Culture & Diversity Upfront and Personal

There is one thing for sure in this cultural experience...flexibility is the key to existence. Yesterday (Friday) evolved totally different than planned but it was rich! One targeted meeting didn't happen but several experiences were exchanged for it.

I recall my new friends at USIL university laughing at me yesterday as I walked in with my back pack and purple umbrella in tote. Of course, the skies had been soo dark all day that I just knew it was getting ready to open up rain. I was firmly reminded that it "never rains in Lima!" So, I put the umbrella away. And for the rest of the day, I was sprinkled with what they call "mist" and "not rain". That is fine for some but it definitely creates a bad hair day! With all my planned meetings, I had to find a solution. Entrepreneurs always recognize "opportunity". When there are lemons, turn them into lemonade-- I used this "unique opportunity" as a cultural exchange. Let me preface this story by sharing that of the hundreds of people that I have seen in Lima, I am the only African American or even African culture person that I have seen...and I have traveled some miles in this town! So, seeking hair care was...let's say, an adventure. Oh, yes--the lesson for the moment: make sure that all your electrical equipment is coded to the electric current of the country you are in or "bring a converter". I left my converter at home in my rush so I had checked with the management who assured me that all was well with all my equipment. Wrong...I almost had a Michael Jackson moment as my curling iron burst into a melt down. Luckily, with minor damage. Therefore, this detour in adventure was necessary.

The urban city of Lima is the capital of Peru bursting with commerce, traffic and retail. I did return to a place I had visited on my last trip to Peru in March for other services. (highly recommend: Oxygen) After actually having the opportunity to educate four stylists as each did their part to "have the curious experience with me", I left there restored to presentation readiness and actually felt that I helped this small women's business to "build capacity" as now they truly can market to a diverse population. This is definitely a unique experience.

Ok, back to business--the wonder of the day was the meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) representatives Maryori and Renato who had been soo helpful with the GLOBASE trip in March. I have kept in regular touch with Maryori and she remains a helpful resource in Lima. Our conversation spanned a myriad of subjects from entrepreneurship, global trade agreements in Peru and the benefits to the economy, GLOBASE II in Peru, personal growth and family, spirituality of the Andean people and, of course, my research. I listened attentively as AMCHAM explained that they tried to secure feedback from the five GLOBASE clients 5 times with no response. (note: GLOBASE or Global business and social entrepreneurship is a new Kelley School course focused on providing MBA students with a "hands on" international experience resulting in consulting support for entrepreneurs in developing countries and particularly engaged with an aspect of social entrepreneurship; March 2009 the 20 students traveled to Peru to consult with 5 entrepreneurs focused on exporting to the USA; I accompanied them throughout the journey from in-class to in-country with focus on my own research agenda as well)

The clients were very pleased but there is notedly a cultural bias about questionnaires. And, in terms of planning for spring 2010, AMCHAM reports that it may be too far away for the entrepreneurs to commit. This concern about commitment was also expressed as AMCHAM discussed the retailer tradeshow/trade mission in New York City that they will participate in with members in the next months. The challenge is to finalize the organizations who will travel with them in advance. We had a dynamic conversation about trade show strategies as I had a lifetime in marketing and knowing how to position products. The ideas flowed as the night passed.

Two things I learned for sure with this night--1)for my research, I must find an alternate strategy for information gathering as the traditional survey research method is unlikely the optimum strategy; 2) As I teach my students, Latin countries are very relationship-oriented and our 4.5 hour dinner is a traditional part of conducting business and getting things done! Sitting on the edge of the ocean front in quality conversation with positive and well informed Peruvians and new friends is a win-win situation!