You have to lead by example – Crichton

To be successful in business you have to be a leader and have compassion.

That is the view of head of Professional Secretarial and Consultancy Services (PSCS) Camille Crichton.

Crichton’s business is 30 years old, having been founded on May 1, 1989.

“You have to be a good leader by leading by example. Customers are not always easy to deal with; it is a myth that customers are always right, but you have to understand persons and treat them right,” Crichton told SEARCHLIGHT recently.

She said in her business, like many other businesses, things are changing, and you have to be able to explain and guide persons.

“You have to reach down to their level. Many times, I have to help people see sense, so as an entrepreneur you cannot feel you are better than anybody. People come in here and ask for guidance all the time and you have to be able to give it.

“You cannot sustain a business without being integrally involved,” Crichton stressed.

She added that she has learnt many life’s lessons operating the business and sometimes we may fail at certain things, but these negatives can turn into positives.

“To women who think that life is such a challenge, all things are possible through Christ and sometimes we go through patches and it brings out the best in us.

“I used negative words as stepping stones to ensure what persons said did not affect me. I had challenges in the past, almost lost my house at one point. I was at a point where I thought I would have to close down but with prayers, doors started opening,” Crichton said, noting the importance of having faith in God.

She also believes in tithing and being generous with any resource you have.

“I tithe…that is important,” Crichton stressed.

“When people ask me for donations, I became a household name not by spending money, time is money. I gave time.

“I would go to service clubs and work with groups like the Rotary Club and Partners of America. I have done church programs without cost,” said Crichton whose business sponsored the Primary School Performing Arts Festival and also rewards students of the Girls’ High School (GHS) for exceptional performances.

“This life has humbled me, and I am thankful for the way my parents brought me up,” Crichton added while noting that she now holds a master’s degree from the University of South Wales in business administration.

“I want this 30th anniversary to be an education to people who are in small business like myself. It is still a small business, but I look it as a business that continues to grow, and I am thankful that I started a business before I was 30, and here, I am today.

“I want to encourage women and students to know once you have the right attitude, determination and ability don’t give up, as nothing beats a trial but a failure.

“Sometimes when we are our lowest, we feel like giving up, but when you are the lowest ebb that is when the best comes out,” Crichton commented.

She added, “Our life belongs to God and depends on him. The mistakes that we make we should not go back. It is important to have a relationship with God.”