Jan 30-25
Playa Caracol, Panama

“Is this really the port to get to our island? Those boats don’t look too seaworthy!”

Can’t read the full email – click here for the online version.

We had just gotten out of the SUV after a 3-hour drive from Panama City that began at 5:15 am. We had convinced two of best friends to travel to Panama and partake in this particular tour. 

The San Blas Islands is a stunning archipelago made up of over 300 islands, each boasting soft white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise waters that look like they popped straight out of a postcard. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, that’s the magic of the San Blas Islands, which are located off the northeastern coast of Panama, near the border with Colombia.

What really makes these islands special, though, isn’t just the scenery—it’s the culture and the people. The San Blas Islands are home to the indigenous Guna (also spelled Kuna) people, whose vibrant traditions and hospitality add a rich layer to the experience. 

The Guna are deeply connected to their land and maintain a way of life that revolves around sustainability and community. When you visit, you’re not just a tourist; you become part of a cultural exchange that’s both enlightening and heartwarming.

We had arrived at the port of Carti which serves as the primary port for accessing the Islands. But it is unlike any port I’d ever seen.

Firstly, with a strong wind coming out of the north, there was virtually no protection from the oncoming waves. 

Secondly, while there were a few piers jutting out into the water, every boat was a small monohull craft, 30 feet maximum in length with room for up to 10 passengers, a skipper and a lookout up front. They powered these crafts with 40-60 horsepower outboard engines, sometimes with 2, sometimes with just one engine.

This is a small craft to be out in the open ocean, with passengers, for 30-45 minute boat ride. 

And there were hundreds of tourists and locals milling about, with bare-footed captains yapping on cell phones, presumably trying to connect with the driver of one of the scores of SUVs. The entire scene was such that one would be forgiven for thinking he was in the middle of a human trafficking operation.

Needless to say, with the waves, we got wet.

No matter, the skipper was skilled. The local Kuna have been living among these islands for centuries and the wind and waves we experienced was a non-event to our captain.

The most interesting part of this chain of islands is their governance. 100% by the indigenous tribes. They are living on them as they have for generations. Simple thatched roof huts. Walls of bamboo – but not closely constructed, so air flows through them. I didn’t see a fan either. So, limited modern conveniences. No air conditioning and no wi-fi. 

Even water is brought in. As is fuel for cooking and light generators.

Which is interesting when you think about it.

All modern sailing vessels, as far as I know, have desalination systems, so they never need to come to Port for fresh water. 

Solar panels are available in a variety of sizes now, so one would think that with the sun so high in the sky every day of the year, they could run all kinds of appliances – including star link Wi-Fi service.

But they don’t. Partly because they are striving to maintain their traditional way of life. Trying to avoid the paces of life of the modern world.

They are mostly succeeding. 

As the travel site stated very clearly: “We strongly advise those who have 5-star expectations to think twice before embarking on this adventure.  

“San Blas is very rustic without the amenities and standards you might be used to from home. Compared to places such as Tahiti and Maldives that are managed by international hotel chains, San Blas has remained autonomous without the influence of outsiders. 

“When visiting San Blas, it should be viewed as a cultural experience where guests live with the Kunas and respect their traditions and their primitive ways of living.

“We do have alternative tours in Panama with more high-end services.”

It was for this very reason that we were anxious to do this tour. To experience the primitiveness of the region. To feel like we were the first to be on that beach. Swim those clear, turquoise waters.

Isn’t it interesting that the primitiveness and lack of services is pitched as this region’s Market Dominating Position? How many other areas in the world, so close to a first-class, world city, has this kind of experience available.

They have turned a real negative into a positive. 

They also pitched the offer by outlining, for whom it is not for. This is another key marketing tactic. As much as you want to reach your ideal market – at the same time to want to be sure to ward off those for whom your product or service is NOT for.

Lastly, the company from which we purchased the tour made pains to ensure we lower expectations. 

• “You will get wet going to and from the islands.” (did we ever on the way back!)
• “There may be sandflies if there is no wind. Bring bug spray”
• “The sheets may be old and the beds uncomfortable.”
• “No luxury facilities - Bathrooms may be dirty, sinks may get clogged”
• “Kunas are not very service oriented and can often seem shy or reserved”

Your job in promoting your company:

1. Point out clearly, for whom your products and services are for and not for.
2. Set clear expectations of what you will deliver and what your customer will get
3. Create and then shout out what makes you different and better – for your target market.

Until next week,

Stay healthy and focus on profit! 

- Hugh 
The “Profit Accelerator” Expert

PS: Research shows that enhancing 12 strategic aspects of your operation by a mere 1.4% can lead to an astounding 100% increase in profits. Yes, you read that correctly. A series of small adjustments, practically effortless in execution, can trigger exponential growth without necessitating more of your time or spending more money.

That’s where my new Profit Accelerator Simulator comes into play. This innovative tool is designed to showcase how tiny tweaks in your business strategy—ones that you can implement immediately—can double your profits.

I invite you to embrace change and unlock potential. Click here to check out the simulator and discover how these small changes can make a significant difference.

.

******************************************

★ BECOME A HIGHLY PAID BUSINESS COACH WITH #1 COACHING PLATFORM ★

I am looking for individuals to help handle the exploding global demand for business
coaching services. I’m willing to train [at my expense] the right individual with a
passion for wanting to help small business owners become successful.
NO travel - work from home. $225,000 first year income. If you or someone you
know is interested, click here and an 8 minute video will explain it all.