Friday, January 9, 2015

The Attitude of A Winner

To maintain is the price of fame, be prepared for anything to survive the times.  Living is an art, and art is a way of life. It is important you hit the ground running and stay relevant in your sphere and the Selasi of the situation in whatever you do. Winning is a state of mind, a way of life.  The good news is you somehow staggered or weaseled your way through 31st December 2014, into 2015. That you said still have another 364 or so to go… la vie en 2015, the Life and Times.

Networking
Networking with people of like mind enhances and refines and improves individuals and their craft.  There is nothing wrong with socializing and hanging out with friends, but often this is mistaken as networking. A networking event is not an office call either or a speed dating platform. Keep the conversation light and pleasantries to a minimum. Snacks and drinks are often served at these events avoid stuffing your face or worse getting drunk. Once you are known as the loud networker, you’re an event away from getting uninvited.  You exchanges business cards for a reason, the onus is on you to follow up. It is not a Friday night hangout with your clique, but an opportunity to multiply opportunities. Listen for hints and clues, the nuggets are in listening. I have learnt that when you listen, you always learn something you don’t know. It is not an opportunity to give your resume or opinion, listeners switch off fast to life story tales. Smile, show some culture and act civilized to meet movers and shakers who will help you win.

Owning Style
Originality always outlives trends and fads. If you are not a leader now, how will you be a leader in the future? The future is already here, do or die. The fallacy of escaping the sheered one day will never materialize until you reach in instead of fitting in. Bullshit excuses like what will people think will leave you broke, miserable and uninspired. Believe when I say, there is no greater compliment to self than being unique. Shout out of to all the soul sisters rocking that all natural look, it is very refreshing in scene blemished with skin bleaching and weaves. Don’t get it misconstrued that weaves don’t look flyy, it’s all about perspective.  For a long time, the Zambian fashion scene feels and looks like a ladies closet with very little innovation or character. Nothing beautiful asks for attention, style is a reflection of your character. You are a brand, noting says winning brand like original finesse.


Own Your Stage
Your life is a stage, stand on it and direct the script and be the lead. Don’t depend on an understudy or trust another person with your destiny. Help is okay, but do not compromise control of your idea. Every night is opening night, look the part not lost. Rehearse with the best and never stop perfecting your performance. Make life your dojo, everyday refining you r standards. Longevity over popularity is key make your production a classic. You are future leader now because the future is upon us. Technological advances have enhanced avenues of reaching the global masses. Social networks started revolutions, hobbies have made millions.
The selfie is a modern day autograph. It tells the world who you associate with, and what consists your circle. Give movement verve and meaning with selfspoken selfies that speak for themselves. Being real and living your dream is the ultimate selfie. Trying to fit in is for the faint hearted, 2015 still needs your undivided attention. Remember that when you pray for rain you must also be prepared for mud. Take a deep breath of inspiration, be an inspiration and energy as you stay winning.

Happy New Year   
The Renaissance Man
@ZambianHarshTag

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

The Savoir Faire 


Over familiarity or a sear lack of tact are notorious traits in the Zambian service industry. Quality of service and professionalism are cardinal in the service industry, the establishment is always one bad service away from losing a client or potential repeat clients. There is no room for mediocrity or arrogance when below par services are being offered to a paying patron. The waiting staff must live up to their name and impeccably wait on and serve a first timer as they would a regular. Weather in summer, winter or spring, I expect my coffee to be hot. If it appears on the menu, you should have the ingredients in stock and not run out during service. The numbers should not be an issue thus a sixty seat institution should not struggle or strain at capacity with orders during lunch or dinner service. The utmost courtesy from the chef to the waiter must be accorded to patrons at all times. 

The excuse of being Zambian or being in Zambia is a shallow excuse that must be exposed and addressed on all levels, as standards transcend boarders and nationality. As a paying client or patron I warrant the best service at every juncture I visit an establishment. Gone are the days of the quality of service being based on ethnic persuasion or clout as money is neither black nor white, The standard should and must apply to the owner of the business, the professional behind the scenes and the front of house staff. If you do not love food, do not become a chef or restaurant owner. If you do not love fashion, do not become a designer or a cloths retailer/boutique. The difference in service or pivotal moment of truth weighs heavily in the passion (the love) vested in product or service which as a customer I can instantly see, feel and taste.  

The execution is everything, as everything worth doing must be done well. The existence of the service is one half of the equation as is the ambiance. If the sign says open, I expect service promptly. 

Here comes Le Critique