BRIDGETOWN, Barbados- In an exclusive interview with News On The Go , 26-year-old Aturo Menal, the driving force behind the burgeoning platform “Advantage,” shared the inspiring story and vision behind his innovative venture. Advantage is rapidly becoming a pivotal resource for Caribbean entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in the digital landscape.
Menal revealed that Advantage was born from personal frustration. “I had just spent thousands on ads and courses, often feeling lost in a sea of scattered and overpriced information,” he explained. “What worked for my digital marketing agency years ago was becoming obsolete. I realized that countless other Caribbean entrepreneurs were likely facing the same challenges – lacking the time, resources, and connections to navigate the digital world effectively.” This realization sparked the idea for Advantage: a user-friendly, results-oriented, and community-driven system designed specifically for individuals like himself.
Beyond the success
Beyond the tangible success stories of Advantage clients, Menal articulated the profound personal fulfillment he derives from empowering his fellow Caribbean entrepreneurs. “The real reward is hearing someone say, ‘I just made my first online sale!’ or ‘My business finally feels like it’s moving forward thanks to you,'” he shared with genuine enthusiasm. “For too long, there’s been this narrative that success requires leaving the Caribbean. But I’ve witnessed firsthand that equipping people here with the right digital skills allows them to build global businesses right from where they are. That impact is truly special.”
Drawing on over six years of experience working with businesses, Menal emphasized a crucial lesson that underpins the philosophy of Advantage: “Execution beats information, every single time.” He elaborated, “You can possess the most brilliant strategy, but without action, it’s worthless. Advantage is built to facilitate doing. We provide templates, prompts, and unwavering support to help people execute rapidly and learn through iteration. This mindset stems from years of seeing talented individuals stagnate due to a lack of direction or self-belief.”
Acknowledging the unique hurdles and opportunities within the Caribbean business environment, Menal offered encouraging advice to entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed by digital transformation: “Start small, but start now. Don’t aim for perfection; focus on mastering one thing at a time. Whether it’s running a simple ad, creating a basic landing page, or leveraging AI to streamline tasks, momentum builds clarity. The digital realm is within your reach – take that initial step with confidence. And remember, you’re not alone; communities like Advantage are here to guide you.” He also highlighted the initial challenge of building trust in the online space within the Caribbean, noting that the early adoption of Advantage validated the strong demand for such a supportive platform.
Menal expressed immense pride in the Advantage community, highlighting its accessible price point, comprehensive support system, and the genuine camaraderie among its members. “It’s incredible to see people show up authentically, sharing both their triumphs and setbacks, unafraid to be beginners,” he noted. “This vulnerability fosters true strength. It’s not solely about mastering marketing; it’s about cultivating belief. Every contribution and shared success story reinforces the very reason I created Advantage.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Menal revealed a significant hurdle he had to overcome: the fear of not being “ready.” “I had to learn that clarity emerges from action,” he stated. “You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. Showing up consistently and serving your audience is what truly matters. Advantage may not be flawless, but it’s making a real difference, and that’s what counts.”
Looking ahead, Menal envisions a future where the Caribbean becomes a hub for digital innovation. “I believe the next generation of digital leaders will emerge from our region,” he asserted. “We possess the creativity, resilience, and drive; we simply need the right systems, platforms, and support. Advantage is designed to be that vital bridge, providing Caribbean entrepreneurs with access to world-class resources and a supportive community to achieve true freedom – without the need to relocate or seek external validation. My vision is for Advantage to continue spearheading digital transformation in the Caribbean, particularly in areas like AI, advertising, and automation.”
Menal also shared the personal habits and mindset shifts that have been instrumental in his entrepreneurial success, principles he actively promotes within the Advantage community. “Faith above all else has been crucial,” he emphasized. “Believing that things will work out, even without knowing the specifics, has been a powerful motivator. Cultivating discipline over fleeting motivation, prioritizing clarity over unnecessary complexity, and detaching from the pursuit of unattainable perfection have also been key.” He concluded, “I practice what I preach: action generates results, even if it’s imperfect. My goal for Advantage members is to move beyond overthinking and embrace execution. Everything within the platform is structured to facilitate simplicity, speed, and effectiveness.”
In a final message directed at Caribbean entrepreneurs hesitant to invest in themselves or their digital skills, Menal offered a compelling perspective: “You have a choice: spend years and significant resources trying to navigate the digital world on your own, or learn in weeks from someone who has already walked that path. With six years of experience growing my own digital marketing agency, Beyond Growth, using the very strategies taught in Advantage, I can confidently say that investing in yourself isn’t an expense – it’s a shortcut. The longer you delay, the longer you remain stagnant. Your online success isn’t determined by your location; it’s determined by your willingness to learn and your ability to learn from your experiences. Advantage is here to guide you through that process, step by step.”
