Following is an article I originally wrote in 2013, fresh from a long-anticipated journey back to the country in which I was born. I hadn’t stepped foot in Cuba since September of 1962, so this trip was emotionally monumental for me.
This morning, it occurred to me that during this pandemic, when entrepreneurs saw their business foundation shaken to its core, that somewhere in the world, people are dealing with an unsteady economic environment all the time, and yet, managing to survive. So I dug back into this article, and there it all was: a fierce entrepreneurial spirit that could not be dampened.
Communism and a pandemic are not the same thing, but a barrier to economic success is a common theme. Please enjoy this rewind and I would be delighted to hear your feedback.
Business Lessons From Havana. November, 2013.
I was enjoying a true “disconnect” while on vacation for a week in Havana: NO cell service and internet service was very difficult to find (so I didn’t bother). I learned to embrace the peace and quiet.
Strolling the streets of Old Havana, I picked up on some thought-provoking business lessons. Cuba is still a Communist country, but recently the people have received permission to open their own business ventures. In addition to small cafes and hair styling salons, some enterprising souls sought a living doing whatever they could conjure.
1. Creativity is King.
If you can think of something imaginative, you’ll get paid. Some folks took advantage of the large dog population in this country to put on some
“acts”. One gentleman had a wagon on which he rolled 3 dachshunds which were dressed in human clothing, complete with little straw hats and “glasses”. You want to take a picture? That’ll cost you a dollar (a CUC – Cuban convertible currency).
My personal favorite is a man who had trained a white mouse to “ride” (cling on to) the back of his dog. The man called out, “Look, Mickey Mouse!” You want to take a picture? It’ll cost you a dollar.
I noticed that the more crazy and creative the act, the more people were willing to pay.
2. Capitalize on Your Unique Skill
One young man would hang out in a plaza and if you stood still long enough, he would sketch a lightning fast caricature of you, offer it to you and
expect a dollar in return. He would take just a few seconds to create each portrait, get paid and move on to the next.
Another gentleman strolled around, taking advantage of the fact that he bore a striking resemblance to Morgan Freeman. He would walk up to a group, proclaim himself to be the Cuban Morgan Freeman and expect a dollar.
3. The Louder You Ask, The Less You Get
There was no shortage of restaurants in Havana. You could barely walk the streets without a cafe hawker asking you to come in, and waving a menu in your face. People hate to be sold to and pushed into buying.
On the other hand, there were many restaurants you didn’t realize existed until you read about it on Trip Advisor or the guide books and went hunting for them down side streets. They didn’t have to advertise. Their reputation spoke for them, and their reservation list grew full quickly. They were booked for weeks. The food was amazing. Any business that has to cry out in the street for a customer, should be passed quickly.
4. Don’t Deny Your Weakness
If you have a weak spot, cover it gracefully and move on. Some places had gaping holes in the street – but they built attractive wooden fencing around it so the passers–by didn’t fall in. The hole was visible but the fencing was actually pretty. So if there’s a “hole” in your business, don’t stress or give up – dress it nicely and move on.
That’s where the original article ends, but as I now look back 7 years, what I can’t get out of my head is the energetic, never-give-up spirit that was all around the city. Cubans weren’t ordering the latest this or that on Amazon, their clothes weren’t the hottest fashion, and Lord knows, they really do sweat keeping those classic cars running, but they found joy every day in their families and being grateful for what they did have.
That’s a permanent lesson for every business owner – look around at what you do have and what you can do to earn a living, and use the power of gratitude to propel you into a thriving life and business.