Business Practice

In 1979, fearing an attack of the African Swine Fever, the Haitian Government was convinced by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to eradicate their entire stock of Creole pigs. In a move that many say showed the Government's woeful disconnect from matters affecting the peasantry in Haiti, the pigs, which had taken on the role of investments for the poor, were eradicated and replaced by an American stock that never did acclimate to Haitian living.

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In Haiti, the ongoing game of controlling those with the most Natural or Injected Power.

Haiti, one of the most interesting countries in the world in term of power struggle. This is a country since its inception in 1804, has been fighting itself. the country took its independence from the French under the notion of freedom, which many believe it is one of the biggest revolutions in the history of the world. However, because of this independence, it seems that Haiti has been put in a unique box. It seems that more than anything the decision has been made that Haiti must be controlled at any cost.

One of the hardest things found by those wanting to control is the individual control. Due to many factors such as volume of the population, what everyone listens to or watches or is associated with, the individual control is almost impossible in Haiti. However, Haiti has been under control. The method used is to control by controlling those with the most natural or injected power. As a result, we often end up with leaders that do not serve the Haitian population. These leaders such as Presidents, Prime-Ministers, Senators, Deputies, politicians, and others are serving others and in the meantime try as much to enrich themselves. They are puppets, taking dictation from their puppet masters. Often these decisions have nothing to do with the interest of the Haitian society.

In the meantime, we as a society continue to dig our own grave, saving those same puppet masters time an energy to do it.

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Superstition in Haitian business dealing

Haiti is one of the few countries in the world where superstition plays a major role in every aspect of people's live.

Something you would not believe but happens to be true and according to many people I talk to, it is common practice in the Haitian society.

I was in shock because a merchant categorically refused to sell to me and it has nothing to do with my skin color because she and I are Black. Would you believe that she did not want to sell to me because of three specific reasons: 1) I was a Man, 2) I was her first client for the day and 3) she has better luck with women and not men. She told me that" Shans mwen se fanm. Mwen Pa Gin Chans Gason". Translation: Her luck is with women; that she doesn't have good luck with men. She absolutely believes that if her first business transaction for the day is with a man and not a woman, her entire day will not be profitable.

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Here is a picture of a gentleman using his charming skills to sell his Haitian art to a potential client. In an art Fair where you will find many artists selling products, specially Haitian art, it is most important to turn on the charm if you want to make any money that day.

The Haitian merchant seems to understand the concept clearly as you can see it is no longer about the product but persuasion through communication.

To "turn on the charm" when dealing with customers, clients, associates, employees, competitors, or potential clients is to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

research has proved that charm is extremely well valued in our society. Charm pays, draws customers, gets noticed. It creates an impression, usually a good one.

If you have competition, the ability to be charming will help your business to distance itself from the competition.

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There is a popular statement in business that states "The three most important considerations are location, location, location." It's a reference to the fact that a business needs to be in the right place geographically to be successful. In Haiti, most business people understand this concept clearly, from the person operating a big company to the merchant who is making hands meat.

This lady in the picture seating down is doing nothing but applying these principles. Unfortunately, she is placing her products at the right location where everyone will see it. However, it is in the middle of the road, blocking traffic in Haiti

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The Houssa phenomenon in Haiti. It is something believed by most people where it is believed to have occurred when businesses suddenly and mysteriously lose money.

Many believe that one of the persons involved in the transaction has the power to mysteriously take money away. There are many instances and stories told about certain Houssa people coming in to a store and buying something

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