I lack the stones to be one

Many years back a gentleman I love and respect immensely wanted me to be an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur, dictionary states: a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.

My background is that I am taught, influenced and educated by some of the greatest entrepreneurs and minds of the current age. It's a daily influencing factor to think bigger, think of society, and the lives and people you shall touch.

My life I have learnt hard work, ever since a child my father always mentioned that a man works hard.

Now getting back to the answer to the initial question of do I want to be an entrepreneur, my answer was I lack the stones to be one.

My life experiences taught me of certain fears, one been letting people down. An entrepreneur word itself is a risk. The self-made MBA anyone can own is been a true entrepreneur.

Yes my whole life I do dream to be one. This is written to inspire people to be an entrepreneur, written so I and others learn to conquer fears to achieve greater dreams, written to show a focus is a 24 X 7 job there is no time one can drop the ball.

Cheers to conquering your dreams.

YOU NEVER LOSE UNTIL YOU GIVE UP

Liswith

Challenges

This is something I am still struggling to face head on.

Many years earlier into my working career I learnt sometime I am given tasks that are beyond me.
Firstly, I was very discouraged, simple thought process your washing your hands-off work and dumping on me. Years later anger turned to frustration this sent on a resentment spiral of people.
With the experience years of work grew, I learnt I am feeding my mind at a fast speed pace. A pace that left me constantly hungry, I always need to breakdown and know the why and the how? Most people now portrait this obsession of mine, as a negative.

How I over challenges that were put up against me like a wall was purely selfish. I understood what is taught to you, what you self-learn or any hurdle you over is a benefit on you. What is learnt by you cannot be stolen, this is all you. This was you hard work that paid off not for others but for yourself, this is greater experience that can make you a better employee and a person.

This constant hunger let me over most challenges put up against me, the first thought I always now think is what can I get off this lesson that I am trying to overcome. Don’t let is misguide you thinking I face all of my challenges head on and with confidence yes, I shall have a smile upside down but yet try to accomplish it. There are many challenges I have not faced yet and still have to face.

This trait can make you a more reliable friend, family member or employee.

Next challenge, think what can I learn off this to my life’s curriculum vitae.

Cheers!

LISWITH

Innovate > Micro Manage

Well this was an idea spark kind of thing I wanted to share. This is about us Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka, Sri Lankans are genetically being great at Innovation, simplification of the day to day progress. May it be grounding medical advances, or services at your fingertips, and even simple things like finding shortcuts in day to day operations. We can think out of the box to minimize human effort, ever thought why. I thought and came to only one conclusions we are freaking lazy, lazy as it comes so when boxed in between moving yourself around to get things done or at your fingertips. We chose to, yes you guessed right the non-movement. While the other part of world makes shoes that self-tie themselves, we are streamlining our lives to move less.

I think this is a true power, we have been given that gift to push push push the world, in a way to give more time to actual things that require our attention and remove time spent of tedious tasks. This kind of innovation is only creating such great entrepreneurs in our motherland.

With the blessing to innovate, we were blessed with an insecurity too that we are the best at micro management.

May it be British rule mentality which never left us, we are very insecure of what we build, create. Firstly my idea shall be stolen, showing great failure that you yourself have zero faith in your idea or product. Secondly follows never will I teach what I learnt to another, may it be a subordinate or competitor. We encourage such dependency that's unhealthy, subordinates do not know problem handling or even thinking for themselves. Competitors are treated like vultures, we never can be transparent with another as our minds plotting their demise: not thinking me and my competitor can work towards a common win win goal situation.

Lastly this micro management experience level gained, disrupts your growth. You become the FBI hound sniffing out issues, taking away your valuable time that you need to initiate your first blessing we spoke of Innovate.

Think of these words that I observed and let me know was my observation sound.

Over and out.

LISWITH

Hospitality Trade & Holidays

The hospitality trade is about understanding the market needs; each person traveling in brings a certain bit of his/her of culture, requirements and behavioral patterns along with them.

Over the years I have noticed that key holidays (eg: Orthodox Christmas, Eid and Easter) make a huge impact; focus on the key holidays and the markets that are influential in the current world of traveling is a year in year out forecast.

I see that there could be bigger improvements on this, let’s talks how?

Does these holidays only impact those specific nationals? In an ever growing world the expat community of each country that is globally influential too is growing.

The improvement for the next step I am talking about is not only focusing these holidays on specifics nationals, but on the expat community living in those parts of the world as well.

If you come to think of it, such holidays are when the expats too travel globally. They make their annual vacation plans, the belated honeymoon arrangements, the cross off the bucket list holiday, and destress myself vacay.

Hence to a world growing larger in size, but smaller in boundaries; I think this kind of marketing can make the travel trade a much more diverse playground.

By Liswith Obinamuni


Maldives

Seaplane in the Maldives

Seaplane, it's a twin otter flight that lands on water. Occupancy varying from 10 to 14 passengers.

Seaplane transfers are always combinable with other passengers, but YES it can be chartered just for your privacy & discretion as well.

Arriving at Male International Airport, immigration would require your Travel voucher for visa formalities.

