your values and be as assertive as you can be. However, remember that assertive people, while always expressing their own views and opinions, will always give time to others to express theirs and will be interested in what they have to say. Assertive behaviour is a two-way process – a win-win arrangement which will often help the dream takers to understand that their behaviour is unhelpful and unnecessary and not good for them.

There will always be challenges and as you face them, one at a time, you will become more confident and more able to withstand what others are throwing at you.

Next week I continue to look at other challenges and risks that will have to be dealt with. I hope you are enjoying this series all about ideas. Please send me feedback and if you have any other suggestions or any questions or comments, please contact me.

𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑤𝑤𝑤.𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚) 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑉𝑎𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑢-𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑐𝑜𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑃𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠. 𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 ‘𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛’, ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑠, 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑒𝑤, 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠. 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑐ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠@𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑧𝑒𝑙@𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔.𝑐𝑜𝑚

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