business

The country of Haiti is not an economic power. As a matter of fact, the Caribbean country of Haiti is right at the bottom. It is considered to be the poorest country in the region. The population is is very disadvantaged.

The main economic function is agriculture. more than one third of the population survive in it. However the agriculture has been affected by widespread deforestation that made the environment more vulnerable to natural disasters

Other problems affecting the economy of Haiti include inflation, lack of investment and severe trade deficits with the Dominican Republic. The government of Haiti has relied on the international community in economic assistance to support may of its projects

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Gonaïves' terrain exposes it to flooding, a valley where run-off cascades from surrounding mountains during heavy rains.

Seasonal hurricanes hit coastal Gonaïves, causing flooding and mud slides. Damage usually results in thousands of deaths, and ruination of plant life.

Storm lakes flood roadways, preventing aid-supplies coming from Port-au-Prince. Some flooding is caused by water flowing from a watershed close by.

Weather scientists have been compiling data to find a solution to contain it.

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Tipping is an accepted practice in many countries as well as in Haiti. The food service industry has set a range of percentages it considers appropriate for the quality of service given.

A standard tip is 15% for satisfactory service, and for above average service 15%- 20%.

For large parties of eight or more people a gratuity is automatically added to the bill, usually 15%. A 10% tip is for unsatisfactory service. And if service is very poor, leave two pennies with your tip to indicate dissatisfaction.

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The Haitian government wants to develop its port facilities to compete for business from Panama. Panama is currently expanding its canal to accommodate post-Panamax ships, larger and faster vessels.

Both the U.S. and Europe are preparing for Panamas' new vessels to be in operation by 2015.

Port Authority Director, Alix Celestin, convened a two-day conference in Pétionville to motivate private investors to create a maritime industry, beneficial to the economy and competitive in attracting more business from Panama.

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In this picture, you can see the airline that many Haitians were proud of. Haiti Trans Air was a Haitian own airline. It started in 1987, frying from Miami International Airport to Port-au-Prince. It went oiut of business in 1995, after providing services to its customers for over eight years.

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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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Missions International of America co-founder, Jan Meier-Nielsen has found a way to help 50 Haitians profit from a new business that could well be described as modern-day alchemy. Using paper from scrapbooks and the pages of magazines, 4 men and 46 women, last year, made an income of $400 plus, over the yearly income of the average Haitian. The wares magicked from these unlikely materials include crosses and coasters, in a setting that harkens even more to fantasy for the dirt floors and candlelit ambiance in which they were created.

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