What is a good way to build up a successful business from nothing ???
The import/export business may be your answer. Not only does it require little financial investment to start, but it offers the prestige of working with clients from all over the world. Do I need a previous experience to start ???
You don't need previous experience in the field, but you should have a good head for organizing. Fulfilling a successful import/export business requires constant attention to little details.
Do you know some local manufacturers looking for ways to increase their market for the goods they make? Or are you planning a trip abroad and want to make some contacts for setting up a business???
If you have an ability to sell, and an air of diplomacy, the import/export business might be right for you. All you need is the desire and determination to make it work.
As you progress in the business, many factors become obvious and easy to handle. For example, you'll need to find a person to handle shipments, called a freight forwarder. And you'll need to create solid contacts and strong relationships with reliable suppliers. But after a short time, you can be well on your way to making a sizeable income - with a very low overhead.
Do you like the idea of running your own business? How would you like a tax deductible trip to foreign places a couple of times a year???
The advantages of an import/export business are great.
The biggest advantage is the money you'll make. Once you get the business underway, the commission for setting up sales is very profitable. And after you establish and maintain a number of exclusive accounts, you'll find the time you spend is highly rewarded with money.
You can start your import/export business at home with a telephone. You'll need a file system, business cards, and a machine to answer the phone calls. Once you get going, you'll want a cable address or a telex hook-up.
And you'll need a classy letterhead. Until you establish personal contacts, it is your letterhead that represents you. Make it look professional, possibly embossed or two-color, or gold leafed. Have it printed on lightweight paper for airmail correspondence, but don't have airmail envelopes printed. You'll have a lot of domestic correspondence too.
More than office equipment, you need the determination to make it work. It will be slow at first, and you'll need to plan your moves, make contacts and SELL YOURSELF. But once you make a few sales and sign several exclusive contracts worth money, you'll know your dedication was worthwhile.
The most important step in setting up your business is finding the contacts. You may have relatives in a foreign country; you may have frequently visited and established business relationships in a country. Or, you might just have a feeling for what will sell where. A person who keeps well-informed in the business world can pick up and ride the crest of worldwide trends.
Foreign consulates located in the United States have commercial attaches who want to establish outlets in the U.S., and they're a good place to start. Sometimes these consulates can help you find indices of their own import/ export enterprises. Which countries have the merchandise you want to import? Find out about the countries, what they have to offer, and what is generally in demand.
Then prepare a massive mail campaign.
The easiest way to mail hundreds of letters is to use a typing service that has the equipment to produce the same letter with a different address each time. It's worth the money it will cost - you'd go crazy typing so many identical letters.
To every possible contact, write a letter introducing your company, requesting the names and addresses of appropriate firms to contact. Ask to have the notice published in the monthly bulletin or posted in an appropriate place.
From the names you get back, write another letter, again introducing yourself, and asking information about their company. You can use a questionnaire, which fill out and invites a response.
What goods do they want to import? What products are now imported and how are they distributed? Does the company have a certain territory, does it have sales representatives, branches in other cities? What are the basic details of operation - history, assets and liabilities, plans for growth.
Request any information you need, to find out what they will buy and what they have to sell. If the company is a manufacturer, ask for samples or a catalogue, the facts and figures of current foreign distribution, and the product demand in their own country.
