Psalm 25

God wants to show you the path that you need to take.
- He wants to point out the direction you should go.
- He wants to teach, lead and guide you.
- Ask Him to show you and He will direct your paths.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE MONTH : JANUARY 2011

January certainly was a busy month for many of us and 2011 got going at a galloping pace! I am not sure if you agree but time is flying by! As you all already know, it is on my heart to seek out and to encourage all our local Entrepreneurs. This month, as Chairman of the Gordon's Bay Business Association, I am proud to announce to our chosen Entrepreneur of the month in Gordon's Bay for January is Chanel Miller, owner of Sapphire Dawn Jewelry.

Chanel Miller has been actively involved in the local community for the past 11 years. It has been on her heart to educate, empower and uplift previously disadvantaged young women in our local area and surrounds of Gordon's Bay.

Her company, Sapphire Dawn, uses Jewellery design and manufacturing as the vehicle to restore dignity and confidence to her employees who master skills and learn to actively contribute in the workplace. According to Chanel, her girls don't believe in handouts and want to earn a living in a fair and dignified way. Sapphire Dawn's motto is to teach a person to fish instead of handing out fish- with the hope that their lives are forever changed for the better.

In her words 'It is my passion to nurture my own team members at Sapphire Dawn Jewelry as well as seeking to encourage all entrepreneurs to become successful in their own fields. As a business mentor, I am very passionate to see successful development in all people striving to fulfill their purpose in life and honestly believe this is the answer to happiness'

Sapphire Dawn Jewelry are based in Gordon's Bay and are Jewellery Wholesalers who supply shops. Their products are beautiful and the quality is exceptional. The materials they use are a broad variety of Semi Precious Stones, Fresh Water Pearls and hand made glass beads. Please see their website on http://www.sapphiredawnjewelry.com and do not hesitate to contact them should you need gifts that are a true gift of giving as this is truly a worthy cause.

To close, Chanel shared some words of encourangment with us. She says, 'Life is an opportunity to fulfill our Purpose, master Skills and leave a Legacy that contributes positively to our World. This is our greatest challenge, to contribute in some way to making our community a better place for all of our people' We at the Gordon's Bay Business Association wish Chanel and her team at Sapphire Dawn Jewelry all the best and continued success.

SUCCESS POINTERS FOR OUR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

As an Entrepreneur myself, and owner of Danmil Attorneys in Gordon's Bay.

I have often wondered what holds the keys to success for my fellow Entrepreneurs.

After much browsing I came across an interesting article from Nokia. I decided to

share it with you with the hope of encouraging you to grow in success with your own

businesses.

WE CAN LEARN FROM NOKIA

• “Do not underestimate your competitors,

• Understand the internal and external risk factors that may affect your business growth and survival;

• Understand market changes and dynamics;

• Ensure that you understand the requirements of your target market;

• Keep up with technology;

• Create a culture of continued improvement;

•  Approach innovation as an asset and apply the principles to all areas of your business;

• Properly segment your target market;

• Cheaper is not always a better alternative;

• Protect your brand perception and reputation;

• Involve your employees at all levels as part of your business approach to excellence; and

• Your past successes do not guarantee future success or growth.”

(Taken from an article by Stephen Elop)

Nokia started as a small business and today has grown to be a successful economic giant. We may not all want our businesses to grow to that size, but I think we can learn from them. It is my wish at Danmil Attorneys, in Gordon’s Bay that my fellow Entrepreneurs in Gordons Bay continue to expand and grow in success. I hope that I have shared something of value with each of you today.