Once baggage cleared and collected you shall be exiting.

Walking out you shall see a paging board by your resort or travel company. You shall be greeted and you shall be facing all resort and DMC counters. Once your names have been crossed checked against arrival list. You shall be taken to the seaplane check in counters that is situated on the right.

You passport shall be requested and where they shall be issuing your seaplane tickets. Though it is not an International airline, yes they have a baggage allowance as per policy 20kg +7kg, especially those who travel on business class note and per extra kg should be paid at counters. Check in shall be collected and hand luggage tagged and returned to you.

The airport team shall now walk you to their transport which will escort you the seaplane lounge. 99% of resorts in the Maldives have seaplane lounges where you can refresh, chill, have refreshments and complimentary Wi-Fi as you stay. Once your flight is ready you shall be taking that breathtaking flight to your resort. Yes a view to die for: Maldives Seaplane ride, an experience which I think is a must for your Maldives holiday.

LISWITH OBINAMUNI


Maldives

Educate Clients

Educating a client is a critical part of any sales individual.
One of the key factors when selling of any product, service or innovation. Educating one is the setting a standard in the eye of your customer, telling them the honest pros and cons.

The standard you set in the customer can be innovation of your own industry to the next level, something your competitors have been lazy and ignorant about.

This honest passing of knowledge will earn ones trust with you not as a person who is trying to sell but a friend who is helping you improve the level of service you need that you never knew about.

Education of one's trade can make things more transparent, get your company the respect as a people's company. Not the company that sells you a one time good, but one that establishs a customer provider relationship.

Can your customer change jobs over the years? Yes of course they shall in order for their growth.

Will they forget you? No!

Today is not about gaining a customer for an one time deal, but gaining that loyalty that befriends us in this Internet based society.

A thought I shall leave by you.


LISWITH

Maldives

Is everyone your Marketeer?

My knowledge of sales and marketing literature is very poor.

This is purely written on one skill I trained myself over the years to own; the skill of observation.

Mass marketing.

Takes a lot of Facebook campaigns, understanding of Google analytics and some serious marketing skills.

How does one empower all around you to sell your idea or product.

The key is truly simple, you market it in every discussion; it can be a casual drink, or a dinner, and can be that random coffee.

People love the idea of sharing new things, empower them your idea kicking in their intrigue curiosity level with a boost them of knowledge.

We all love to talk, even more we love to shout out what new things we know or we heard.

You are already making your idea viral.

Do not be aggressive, no ones like been smothered with opinionated ideas. Be the storyteller, everyone loves a good story.

Always knows good stories makes waves, creates and audience and an audience shall create your market.

Written by : Liswith Obinamuni

Why use your Travel Agent ?

Why aren't travel agents and destinations specialist still not out of style.

They say online is the new age, then why is your travel agent so important.

What does a destination specialist do exactly what it states. They are specialists.

An online engine will provide you a name, a ranking, dates of travel, a room and an amazing payment gateway.

Destination specialist will tailor to your needs, your wife's dreams, your kid's safety, your husband’s budget, and your parents’ needs.

They are made to think for you, they are there to advice you on the country, the culture, where you shall stay and the dos and don'ts of where you are travelling.

They will customize not only to you budget but to the little worries and confusions you may have.

They are the one who will know when traveling with your children to book a resort close to medical assistance. They are the ones who will attend to your special meal needs even before you arrive. The privacy of your holiday that information is protected.

Yes online will book everything to your budgets need. What happens when you miss your transfer? What happens when you face a difficulty at your hotel? What then, would one ask?

Not to brag, travel agents are those who are behind your worry free holiday.

By Liswith Obinamuni

Maldives

USP

This time, let’s discuss Unique Selling Points.

What are your unique selling points within your business, product or idea?

·         Do you provide great service?

·         Is your user interface friendly?

·         Do you provide 24/7 assistance?

·         Do you have a rewards programs

All the successful institutions, apps, hotels or customer agents provide the above. It is part and parcel of their success as a whole.

Providing excellent service is a norm in all industries.

Your end client expects something extraordinary, expects an added value beyond what you have promised.

Most of us have products and differentiation is the tough cookie. How do you do that?

We always have to reinvent what sets us apart. Know the market you are serving. What quality of life you trying to instill.

So take this opportunity to write down five USPs regardless of whichever industry you are in. Make this your mantra and the root of your marketing plan.

LISWITH OBINAMUNI

Maldives

Is there anything called a bad Inquiry?

Is there anything such as a bad inquiry, request, or a sale? NO there is not.

Do we do it often? Yes, most of us do! The viewpoint I am going to discuss briefly is why we probably should not.

As freshmen of any trade, we are inexperienced so every sale gets our heart and soul. The rush of closing the deal is palpable. As we mature in the industry, we somehow lose this.

When do you think we become complacent and self-righteous when we all started with a freshman attitude? Sadly, this happens with experience. We let judgments take us over; how a customer approaches, his/her budget, or at times on appearance.

