Success Lifestyle Magazine Issue 6- October 2019 | Page 28

stay for members of staff of the French
Civil Aviation Authority. I started to build
my network of Jamaican host families and
in 2015 our host families received their
of the client. Our strong network of well-
researched companies and service
providers allow us to ensure that we are
finding the most reasonable costs for our
clients. Furthermore, we offer several
payment options to our clients and we are
very flexible!
How do you build trust so that people
feel safe in the immersion
programme?
This business is not just about booking
and sending people off on an immersion. I
thoroughly enjoy getting to know our
clients! I want to know their motivations
and ability to undertake an immersion
programme.
Clients are offered personalised support
(even for group trips) before and during
the stay; including for things that fall
outside the scope of our programme. For
example, when one of our clients from a
previous group wanted to do a solo day
trip to Paris, we were able to secure a
chaperone who could escort her and show
her the major attractions. Furthermore,
clients can be reassured that we work with
a network of recognized and certified
language schools whose staff are always
ready to help!
Our host families are also carefully selected
for their personal attributes and their ability
to host. These are families or individuals
who
are
accustomed
to
hosting
international students and/or who are
willing to welcome a foreigner with warmth
and love. For our host family in Jamaica
programme, a site visit is conducted at the
homes of prospective families to ensure that
certain criteria are met.
What benefits have you experienced
as a registered business in Jamaica?
Languesol International is a registered
entity in Jamaica, so the business responds
to Jamaican tax codes and regulations for
small businesses. Registration was quite
simple, and it is great that Jamaica has an
environment favourable for budding
entrepreneurs. Like with every country,
once you conform and respect delays,
everything will be fine!
Registering Languesol International has
opened up a world of possibilities. It has
helped boost our credibility with
international partners and has built trust
in our services. I highly recommend
business registration for any business.
(Side Note: Learn more about the business
registration process by purchasing a copy
of Success Lifestyle Magazine’s Business
Playbook. Click here to learn more.)
Why is it important for entrepreneurs
to learn a foreign language?
The language consultancy trip that I
organised in 2012 opened my eyes to the
importance of the business side of foreign
language. They hired me to help these
Martinique students communicate with
the native English speakers in the USA
because I’m bilingual. Communication
would have been virtually impossible for
them if I wasn’t there. I did not have a
language barrier and could help my clients
comfortably express themselves.
Being bilingual has also created
opportunities for me to enter new
markets. Foreigners are often amazed that
I speak both French and English fluently
and enjoy being able to express themselves
freely with me in French.
What is the greatest challenge that
you have faced as an entrepreneur?
I believe that my greatest challenge as an
entrepreneur was not immediately having
a team. It’s difficult to accomplish your
dreams alone. Having reliable people by
my side has been very helpful as the
business has grown.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Why?
I’m inspired by so many wonderful people
but especially the people who are close to
me. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by
people who are driven and are natural
strivers. They set goals and seek to
accomplish them. They’re fearless and
optimistic and they exude positive energy!
What books, podcasts or YouTube
Channels would you recommend to
other entrepreneurs?
I recommend the “Doing The Most”
podcast hosted by Georgie-Ann Getton-
Mckoy. It’s a great source for tips about
the journey as an entrepreneur!
What tips would you give to budding
entrepreneurs?
1 Capital is one of the main challenges
of businesses. I have a full-time job
that allows me to pump money into
Languesol International until it
becomes self-sustaining. Use your day
job to fund your dream job. Don’t
jump headfirst into your business
without having enough financial
support. (Feel free to read this Success
Lifestyle Magazine blog post to learn
more.)
2 You don’t have to quit your day job if
you love it. You can experience the
best of both worlds.
Reduce overhead expenses by using a
coworking
space.
The
Hub
Coworking JA is our base.