Articles

The Timely Entrepreneur’s Guide: How to Negotiate Like a Pro  A playbook for closing deals, retaining clients, and maximizing value—Caribbean edition.   Table of Contents  The Psychology of Negotiation  Pre-Negotiation Prep  6 Proven Caribbean-Tested Tactics  Handling Objections  Closing with Confidence  Practice Scenarios    The Psychology of Negotiation  Key Mindsets:  Win-Win or Walk Away: Never force […]

RECESSION MARKETING PLAYBOOK By The Timely Entrepreneur Resource and Research Centre    The Reality of Recessions  Let’s face it—economic downturns are brutal. Customers tighten their wallets, competitors get desperate, and many businesses vanish. But here’s the truth: recessions also create HUGE opportunities for brands that adapt quickly. It’s what those in business identify as ‘the […]

Create Scarcity, FOMO & Instant Sales How to create scarcity, FOMO, and instant sales—even in a slow economy.   Why WhatsApp Works for Urgent Promos  – 98% open rates (vs. 20% for email)  – 45% faster replies than social media DMs  – Ideal for Caribbean markets where WhatsApp is the #1 messaging app    Pro Tip: […]

Recession-Proof Marketing Keep customers coming back even when budgets are tight with these proven subject headings. Here are some Psychology-Backed Subject Lines:   The “Exclusive Perk” Email For: Rewarding top customers Subject: “You’re Invited: A Little Something Just for You”   The “We’re Here for You” Email For: Building trust during tough times Subject: “No Gimmicks—Just Real Support for […]

  Proactive Strategies to Survive & Thrive in Economic Downturns  Phase 1: Fortify Your Foundations  (6–12 Months Before Potential Recession)   1. Financial Armor  – Cash Reserves: Build a 6-month liquidity buffer (prioritize this over expansion).  – Debt Strategy: Refinance high-interest loans; negotiate flexible terms.  – Expense Audit: Identify and cut 3–5 non-essential costs (e.g., subscriptions, […]

Idea Bank   Low-cost, culturally savvy side hustles and businesses for Trini entrepreneurs. How to Use This List Pick 3 ideas that align with your skills/resources. Test cheaply – Launch a MVP (e.g., Instagram page) before investing. Scale what works – Reinvest profits into higher-margin versions.   “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” — The Timely Entrepreneur Resource and […]

Dedicated to Entrepreneurs STEP Ahead Internship Programme! Are you a young, ambitious Trinidadian aged 16–25, eager to break into the world of entrepreneurship but unsure where to start? The Timely Entrepreneur Resource and Research Centre (TTERRC) is thrilled to introduce you to our STEP Ahead: Youth Entrepreneurial Launchpad internship programme—your gateway to hands-on business experience, […]

THE TIMELY ENTREPRENEUR’S BCP AUDIT CHECKLIST  Ensure your Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is crisis-ready with this step-by-step audit. Identify gaps, strengthen weak points, and build unshakable resilience.  Section 1: Leadership & Crisis Response   1.1 Crisis Management Team  – Defined roles (who leads communications, operations, IT, etc.).  – Updated contact list (phone, email, backup contacts).  – […]

BUSINESS RESILIENCE PLAN TEMPLATE By The Timely Entrepreneur Resource and Research Centre 1. Business Overview – Company Name: – Date Prepared: – Prepared By: – Key Stakeholders (Name/Role/Contact): 2. Risk Assessment Identify potential threats and their impact (High/Medium/Low). (Customize with risks specific to your industry.) 3. Critical Business Functions List essential operations that must continue […]

“Don’t Wait for the Storm to Build Your Ark.“ RESILIENCE Adaptability Agility Sustainability Your Business Matters The economy is a fickle beast. We can’t control its twists and turns—but we can control how prepared we are. 90% of businesses fail during crises not because of the crisis itself, but because they lacked a plan. Whether […]

“Entrepreneurship has always been a challenging journey, particularly for women who have to overcome numerous obstacles and biases to succeed. However, women in Trinidad and Tobago are proving that they are more than capable of carving out a space for themselves.” Challenges faced by women in Entrepreneurship  Lack of collateral Gender biases Cultural barriers Lack […]

© 2022 Caribbean Institute for Entrepreneurial Development Managing cash is crucial for the success of any business. Here are some tips on how to properly manage cash in your business:   How To Properly Manage Cash In Your Business   Create a Cash Flow Statement This will give you an overview of your cash inflows […]

The Need for Entrepreneurship The word “entrepreneur” may conjure up images of tech geniuses and young CEOs, but entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business. Entrepreneurship involves risk taking, leadership skills and much more. If you are considering becoming an entrepreneur, here is what you need to know before diving in: Let’s face it, […]