There’s a story that does the rounds in business circles about how your mindset can affect your fortunes.
The story is about a man who sold hot dogs on the street. He made a decent living and managed to educate his children.
One day his college-educated son told his father the economy was slowing and his dad should reduce the number of sausages and rolls he was buying.
The old man listened and reduced his stock. As a result he sold less and made less profit. Eventually he got to a point where the business was no longer viable. He closed shop, blaming the state of the economy.
Nobody knows what would have happened if he didn’t reduce his stock or if he chose to increase his stock. The point is that he allowed his negative outlook to become his reality.
It is something we must guard against when it comes to Durban hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
What became very clear in the past few weeks is that the world is far less interested in the minerals we mine. But they might be interested in visiting our beautiful country, more especially given how weak the rand is.
Tourism may just end up being our saviour and the games give us a unique opportunity to showcase our city, our province, and our country.
Sure, the games will cost us a lot of money. But it will bring in billions. More importantly it will result in development and create jobs. That will give us an opportunity to reduce poverty and inequality.
So, I am not merely supporting the games, I am also taking ownership of making it a success. I am willing to play my part in ensuring Durban hosts the greatest Commonwealth Games ever.
To put it in social media language #iamdurban
Post a picture of your favourite place in Durban or what Durban symbolises to you in the comments section on the Sunday Tribune Facebook wall.
Alternatively Tweet a picture with the hashtag #iamdurban or email us your picture ([email protected]).
Sunday Tribune