Recently, I sent a very sassy text message of a blue luggage of mine to a loved one. That luggage is more than just a luggage to me.
It is a lesson of persistence – which inspired me to start business. Why? Let me set the stage free for you to have a better understanding.
What’s the story behind that blue luggage?
I’ll never forget the day when I was given an elegant sky-blue luggage by my beloved mother figure. I was only 11 years old at that time, and we were about to go on a family vacation trip – at an ocean side resort. Hence the luggage.
“Here, Lorraine. This is for you. Knowing you, I believe you’ll damage it within the next two weeks.” She uttered those words.
I must admit. He words stung me harshly. Misplaced ego? Probably. Nonetheless, I took the gift with gratitude, not fully realizing the significance of her words until much later.
Now, to be fair, saying I was a difficult kid is a huge understatement. I was not a role model in neatness, maintenance of personal belongings, much less about personal tenure. In other words, she definitely had a (very painful) point.
I silently decided to prove her wrong. My sole objective was to keep that luggage longer than two weeks. Three weeks seemed the perfect target. Sorry aunty 😉 but rest assure I still love you very dearly 
.
Once we returned from the trip, I stored the luggage somewhere home. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. And before I realized, months turned into over two decades.
Every time I’d travelled, I’d use that luggage – and God knows I took a number of trips. That luggage was a constant companion at each trip I’d take. It was a faithful travel partner, which never failed me. A great asset for long trips, regardless of adventures round the world, harsh conditions, rough handling, extreme temperatures, …
Fast forward to 20+ years later. That suitcase is still with me. In good working order. Serving as a reminder of what I can accomplish when I believe in myself.
Guess what. My cheeky self decided to tease my dear relative with an image of that luggage. Her reaction was priceless – the typical reaction from an African Mama if you know what I mean ;-).
So what’s my point?
In many ways, running a business is like me keeping that suitcase. You may perceive and face doubts and skepticism from others.
People, including your loved ones may question your ideas, your qualifications and your potential. They may point out the risks, the competition, or the challenges that lie ahead.
Nonetheless, your responsibility is to hold onto your dreams. Because a business requires vision, determination, resilience, and the willingness to take risks and learn from failures.
So here are some business related lessons I’d like to impart on you, dear valued reader.
Believe and persist
Have faith, even when the odds are against you. If you do not believe in your success, no one will. Everyone may believe you’ll succeed, but if you don’t, you won’t. It takes you to believe.
Moreover, be willing to put in the hard work and the dedication required to turn those dreams into reality.
Keep going. Even when it seems like you’re not making progress. Keep taking small steps, even if they don’t seem to lead anywhere. Success is often the result of persistence.
And just like the story behind my beautiful sky-blue suitcase, a business can become a symbol of one’s journey and one’s identity.
Embrace change and adaptation
Why? Simple. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and if you don’t adapt, you’ll be left behind.
The luggage also reminded me of the importance of adaptability. Over the years, I had to change and adapt: my aunt had rightfully called out my carelessness. It had to change. The change was initially to prove her wrong.
Indeed, all I wanted was to make that luggage last only for three weeks. That change process led me to facing situations differently, to adapt to new environments and to handle new challenges in a more thoughtful way.
The luggage had to adapt too, to new modes of transportation, more handling due to new security regulations, etc.
In business, you have to be adaptable. Be willing to change your strategies and approaches when necessary. Be open to pivot and try new things. Do not deprive your business from unexpected opportunities, challenges, and outcomes. Except if the latter is at the expense of your core values.
The power of perception
The story behind that blue luggage of mine emphasizes the power of perception. Just as my relative expressed her doubts regarding my ability to maintain the luggage, businesses must be mindful of how they are perceived by their stakeholders, including customers, investors, employees, and partners.
Building a positive brand image, reputation, and culture can help businesses attract and retain loyal stakeholders, differentiate themselves from competitors, and create a lasting legacy. Which brings me to my next point.
The value of quality
Last but certainly not least: my luggage story demonstrates the value of quality. Deep down, I am convinced that the luggage lasted 20+ years also because it was well made and reliable. For that, I have two people to thank for such longevity.
The first one is obviously my aunt. She had such a sharp eye for products of good quality. But also because her initial words (when handing me the luggage) birthed a side of me I can be proud of.
The second I have to thank for the longevity is the manufacturer of my luggage whom might never hear of this anecdote. If it wasn’t for the quality of their product, the luggage wouldn’t have lasted.
Businesses that prioritize quality in their products or services can achieve long-term success and customer loyalty. Investing in quality can pay off in the form of repeat business, positive word-of-mouth, and a strong reputation.
If my luggage was my business, and if I could hire my aunt, I’d offer her one of the following positions:
- Quality Director: because of the outstanding quality of my luggage. She has an eye for quality
- Sourcing Director: I’d trust her to source good quality of raw material. Because the quality and reliability of the end product, as well as the reputation of the company are on the line
- Operations Director : Because having an Operations Director who is Quality minded is the dream of every business owner.
By the way…
In her reaction, I could feel that I made my aunt proud – though I couldn’t help bursting out with laughter. Okay… she didn’t know I laughed – she soon will after reading this post ;).
Aunty, you have been and still are a priceless blessing to my life. I know have express it very, VERY poorly on a day to day basis, but God knows I look up to you with love and great esteem .
Through this post aims to celebrate you and to tell you how much admiration I have for you. You probably thought you were gifting me with a mere luggage. In reality, through that luggage alone, you have gifted me with priceless life lessons. Lessons I will hold onto very dearly. God knows I was messy, and you have equipped and helped me weather that storm.
Words aren’t great enough to express my love and gratefulness towards you . May the Lord Almighty bless us with many more years of your wisdom. Thank you for always be encouraging, lovingly demanding, and for caring.
As this post is reaching its end, I’d like to ask for your opinion. Do you think there are other lessons one could learn from that anecdote? I’d like to read your thoughts in the comment section.
Behind the anecdote of that blue luggage of mine, this post aimed to express how faith, persistence, perception, willingness to adjust and quality can change your business for the better. Feel free to comment and share.