Under the Cedar Tree

The recent political and social transgressions that have taken place within the Kingdom of Bahrain, paved the way for my immigration back to my home country of Lebanon. This hectic and life changing time led me to an inner journey as well as a physical one. It has pushed me to make serious decisions within my life. In these challenging financial times, the option to take advantage of a situation in Bahrain, which is considered by many, would be easy, but I was not able to do so. I could not perform my work duties without somehow getting involved. I would not become that which I have always fought against. I would not lose my humanity.

Returning to my homeland after 12 years has provided many trials and tribulations that I have had to overcome. Despite this, I have decided to stay and embrace the change I see as well as the traditions that have warmed my heart since I was a boy. I feel that settling back here with my family is the right option and living in this environment will have better influence in the developing mentalities of my children.

Lebanon is a small country when compared to others, but its rich and diverse history is far larger than most. Like our ancestors the Phoenicians landed here many generations ago, many others have graced our land with their presence, such as the holy prophets of our Almighty God, peace be upon them all, and we as a people have spread across the globe and our presence is felt everywhere, if not only in a minor way. Our pride, our passion, our strength fulfills us and make us proud to have the blood we do coursing through our veins.

To bring you up to date, I have freshly finished my first business experience in Lebanon, since my return and I have to write that it was a positive one. It has encouraged me to push forward in my endeavor to change the face of events in Lebanon, starting modestly but rising up to a point that Lebanon is placed on the map as a “must stop” for entertainers from around the world. This may sound like a huge task, however I have been involved in this exact process in Bahrain, where my company was the first to bring in many new and exciting shows such as the Live DJ Concerts, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), Public Fashion Shows and standup comedy to mention but a few.

I’ve been exposed to some interesting experiences and situations since my return to Beirut, which has fortunately given me major insights into the social, political and financial sectors. This is invaluable when considering an approach to the successful multi-layered enterprise towards which I am striving.  

Every one of these experiences and sectors has its own story and for every one of them, there was an honest, true-natured person that helped me pass through the various difficult stages without any fear, and made me feel that I am home once again.

Some may think that learning from ones mistakes is the only way to improve as a person, or at least that is how some behave. I too am partially guilty of this, however, the discovery of how much human-behavior can teach us if we are prepared to learn the language, has revealed to me a whole new approach on how to have a smoother ride through the business world.

The potential that this country holds is immense, and with the progression of the internet over the years, we now have a precious tool to communicate with, to explore with, to use for research and to connect with. These colossal evolutions in technology are instrumental in the obtaining of truths, knowledge, news and so much more. In this way, progression is nurtured and as more and more of the global population become computer literate and have access to these machines, we will be able to single out the realities and truths in business and in the world. This will lead to many things including improved business methods, product knowledge, networking and a thousand other advantages.  In this way one can move forward with ventures, confident that we are on the right track and in control of our own working destinies.

I have read many articles about online social networks, their new trends and how one should work with them in order to reach ultimate goals, whether this is business or personal.  You can refer to my second article that I wrote in January 2011 titled: The New Business Watchdog.

You will come to understand to what degree all these networks affect your company, product, etc., which makes it imperative to represent yourself in the correct manner. Many people fail at this and the result is a tarnished product or service. This can so easily be avoided.

As we roll through life, distracted by the noise, the people and the shiny products on television, we often become stagnant and new growth both within ourselves and within our outer-lives is stunted. If our development is stunted, that means our minds are stunted and as long as we are too scared to gaze beyond our “safe” programmed lives, we will never develop the true formula that effect growth and happiness on a meaningful level.

Whether we are discussing Online or Offline marketing, to me, it has become one and the same. It is now a combined entity that cannot be separated. This needs to be understood in order for the full packages that we want to offer, to be ahead of the slow starters and to make ground on the early birds who have understood this concept for quite some time. I don’t want to be offered half a service. I don’t want to have limited options. I don’t want to know half the information. I am sure you are in agreement with me on this point.

General media seems to be majorly biased in this day and age. The companies offering the reporting often seem to have self-serving agendas including the emotional and mental control of the relevant populations. It is extremely difficult to obtain a balanced and accurate portrayal of events. Media is the new global dictator as it instructs us how to look, how to act, how to conform, how to pray, how to dream, how to live, how to love, how to exist and ample more. This is what keeps the capitalistic and other corrupt systems flourishing. Flourishing for some at least.

Today, in order to succeed in the present trying financial times, it is essential that   businesses be more aware than ever, that depending on the quality of staff they have is the way in which to shift smoothly from the chaos that we are all find ourselves in, to calmer shores on the horizon, without destroying the traditions which make them great.

We have reached an age where much of what we believe in or studied is not fully applicable anymore.  A world of corruption and ignorance is what we are living in, which has to a large degree been orchestrated by the powers that be.  A world in which the top one percent of society takes home 70 percent of the world’s profits, whilst 50 percent of the world is living beneath the breadline. Don’t fool yourselves and don’t be blind to it! To work within reality, to free yourselves with the truth is exceptionally empowering for an individual as well as for a company.

Although it is easy to become despondent when facing the seemingly insurmountably force that threatens our livelihood as human beings, there is hope. There is always hope my friends. We have one thing in our favour. The only thing that is inevitable. Change….

What is needed now is as follows:

ü  Stronger determination on fulfilling goals as fast as possible –

o   The time for procrastinating is over. So envision what it is that you want/need to achieve and strive towards it with nothing but positivity in your hearts.

ü  Thinking in the future, but living day by day.

o   Envision what you want to achieve. Envision it from a place of positivity and expectancy. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses, kiss your babies and to love the beauty of your country and all the other free beautiful gifts in life.

ü  Eliminating loopholes from your life that makes you bleed financially or emotionally.

o   Take stock of your current situation. Are there any aspects to your life that are a drain to your finances or to your mental wellbeing? If so, get rid of them. How? Just envision the solution and take positive strides towards it. Sometimes the biggest problems can be solved in the blink of an eye when considered in a different fashion. Life’s leeches… get rid of them.

ü  Keep a backup plan for all decision that you make, in order to avoid severe losses.

o   Always have a Plan B. Think ahead and provide yourself with future options. This can be done through networking and researching. Think of this as not only backup, but also possibly ideas for future expansion. Always have a positive spin on everything.

ü  Trust the ones that deserve to be trusted, and combine forces to become stronger.

o   Single out those who add value to your life or business. Put more energy into securing relationships with these people. You are only as strong as your weakest link and this applies in life as within business. Don’t be pulled down by the wrong people, this includes people with major negativity or who are just not an asset to your goals and dreams. I am not saying use anybody, merely calculate the creation of mutually beneficial relationships, both business and personnel wise.

ü  Keep your competitors far away from what you have in mind and never reveal your plans.

o   Play your cards close to your chest. It is always exciting to have a new idea or venture, and it feels great to share the upcoming excitement with others. Rather wait and show the finished result of your efforts. If it goes pear shaped before you have a chance to complete it then you look like an incapable fool. People can be ruthless and a good idea would be snatched up in no time by others who do not have the capacity to be original or inventive themselves;

ü  Believe in the power of your mind and use it properly.

o   The mind is the most powerful asset that we possess. To harness that power and to take control of it can lead anyone, ANYONE to greatness. Life is merely a state of mind and if we control the mind, then we can use it more effectively to steer the direction in which we chose to live our lives.

Lebanon, my country, my land, I am proud to once again call you home. I promise to be someone who contributes positively towards your progress and to represent my people in the most positive manner that I am able.  To begin my new amazing life, under the cedar tree…