Trinbago Carnival and business lessons? You might ask - how can these two (2) topics be even remotely related? They seem to be worlds apart – Carnival is a two (2) day celebration “in what truly is a spectacle of creativity and resilience, and an exposition of all the nation’s strengths and weaknesses. "It has evolved into one of international stature, and the signature event on Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural calendar" (From “The Birth & Evolution of Trinidad Carnival” in Discover Trinidad & Tobago. Reproduced with permission from MEP Publishers*). On the other hand, business is a form of economic activity, prevalent in capitalist economies, where most provide goods and services allocated through a market to consumers or customers in exchange for other goods, services, or money. As different as these concepts may seem, there are a few business lessons to be learnt from Carnival. Let’s examine the parallels:

1) Seek out the Right Opportunities

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival season presents many business opportunities for those trying to earn extra income and capitalise on the season of bacchanal. It’s a matter of keeping your eyes open and looking out for the right opportunity to earn extra income and maximise profit during the season. Taxi drivers, bars, boutiques, hair dressers and make-up artists are only some of the businesses that are liable to earn extra income during the carnival season because of the pre-carnival parties and activities. Much like in the world of business – opportunities are always arising up but it’s about seizing the right opportunity for you and your business.

                                                                        Vendor Booths around the Queens Park Savannah Port-of-Spain, Trinidad during the Carnival season.

2) Save for Investments

A Trinbago carnival experience can start from around $2000 US. Needless to say, this amount can climb exponentially depending on your desired itinerary. Saving for your carnival costume, fete tickets, fete outfits and the many other expenses is mandatory if you’re going to enjoy your carnival experience. Saving for the Carnival season is very similar to saving for a business investment - like if your business investment includes participating in the biggest street party on earth. In order to reap the rewards – you have to plan ahead and be prepared at the precise moment a suitable business investment opportunity presents itself.

3) Do your Homework

Planning your pre-carnival itinerary, understanding the importance of physical fitness for the road and knowing that you can no longer simply pay money for your costume and think you are immediately parade ready are only some of the unwritten Trinbago Carnival rules. Doing your homework in order to clearly understand the implications of each Carnival decision is essential for a safe, fun and exceptional Carnival experience. Similarly, the process of determining your business objectives, strategies and projected actions in order to promote its survival and development is essential to sustaining your business.

4) Dress for the Occasion

‘Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have’ as the popular saying goes. Can you imagine showing up to meet your Carnival band in a business suit? Not only do you stick out like a sore thumb but everyone is wondering if you got lost on your way to a business meeting – and more importantly who conducts business meetings on Carnival Tuesday? As absurd as it sounds, we need to reiterate the importance of dressing for the occasion. Note to business people everywhere -don’t show up for a business meeting in flip-flops, shorts and a hoodie. Suit up and dress like the professional you are or aim to because, as the tried-and-true adage goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

5) Relax

You know the old saying, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” - Trinbago Carnival offers a sweet escape – it’s described as the ‘largest street party on earth’ – On Carnival Tuesday, thousands of masqueraders flood the streets throughout the islands in bold, colourful costumes, dancing through the parade routes to the exhilarating sounds of soca, steelpan and calypso music. As a busy executive or entrepreneur – it’s important to remember to slow down and enjoy the moment. Perhaps the most paradoxical lesson here is the need to slow down to move forward. Slowing down is a deliberate choice that can lead to greater appreciation for life and a greater level of happiness, which yields better results.

As a business school we offer business, leadership and innovation tips through our leadership-related MBA programmes and conferences for your growth and development. Learn more about our EMBA, IMBA and Post-MBA programmes and check out the master speaker line up at the Distinguished Leadership and Innovation Conference on May 5th 2017.

Sources:

*Reproduced with permission from MEP Publishers.