The more we speak about Visa-Debit cards here in Trinidad & Tobago and I see some of the responses, is the more I realize we have so much work to do on our mindset and getting people to understand how crucial, something so simple really is. Plain talk bad manners, when it comes to e-commerce in T&T, we are like 10 years behind (but catching up). One of the key ingredients that will completely change the landscape in T&T will be the adoption of Visa-Debit cards by the banks. Seem a bit skeptical? Will let me break down how Visa-Debit cards will boost your business.

First off…I need to throw out a disclaimer, please do not comment or respond anywhere near this post about how you already have a prepaid credit card or a visa debit card (they are not the same product) with another institution, this post isn’t about you. Nor am I bringing this topic up with the sole purpose of consumerism. This blog is done from the standpoint of a business owner and what it means for business within the country. So if you have the urge to comment, “I already have JMMB”, congratulations, now run along.

Here in Trinidad and Tobago, one of the big challenges we face today is still getting paid online and paying people online. As you know, the credit card penetration rate here is still around 10% and that doesn’t differentiate from the people who have multiple credit cards. Therefore, whenever you have your business online and are selling products or taking bookings, in a sense, we are very limited by the pool of people who can actually patronize your business online locally. This is why everyone needs a JMMB account in Trinidad & Tobago.

Paywise is officially back and I know there are many people who are ecstatic to hear that news lol. Getting paid via digital means is still somewhat of a new concept for most people here in Trinidad & Tobago. There has not been an education drive that pushes the mindset of up and coming business owners to use digital systems to increase the growth of their companies.

As a result, we see many headlines from news outlets proclaiming that we are still in a recession and times are hard. That being said, we have two great services in Wipay & Paywise that everybody should be incorporating into their business. I wanted to address when you should be using Wipay or Paywise in your business.

Since beginning my journey into entrepreneurship, I can safely say one the best things I ever did, was learn how to build my own website. It’s probably one of the most important skill sets that every entrepreneur should have in their toolkit. Have you ever gotten a quote from someone to build your website? It can get pretty pricey and if it’s too cheap, you really gotta question it. So let me break down 4 reasons why you should learn to build your own website.

• Save money to start and overall
• No wait time to put out content
• You can compete with bigger players in your space
• Earn money off the skill
• More creative control