Episode Summary

In this episode of Digipreneur FM, Keron Rose dives deep into why the Caribbean—and especially Trinidad and Tobago—needs to embrace digital-first businesses. The episode highlights the region’s reliance on import-heavy business models and explores how shifting to digital-first thinking can alleviate issues like foreign exchange shortages and high living costs. Keron also shares practical examples of digital-first businesses and skillsets that Caribbean entrepreneurs can adopt to create sustainable income streams while contributing to their country’s economic resilience.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and a wake-up call for entrepreneurs in the Caribbean to rethink their business strategies for the digital age.


Key Takeaways

  1. Digital-First Thinking is a Necessity, Not an Option
    • The current business landscape in the Caribbean heavily relies on importing goods, which exacerbates issues like foreign exchange shortages. Entrepreneurs need to shift their mindset and explore digital-first businesses that rely less on physical imports and more on exporting expertise or digital products.
  2. Digital Skillsets Open Global Opportunities
    • Building digital skillsets like e-commerce management, social media management, SEO, and content creation allows individuals to tap into global markets. This makes it possible to earn in stronger currencies, enhancing individual income and supporting the local economy.
  3. Practical Digital Business Models
    • Examples such as e-commerce, dropshipping, affiliate marketing, online tutoring, and freelance services demonstrate how Caribbean entrepreneurs can transition from traditional business models to sustainable, digital-first approaches.

Episode Highlights

  • The Foreign Exchange Crisis in Trinidad and Tobago
    • Insight into the challenges businesses face due to limited USD allocations and uneven distribution of foreign exchange.
    • Why import-heavy businesses are no longer sustainable in this environment.
  • The Importance of Exporting Expertise
    • Keron shares his own journey from running an import-reliant smartphone business to becoming a digital strategist who exports expertise globally.
  • Digital Business Ideas for Caribbean Entrepreneurs
    • Practical suggestions, including blogging, YouTube content creation, dropshipping, and app development, that can generate foreign exchange without adding to the region’s import bills.
  • The Role of AI in Business Ideation
    • How entrepreneurs can use AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to brainstorm and transition their traditional businesses into digital-first models.

Actionable Steps for Listeners

  1. Assess your current business model to identify opportunities to incorporate digital elements or transition entirely to a digital-first approach.
  2. Invest time in learning a high-income digital skill through platforms like HubSpot Academy, Google Digital Garage, or LinkedIn Learning.
  3. Explore AI tools to brainstorm innovative digital business ideas tailored to your expertise or industry.

Connect with Keron Rose

  • Website: keronrose.com
  • Social Media: @keronrose on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and X
  • Podcast Website: digipreneur.fm

Stay Connected

  • Weekly Column: Digipreneur column in the Jamaica Observer (Wednesdays) and Trinidad & Tobago Newsday (Thursdays).
  • Radio Show: The Digital World on Freedom 106.5 FM every Friday at 1 PM.
  • TV Segment: Digipreneur on CNC3’s Morning Brew every Tuesday at 7 AM.

Remember, it’s not enough to listen; take action! Implement at least one insight from this episode to start building your digital-first business. Let’s redefine entrepreneurship in the Caribbean—one idea at a time.

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