Comments on: New Small Business Startup Idea: Virtual Import/Export Assistant

By: Alan

Alan — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:32:31 +0000

I think virtual assistants can help defray the cost for companies and lower the operating costs.

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:05:54 +0000

Doing online jobs is so much popular in developing countries. I have an assistant (a smart one) who started few months ago and earned averagely $850/month. The average salary in her country is $200-$300/month. She mainly helps me with writing and search engine optimization. I am not her only employer though. Now she earns approximately $1500/month. I believe these online workers can earn much more if they just give enough effort and want to learn new skills.

By: John

John — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:08:23 +0000

Yes, I agree with peter’s coment regarding the most important task – “market research”, this could really a good idea and help many people.

By: Franchise business opportunities

Franchise business opportunities — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:57:06 +0000

Not every company can play the low-cost leader. For instance, luxury-oriented companies and brands might see a sales gain by providing stellar customer service. Switching focus or recognizing expansion opportunities can also boost business.

By: Small business idea « FavPanel

Small business idea « FavPanel — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:52:27 +0000

[...] In this article, Stefan Töpfer shares some ideas about small businesses you can start doing as soon as you want. The business mostly needs language, negotiation skill, and some knowledge about your country and other countries. He suggests starting Virtual Export Assistant and/or Virtual Import Assistant business. The first one is to find business in your area that has prospect to be exported, the second one is to offer your local skill for products abroad to be imported. You can target small to medium-sized companies, as they are easier to enter. Stefan Töpfer says that this could be a nice first step for you to generate income. There are also some tips. Read what he writes here. [...]

By: Free advertising

Free advertising — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:10:52 +0000

Good ideas. Have to be creative in current situation. I am a fresh graduate and not yet do anything to start finding jobs. Still considering about what I’m gonna do. While that, now I sell some services at Internet, lol..

By: Cala dOr

Cala dOr — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:03:03 +0000

Spain,Mallorca, great places but the business world out there is so different to the UK, it is just so hard getting anyone motivated. How can anyone run a normal business there ?

By: Wine Aerator

Wine Aerator — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:29:48 +0000

The business growth is extremely necessary. But what about quality of wine making ? My second winemaking season and is remarkable in its helpful clarity, having the correct answers to mystifying challenges. I had one crazy challenge in my first season of wine making which resulted in several answers being given by experts.I can only say is – “it is the perfect tome of essential information to those wanting to get going with their own wine making. I keep saying, I wish I had started years ago.” Thank you a lot for so nice post.

By: Justine Curtis

Justine Curtis — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:11:24 +0000

What a great idea for a multi-lingual virtual assistant. I currently have an associate who has such skills but only uses them for translation services. This is a great idea and I’ll certainly suggest it.

By: Stefan Töpfer

Stefan Töpfer — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 07:49:32 +0000

Hi Pete,

I think you have done very well to plan your strategy as you have. Having read your comment - I hope you wanted it as a comment - I would like to mention some ideas to you:

1.) Try and work as an agent, you get the wine in commission, and you do not have to find the funding for that!

2.) What about import duty, your father in law should help you with that?

3.) Transporting should be something your SA winery should be able to advise you on - cooling or not!

4.) Make your payment terms C.O.D.-Cash on Delivery, try and avoid the credit control nightmare, if you can.

5.) Complement your business idea with a blog, you write well, so it is ideal to get some advertising going - The South African Wine Blog! Get your suppliers to advertise in it!

I love you passion, I sure you can find a way to make it work for you. If you have any other ideas you want to bounce of me, I'm happy to respond.

Stefan