The Key is Communication

We can talk about the big picture problems like how to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals or the eradication of hardcore poverty but the Challenge for many young people is getting a job, the problem becomes much easier if you can communicate with leaders and decision makers that are looking for young talent. You would be happy to learn that they are looking for young people with skills like letter writing.

People often ask me “how is it that you got to meet this Prime Minister or that President?” I tell them simply, “I write them a letter” they always reply with a smile or a laugh and a comment like “yeah, right, who do you know that got you the meeting?” and when I tell them, “No, I just wrote a letter and they replied” which they reply, “but you know lots of people that’s how come you got to meet them”.  Well that may be the case but really the simple fact is all the “VIP’s” that I have met over the years, I have written a letter.

The simple fact is most people don’t bother to write a letter, they just wonder and talk about it in coffee shops.  The simple truth is many of these “VIP’s” are looking for capable people with ideas, and the initiative to solve problems, contribute to the development of the country, or to get a job done.

The next pearl of wisdom, which really is again simple, learn how to write letters.  Sometimes a well formatted, correctly addressed, concise letter is all you need to move your idea off the drawing board and onto the radar of powers that be.  Why? Letters, are how people communicate with each other officially, yes, emails are great but to be official, send an actual letter.

I will always, send a PDF copy by email, FAX and just to make sure my assistant will spend a few extra cents and send it by traditional snail mail.  Then check with the relevant assistant in that office to see that things have arrived; you are now at least in with a chance, in some cases it maybe a small chance but you now exist.

So next time you want to meet the President, the Prime Minister or a Minister, just send him or her a letter you will be surprised, if you have something of value then they will see you.

Nordin Abdullah is the Organising Chairman of Tomorrow’s Leaders Summit, for more information about him, visit  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordin_Abdullah