Private Bag, No1 UKSS

Stress Less

Fete More

British Isles

14^th August 2012

Dear Soca Fraternity,

I hope this letter finds you well and wish the contents contained within, will be digested with an open mind. Truth be told, I sat and pondered whether it was appropriate to pen this and for a minute, wanted to see you walk up the cul-de-sac. However as a responsible citizen and a true soca lover, this would not have made me a better person and it definitely would not have helped the cause.

So with that in mind, here are my heartfelt thoughts, in the hope that you will be enlightened by the message contained within. I have found that too many times in life, we do things as an afterthought, without thinking of the bigger picture or we look at other people and try and emulate what they have worked hard for. Often in times we do it, inspired and many a times we do it out of envy, greed, jealousy and often because everyone else seems to be doing it. Whilst they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery when doing it without thought and with a selfish end game, then the imitation becomes foolish.

The UK Soca Scene is a beehive of activity, blessed with talents abreast of each other. We possess in our hands a diverse selection of talent ranging from artists, photographers, mas bands, DJs etc. However despite this immense wealth, we sometimes get blinded by ego, get complacent in effort and remain in our quests separated and working against each other, curtailing our growth and opening the door for capitalists’ vultures to pounce. It is often when it’s too late and when all fails do we question ourselves on where we went wrong and do we point the figure at someone else who seems to be doing it right, , when in true fairness we should be looking closer to home.

Instead of swirling around in a circle of confusion and negativity we need to take responsibility of the direction that we are headed and be honest with oneself on the direction that we want to go. One needs to progress further and aspire to do things properly and reach to the next level, for then does growth, respect and recognition occur opening the door for opportunities abound.

Throughout our journey on the soca scene, UKSS has had the pleasure of talking to some of the most influential and creative people in the circuit. It is only befitting as responsible citizens, that we impart some of the teachings we have been taught.

1. Your drive to do something should be driven by an inner source and not the ego. ESTABLISH YOUR END GOAL before embarking. In every task, pursuit, dream, idea there has to be a desired outcome that will bring about results. Whilst excellence is commended, effort bears the fruit of someone aiming to do things right.
2. Once you have established your end goal, then THE HARD WORK STARTS. The best athletes were not born the way that there are now. It is through hard work, perseverance, due diligence and discipline does one itch closer to the radar of success. Important, strive to give a 100% in all that you do.
3. KNOWLEDGE IS KEY. In any field that one aspires to, there has to be some lessons learnt before embarking on your preferred vocation. Through learning we find out the history of things, we learn how to do things properly and we do things in the best way that we can.
4. Gaining business acumen will help you in the long run. INTEGRITY IS THE KEY to building long lasting relationships, the key is in fostering positive relationships, surrounding oneself with an inspiring network and delivering on your word.
5. ABILITY TO TAKE CRITICISM, as it is given and adopt the mindset to share and pass on information. Selfishness in any business does not help, just look at Ebenezer Scrooge…
6. BE ORIGINAL. The key to success lies in doing things your way, for then will your personality and individualism shine. Copying what another person does, does not help and only serves to lead you to downfall.
7. ADOPT AN AIR OF HUMILITY. Just because you have acquired the latest gadgets and ability to carry out your task, do not talk down on others and tell them how do it, or think you are better than anyone else. Remember just as you were climbing up to where you are now, there is a possibility you might meet your peers when coming down. So be humble to everyone, learn to teach, share and pass on knowledge without being a know it all.
8. And last but not least COMMUNICATION IS KEY. Communication is not Blackberry Messenger, What’s App or any form of social innuendo such as twitter talk. Whilst we understand that lives are busy, there has to be a certain degree of communication that one has to engage in. Many times emails, messages get unread and this does not show you in a positive light to anyone willing to do business with you. If you fail at communication, then all hope for humankind is lost. Communication opens the door for discussions, opportunities and presents you to the outside world as a professional serious person.

I hope you will consider the wise words imparted above and will strive to do better, for in the long run will it benefit you immensely and those around you.

Yours Sincerely

UKSS