Wrapping Up This Trip

Monday 9/19

Last week was uncharacteristically dry here in Rwanda, but the rains seem to be coming now.  Hope I don’t get drenched on the way to class.

Tonight’s class is focused on advertising and promotion.  I always look forward to this particular class.  It brings out the creative and fun loving side of our entrepreneurs.  We will undoubtedly share some laughs tonight, and have fun as they learn how to promote their businesses.  In general, Rwandans place a high value on being serious minded, nevertheless they smile easily and have a good sense of humor.  When you are communicating cross-culturally humor can be touchy.  Sometimes humor doesn’t translate well; nevertheless, I have discovered common ground with simple humor.  It’s little things like humor that help you connect.  The real treasure in Rwanda is the people.  I hope I get a chance to introduce you to some of them – We are looking for intercessors, online mentors, and visiting executives.

Tuesday 9/20

Dr. Mulford and I have been traveling back and forth to Rwanda regularly for well over a year.  It has been a wonderful and gratifying experience, and we have certainly seen God’s faithfulness in our efforts here.  The fruit is very encouraging.  Nevertheless, we know that to expand our programs here and multiply Business Development Centers around the world, we will need to reproduce ourselves.  Today was spent focusing on continuing to build our systems here and training facilitators.  Our national director, Donatien, will help with one of the classes this week – he has been a tremendous blessing to us and is a pillar of our team. 

I met with Junior Chamber International, another organization encouraging young entrepreneurs.  We have had several of their members go through our program, and I wanted to give them a special invitation to this Thursday’s open house. 

In class tonight, the entrepreneurs are really digging into their business models and focusing on how to build customer relationships.  Good stuff – You can see real progress over the last week or so. 

Wednesday 9/21

I spent most of the day with Donatien promoting our upcoming Customer Service seminar.  We were able to visit a number of the major companies and government agencies.  We have been warmly received, with several customer service directors agreeing to send trainees right on the spot.  This kind of thing is a significant part of what we do.  The existence of the Center here allows us to leverage the impact of Visiting Executives, and have a real impact on both the public and private sector.  Rwanda is changing and it is nice to be moving with the momentum.  This nation offers those who want to make a difference by sharing their business expertise an unusual opportunity to participate in dramatic change. 

We cover break-even and the financial model of the businesses tonight – always an interesting class.

Thursday 9/22

Typical Day for me at the BDC

• Before breakfast Bible reading and reflection on last night’s class.  Break-even analysis brought sobriety to some of the entrepreneurs 
• Early morning breakfast meeting with a young man visiting here with his church group, he has been tasked with doing a feasibility study on micro-enterprise development 
• After breakfast a meeting with a graduate who has a mining project, our meeting last week was fruitful; progress is good 
• Have until lunch to send a slew of emails to staff, seminar invitees, government, etc.  Also need to write a letter to our local bank. 
• Lunch meeting with visiting executives. Get to hear about the amazing meeting they are having with our entrepreneurs
• I have a little time to create a handout to help a few of the learners who are struggling with breakeven from last night.  I will put it on blackboard for them. 
• Just enough time to make some phone calls.
• I walk over to our offices to meet with staff.
• Downstairs to class at 5:45
• Pascal our training assistant is setting up the projector
• Open house again tonight. Not the crowd we expected but we have had about 8 visitors total this week. Not bad
• Back to the guest house for a 9:30PM dinner and the pillow.

Friday 9/23

I have a lot of loose ends to tie up today.  I ate breakfast with my to-do list handy.  Our Visiting Executives Michael and Janet Shultz are leaving late this evening, and I will need to say goodbye to the entrepreneurs tonight as well. I fly home tomorrow.  Donatien is organizing the business presentations tonight.  One of our entrepreneurs presented last night and it was quite good.  Over the next two weeks of field work we want them to soft launch their businesses if they have not already.  Please pray for this group!  Dr. Mulford will be with them in a couple of weeks to cover finance and operations.