Re: Question from Week 1 of Worldwide Business in 9 Weeks

In a message dated 1/28/01 10:13:14 PM, lisa_ writes:

<< In reading your notes - how does one find customers first - without
outlaying capital - and without travel expenses? I will be traveling back
to Africa mid Feb returning to CA late March/April. Am I really missing the
boat here???

***travel to africa, miss the boat? amusing metaphor...anyway... not miss
the boat, just off course maybe. Two issues, art is harder since it is so
subjective (and you apparently have the passion part, so half the battle is
won) and "organize around the resource."

The first challenge to realize is that there may be much distance between
what the handicrafters will make and the us market will by. You with a finer
appreciation see things in the work that your customers will miss. don't try
to teach them much, because more than just a little education costs too much
and they dont want it anyway. Give them a little at a time. So job one is
to get the handicrafters to change their designs to match the USA market desi
res.

the second problem is you seem to have organized around a resource...your
connection to SA. What makes you think the USA consumer prefers South Africn
handficrafts, or wants enough to make it viable for you to provide. This is
a hard question, becuase it undercuts the presumption that "If I can get it
to USA, then I can sell it."

So here we go... you have a passion for a source, but is there a market that
shares it. Dropping off some items on consignment will tell you if there is
any market at that intersection iin that town in that consignment shop. but
whatever the feedback, good or bad, it doesnt mean much.

Later we'll see how to find out how much SA handicrafts are coming in, and to
find out what, and then you can decide if that is attractive to you.
****

The theme truly seems customers first....first rate customers. And no
outlay of monies too...

***Yes, plus, very important...the thought exercise.."if you could deal in
absolutely anything you wanted...(fill in the blank)***

Does one make arrangements for consignement with the suppliers in
Africa...then they are out the money - until sold - so what's their
incentive? >>

***Improbable... I think you are experiencing what happens when a neat idea
meets the real world, practical problems. The class is designed especially
for you... when what you hoped to do isn't quite catching on, let's look at
what will work. begin with that thought exercise...

John

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