Hello Marvelous People:
I recently participated in an online discussion. The topic discussed New Orleans Business. Are we closed minded & cliquish? Below you will see my response. Please post your comments.
New Orleans Business - Closed Minded & Cliquish?
We are known as one of the warmest, most welcoming fun loving places on the planet, yet I hear many say that when it comes to business we are in a world of our own. What do you think?....really. Should we seek to know what other larger cities are doing - or are we practicing it already?
My answer.
It's sad really. Most folks are resistant to change and when the change comes knocking on your door (Katrina), you're forced to embrace it. There's a mental internal struggle going on with my clients. I served St. Bernard Parish for 18 years & now serve multi-parishes from my new location in Jefferson Parish. Those that are "Past Based" (Close-Minded) have not moved forward. Those that are "Future Based" (Open-Minded) have not only built new, different and better relationships, but they are prospering better in their Post-Katrina world.
A question was posed in a meeting (not by me). If you could have your "Pre-Katrina" life back would you want it or would you want the life you have now?
The response I witnessed was amazing.
Do you know that in a group of 30 people, only 1 person would want their "Pre-Katrina" life back? When you just read this question, how many people did you think would raise their hand? More than 1? Me too.
What I drew from that is that these 30 business owners did successfully CHOOSE to embrace new people, new changes and in doing so, now prefer their "new" life. They were able to succeed in spite of the Closed Minded and the Cliquish.
The future of New Orleans area is stable and solid. It is true that business is spikier & you must be smarter. But business is not impossible.
Remember, "WHEN NOTHING IS CERTAIN, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE".
Each "one" of us can change the world. Seriously.
Peace, Love and Gumbo!
Marvin LeBlanc, LUTCF, CNP