A practice to end this dilemma is always take each sale with a fresh mindset. Fresh eyes to evaluate all avenues.  Does this mean that like a freshman, you shouldn’t let go? This is definitely not what I was getting at, this is the point that your experience should kick in. When you have the understanding of when things are coming to a full stop. Stop the drainage of resources and time.

Don’t let your experience stroke your ego, but learn not to pre-judge.
Your sale might be to a startup company or a client without a huge budget.

Why take it? What do you get in return?
You get loyalty, you earn trust, you earn a free marketing executive for your company.

You shall earn yourself a repeater, a true believer!

by : Liswith Obinamuni

Maldives Foodgasm

Maldives is not only surfing, honeymooning, and diving! To all you travel addicts up for new experiences, Maldives is a great cuisine destination too.

Yes I am going to reveal the big truth, Maldives is a foodies destination.

I know all of you may know have heard Maldives owns underwater restaurants; yes they do exist, yes Maldives has them.

Maldives has a collection of world renowned chefs, along with a collection of Michelin superstars that are a part of this great Maldives attraction.


Wait doesn’t Maldives has Maldivian food? YES they do.

What other cuisines are spread out in the Maldives? You have the Thai, Italian, Japanese, Asian fusion, wait it goes on to South American and African as well.

If you seek, you can get a creative end to your palate, the Michelin chefs have lined up some unique trademark dishes just for you.

On a very personal experience I have certain food allergies, which with age I grew out of. With age still the smell or the mention of the food nauseated me.
I went a bit daredevil once, to try dishes that consisted of my old allergies. Knowing it would take a toll on me, not due to allergies, but that my taste buds would instantly reject them; I rose up to the challenge.
I went through several dishes to which I thought I would have a rough ride, but fell madly deeply in love with each bite I took.

Maldives you made me fall in love with great cuisines all over again!

Next time you think Maldives, think Fooooooooodddddddd………….

By : Liswith Obinamuni

Maldives

Removing the word CHEAP

Cheap is something you see mostly used in current day and age right opposite the words; travel, holiday or vacation.

Is this form of writing, marketing, and advertising suitable?

No, as a person of the travel trade I find it really bad this word is used and popularly over used.
The word cheap, does this bring value into marketing? No I don’t believe so.

“Cheap” when you use it with the word holiday; this makes the destination degraded.
As a person who sells destinations this is a ruin of my dream, and the ruin of another traveler dream using the word cheap on his/her dream vacation.
Travelers when you go on your holiday do you like the word Cheap to appear first, I personally find it disrespectful as a person hearing it.

How can we exchange the use of that term? Using of such words and phrases like; budget & value for money.

Does the above seem awkward to hear NO I don’t think so at all; it states you have a specific budget for the holiday, and you require the best service for your holiday budget as planned!
Next time not avoid, do not use the term CHEAP.

LISWITH OBINAMUNI

Maldives

Is the Maldives only a Honeymoon destination? What about families?

Yes Maldives is ideal for Honeymooners and couples.
Is it ideal for families as well? Will the kids have fun? Can even teens enjoy?
Yes Maldives is not only a couple’s getaway, but a Robinson Crusoe expedition for your family too.
Maldives resorts, are equipped with kid’s club, kid’s pools, and teen entertainment; such as PS4s and Xboxes.
Kid’s clubs in the Maldives are action packed. Every Kid’s club has daily activities to keep your kids super engaged and to gain a learning experience too. Group activities such as cooking, snorkeling and teaching of the Maldives marine life are amongst a few of them.
If your family is traveling with your toddler, yes resorts do provide babysitting services.
Wait you might think if the Maldives is so famous for Honeymooners, will the rooms only be able to accommodate two people? Will my kids have enough space? Will they provide extra beds? What about a cot for my baby?
It’s a YES to all of the above. They do have two bedroom categories, some even three and even four. Do not worry of your kids bedding or meals, resorts are well equipped to handle it all.
Next time you are thinking of an escape with your family, do not second guess that haven Maldives.
It too should be a part of your travel bucket list.

LISWITH OBINAMUNI

Maldives

The Maldives over Water Experience

 

Maldives as the world calls it is famous for its Villas on stilts. Yes Villas built in the lagoon or in the ocean of the respective Resort Island. Fascinating isn’t it? Access to the ocean, the turquoise waters they speak of, the coral you dream of, and the Nemos you are longing to find.

Here are a few names they are known by: water bungalow, water villas, lagoon villas, ocean villas, ocean studios, InOcean villas.
Maldives is one of the destinations that specializes in this unique villa form.

Why choose an over water villa?
It is customarily for adults, and mainly focused on couples.

Why Couples?
Because over water villas offer the luxury of peace and solitude.

Is it suitable for Children?
Yes some do accommodate children above a certain age in certain resorts. This would be accommodated only if a waiver form is signed by parents. Preferably not recommended for children due to safety reasons.

From the resort how do I get to my over water villa, if it is built on top of water?
Some resorts have a bridge that connects the over water villas to the main island. Some resorts have stand-alone villas built in the middle of the ocean, this they would provide a boat to access in and out of your respective villa.

Tips about a small slice of haven!

LISWITH OBINAMUNI