MODERN BUSINESSPERSONS MUST BE EXPLORERS AT HEART!!!
October 26, 2007
Edward Harris at Large!
MODERN BUSINESSPERSONS MUST BE EXPLORERS AT HEART!!!
Christopher Columbus set out to explore the new world. He gained fame to the point that until this day he is immortalized. Sir Walter Raleigh was certain he found Eldorado. It seems as though he was right on target given the amount of gold that was mined by OMAI Gold Mines Limited a few hundred years later in Guyana.
Our modern day business people have to be like explorers, venturing out to seek other markets in the Far East, Africa and wherever competitively priced goods and services could be found. With the aid of the internet, market investigations could be undertaken and arrangements made on line to do business with companies identified anywhere in the Global Village.
It was revealing to note from a BBC interview a few days ago with an Entrepreneur who was attending the Canton Fair which is currently taking place in China about the savings that were possible on the products. He noted that he purchased good quality Marble Tiles at the previous Fair at 65% less than what he was paying elsewhere. On this occasion he was buying construction equipment at very competitive prices. Check out details on this very important Trade Fair at http://www.cantonfair.org
Have you ventured out to do business with China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and other global business hot spots? Don’t be confused with the recent problems with products from China which were exported to the USA. Just remember our coconut oil. It will be OK again as soon as the purpose is served. But I can only assume, it is business as usual between the USA and China, a More Favoured Nation.
In planning your moves to establish business relationships with other countries, you are advised to visit Trade Fairs in the country or countries in which you are interested in doing business. Not only will you be able to look at the range of products offered and make decisions on products on the spot, but most important, you will be able to share experiences with persons who are already doing business in the market.
Lots of interesting things are happening in the business world but it will be necessary for our businesspersons to change their mind set and learn to invest in their businesses. By investing, I do not mean only investing in goods for resale but also in attending Trade Fairs and subscribing to Trade Journals. These actions are necessary if businesspersons are to keep abreast of developments.
Our OECS Entrepreneurs need to venture offshore with their ideas and businesses. Their ideas can give them money in their pockets. The knowledge gained from their businesses can be leveraged in Joint Venture relationships. There are sometimes while it is impossible to export your products into another market and be competitive, it may be possible to produce the product/s in specifically targeted markets with the size of population that can guarantee the viability of your business. So it is not always exports that will expand your business, it can well be expansion by locating your business in selected territories.
Go offshore for investments, go offshore for new business ideas. You are a product of your environment, step out into the wider world and see the many things that you should be doing. Duplicate the experience and get rich.
As you begin to venture out into international waters, there are certain rules you will have to learn in a hurry. One important rule is to grasp knowledge of the culture of the people with whom you seek to establish business relationships. Gather as much information as you can on the internet and read specialized books on the subject. Talk with Entrepreneurs who have traveled that route before.
How many of us place SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS/DISCLAIMER at the bottom of our email? If we are going to be doing international business, we should have one. Here is one I came across in an email I received from a friend in Germany:
“As you are aware, messages sent by e-mail can be manipulated by third
parties. For this reason our e-mail messages are generally not legally
binding. This electronic message (including any attachments) contains
confidential information and may be privileged or otherwise protected from
disclosure. The information is intended to be for the use of the intended
addressee only. Please be aware that any disclosure, copy, distribution or
use of the contents of this message is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error please notify me immediately by reply e-mail and delete this message and any attachments from your system. Thank you for your cooperationâ€.
Be an Explorer, move on to the next level or be prepared to be left behind in this fast paced world. Everyone needs to get to new frontiers first.
Remember always to Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Be a Big Dreamer and Expect Miracles in 2007!
Edward A. Harris
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com http://www.stluciarealtors.com