RMC Africa.com

The first task in our business was establishing contacts.  Because we had business associates throughout America and Africa, this was relatively easy.  In addition, all our investors were bringing to the company many years of experience and through that, had already established many contacts.  We are also in touch with US embassies abroad as well as African embassies outside of the region which assist us in learning about a company’s reputation.  We look at the Chambers of Commerce of all the cities we’re interested in, but through all of this we make sure to not run before we can walk.  And then of course there is the Internet.

Next we think about what goods we want to import and thereafter how these are imported and distributed and if it is realistic vis-à-vis price and handling.  Then there is the marketing side of things – set up an email campaign and/or questionnaire; find out the demand for the product; figure out what language it all needs to be in.

When it comes to exporting, make sure you are informed at all times.  Talk to people; read up on world trade; ask who is selling what to whom and how?  Figure out what is not being done so well and work out a way to do it better.  This all spells success.