Women taking charge

(Left-Right), Audrey Marks - Managing Director, Paymaster Jamaica Limited, Andrea Graham - President, SBAJ, Pamella McLean - Managing Director, Ex-Im Bank Jamaica Limited, Beverley Lopez - President, Jamaica Exporters Association, Fay Pickersgill - Direcor of Tourism, Jacqueline Lloyd - Executive Director, Jamaica Employers Federation and Deanne McFarlane, Past President of the SBAJ discuss the day's proceedings.

THE inaugural staging of the Small Businesses Association of Jamaica (SBAJ), "Business Woman Convention", took place on Wednesday August 30, at Alhambra Inn in Kingston. It was held under the theme, "Women Taking Charge in the 21st Century" and the guest speaker was Director of Tourism, Fay Pickersgill.

In her address, Mrs. Pickersgill noted that in spite of strides, inequality was still a problem. "Women are still the largest of the marginalised groups in the society, yet their contribution enriches everyone's lives."

She said that in the face of present challenges, "....we have talked ourselves into national depression and paralysis but we need to recognise and highlight the good and positive to transform the negative climate which is harmful to business."

There were nine experts who made presentations to the convention and Flair now shares excerpts from four of them. Presenters used a number of personal examples to show the participants how to be more effective in their businesses and they effectively fielded the questions asked.

Managing director of Paymaster Jamaica Limited, Audrey Marks, spoke on the topic, "How to interpret the customer's desires, demands, complaints and suggestions". Her presentation included the following suggestions: develop a flexible system with all staff having the ability to handle queries, ensure that all queries are logged, categorise levels of urgency, do not allow customer service to be based on name recognition, cultivate customer loyalty and learn to erase the social barriers that influence our attitudes to customer service.

Managing director, Ex-Im Bank Jamaica Limited, Pamella McLean's topic was, "Managing for success in a man's world, mentally, physically and mentally". This thought-provoking speaker urged the group to: blow their own horn, be assertive, stay visible, avoid being confrontational, don't encourage the "godfather" syndrome, don't be afraid to ask for help, don't put barriers in your way and be good listeners.

General manager, City of Kingston Credit Union, Aloun N'Dombet Assamba addressed the topic, "Maintaining your focus during emotional and financial turmoil", in a personal, humorous and participatory style.

She stressed the importance of preparing for what could be the worst position and deciding how to deal with it. Her suggestions included: intelligence, education, mental and physical energy, imagination, good communication skills, computer savvy, great ethics, great contacts and most important, self-discipline.

Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, Postal Corporation of Jamaica's topic was, "Maintaining dignity while aiming for excellence" She began by exhorting the group of business women to retain female qualities in the world of competition. To maintain dignity she suggests: picking mentors, use time wisely and avoid the gossip machinery. She stressed that single women should choose partners for relationships wisely, remain centred, be in charge and know when to pull back; love yourself, take care of your body and exercise and be knowledgeable about what's going on in the world around you.

The presenters for the afternoon session of the convention were: Hyacinth Bennett, Founder/President - Hydel Group of Schools, Ethlyn Norton-Coke - Principal Tax Consultant, Deloitte & Touche, Beverley Lopez - President, Jamaica Exporters Association, Jacqueline Lloyd - Executive Director, Jamaica Employers' Federation, Norma Rochester - Managing Director, Education Development & Management Services Limited and Althea Laing - Fashion Consultant/Model.

Back to Flair Magazine