Time to be thankful….

Oct 15, 2024 Playa Caracol, Panama??

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“There has been a power outage in the entire Punta Chame area….”

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This past weekend, Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving. My American friends always look at me funny when they learn this. They say two things.?

1. You guys celebrate Thanksgiving? Followed by:
2. Aren’t you doing it a little early?

We Canadians, of course, wonder why Americans celebrate so late. I mean, the ski season is already upon us in late November and isn’t it nice to have a holiday like this further away from Christmas!?

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This year, I am grateful both my parents are still with us. Still living in the same house I grew up in. With no real assistance either. Pretty amazing at 92 and 93.

Furthermore, last I checked, the weather was nice, and they had power.

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That’s a simple thing we take for granted often, don’t we? Most of us assume things like power, food in stores, supplies we want; will be there, when we need them. We also assume that when a natural event happens – it will be short lived and there will be someone around to fix it.

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Fortunately for us, we are not living in Florida, the Carolinas or other states where not one but two hurricanes have wreaked havoc with residents’ homes and livelihoods. How long will those folks be without power and easy transportation, let alone shelter?

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I am grateful my family are healthy and safe from such travails at this time.?

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So naturally, one might ask how are things in Panama? Why are you thinking of living there? How secure is power, water, health care etc.?

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All valid points. Especially as I am without power right now, as I write this note.

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After all, it wasn’t too long ago that the country was considered about as safe as Nicaragua of Noriega fame – i.e. not that great.

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But it’s amazing what 3 decades of consistently stable government, that allows citizens to keep most of their income, will do to a place. And this country is about as modern and organized as any you will find.

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But you just lost power, you said. (was only a few hours)

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True, but you know, my parents lost power for a few hours back in September and probably once or twice a year, from as long I can remember. Every place has issues from time to time, not counting a big event. And one can mitigate this with back-up generators, batteries charged via Solar etc. This is not isolated to this country.

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Like everywhere else, you also need to keep an eye on the work others are doing for you. We are visiting this locale to inspect a unit we’ve purchased near the beach. If we had not come, I expect it would still be months before we would be able to get it furnished and rented. Here, just like everywhere, you need to verify what you are being told. You need to personally manage “by walking around.”

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In business, as in life, you better follow up and check in on the actual results of your employees and vendors. Are they doing what they say they are doing and up to the expectations you have for them??

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When people feel and see that you are truly interested in and expect results from them, that’s when you are most likely to get what you need and want from them.?

This goes to prospects just as much as it does with your staff or paid suppliers.

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The money is in the follow-up they say – and they are right.

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How much and how often do you check up on your people? Have you given them deadlines for the completion of specific tasks? How many times do you follow up with your prospects, what systems do you have to remind them of meetings, engagements or calls?

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Until next week,

Stay healthy and focus on profit!?

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- Hugh? The “Profit Accelerator” Expert

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P.S. Did you know that even tiny improvements of 1-3%, in just 12 fundamental areas of your business could give you 50% and more improvement to your bottom-line? Test out my brand-new?Profit Acceleration SimulatorTM? and discover the true impact of a conservative estimate of Profit Acceleration initiatives on your business and see for yourself. (https://hughtafel.com/sim)

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