I was expecting there to be cultural differences in Nicaragua- I was expecting some social norms to perhaps be different, or to witness unique social/cultural traditions—I was expecting things to look different (like the buildings, the landscape, etc)- but for some reason, when it came to the way companies work, in my head it was exactly the same as in the states. I had the fear that I was under qualified to be offering advice on marketing plans for the pharmacy. They actually kept calling me the “marketing expert”- which made me especially nervous, because I don’t think I can be considered an expert in anything. But it hit me like walking face-first into a brick wall today, that I am the ‘marketing expert’ for this pharmacy. Tomorrow I’m meeting with the board, but today two of the women from the board were asking me what some of my ideas were after being here two days. I told them they would have to tell me about how marketing/publicity is done here, because I know they have some unique ways that I don’t know about (such as speak out cars---cars with giant speakers that play a recording of an advertisement). But I told them about how really the best way to market is mouth-to-mouth, and so I think it would be good to start with creating some fliers to give to the current customers who can pass them to their friends. I then suggested talking to the pastors of local churches and the doctors at local offices/hospitals who could pass on information about getting low-cost medications at this pharmacy. Their jaws dropped—at the idea of fliers. They started gawking over this concept. I was expecting to have to be innovative and really figure out how to reach the greater Jinotepe population, but I realized today that I just have to be practical. Business here is at such a basic level, that I think I will fare best simply by being logical.
Tomorrow I meet with the board. I hope it goes well J And tomorrow I think I get to lead necklace making as an afternoon activity with the residents. So I’m feeling pretty pumped about that! At least if I fall flat on my face with board, there’s a great bead set and some ribbon serving as my light at the end of the tunnel.
The dynamics amongst the residents are so interesting. There are some people who seem to be best friends, some indifferent, there’s a married couple, there’s one trouble maker who starts fights…today he wheeled over (in his wheel chair) to a man who was sitting down and tried to steal the seated man’s cane…There are some chatter boxes, and then there are some who keep to themselves. The combination is really great. There’s also a man who speaks English (kind of) and he is sooo precious. He came up to me today and said, “Hello Miss. How is the weather in New Hampshire?” When I gave my answer he didn’t respond to it…so Im not sure whether he understood me or not. Then at lunch I was initially sitting alone (the two women were on their way) and so he went to his room and brought me his radio. He plugged it in and turned on a music station for me.
So all in all, I’d say day 1 was a success!! I hope all the rest go just as well J
Abrazos,
Rachel
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