Re: Most important vs. Most difficult

In a message dated 12/21/00 9:19:32 PM, stahltrade@hotmail.com writes:

<< Dear Mr. Spiers:

Let me see what good advice I can get from you.

I want to export STM (scientific technical medical) books to developing
countries. Is this too broad an idea? Or is something else wrong with it?

***Here is my good advice: I have no idea. So it is best to check with the
coustomers, who have the only ideas that matter.***

There would be basically two markets in every country, one for university
level books, and one for textbooks in districts growing their
educational infrastructure. I can contact the "Ministry of Education" (or
whatever) for the latter; possibly for the former too.

***Why would there be two, and why in each country? Have customers told you
this? Or do you imagine this?***

How should I represent myself? How should I describe the services I offer?
Should I attempt to be detailed in first contacting the Ministry or leave
that for contacts with people more directly involved?

***You should find out who your custoemrs are, find out what they want, and
then represent what theya re looking for.***

What I'm looking for is some phrases to use which will hit the right note,
not promising too much or too little. Any ideas on that?

***A good intro is "when last we spoke, you told me you had trouble getting
XYZ books, I have found the best source to match your needs.***

When is the next class?

**I always update the class website, so check there for the next dates.***


P.S. I know better than to use a hotmail address in making the contacts. I
just don't know of a better service than hotmail's. And I assume most
contacts will be by snailmail or fax anyway.

***Yes, hotmail is abominable, and you are right, the initial stuff will be
by snail mail and fax.***

In summary, what is the genesis of this business? What book biuyers overseas
have given you specific reason to start export US texts? Get that far first,
then worry about the rest later.***

John

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