The first step is choosing a business name. Keep in mind the old sayings, "What's in a name?" & "Image is Everything" The name of your business will portray a specific image & mean the difference of people using your Global company or not taking you seriously. For example you want an impressive sound, words like "International, Global, WorldWide, Overseas, Trading" all have a large dominating sound which is the image we are trying to convey. Also try to include the words "Importing" or "Exporting" in the name. "WorldWide Trading Co.", "Global Import Export" are names that give Manufacturers confidence in your ability to move their merchandise. "Harold's Importing" just doesn't sound as impressive when you are establishing yourself. After you have chosen a name or 2 that you are happy with proceed to the next step.

Step 2 REGISTERING YOUR BUSINESS NAME & TYPE OF BUSINESS

The Second step is to register your business name with City Hall. Go to City Hall with a few choice names in order of your preference. Don't be devastated if your business name is being used, just give the next name you have chosen. If by some strange chance all of your names are being used, add your initials in the Title somewhere, i.e."CRH WorldWide Importing Exporting" After you get the name registered you need to obtain a Business Registration number. The number usually shows up by mail in a couple of weeks, but to obtain it much quicker call your Federal Government & get it through them. This number will be your Import/Export number. It's important to have this number because shortly you will begin to Import or Export & this will be your Identification to suppliers in foreign countries. When you register your business name they will ask you which type of business will this be, If you have a business partner chose "Limited Partnership" if you don't have a partner chose "Limited Company". This means you will NOT be personally liable should anything go wrong. After that go to the 3rd step.

Step 3 YOUR VISIT TO THE CONSULATE

Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, China, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, London, Kenya, etc. There are limitless Countries that you can chose from. You have to do a bit of research & chose a Country that you have a great deal of passion or interest for. Don't worry about chosing a product because once you decide on a Country you would like to deal with, Suppliers will find you & practically beg you to take free samples of their products & deal with them. But anyway, After you have chosen a Country you would like to deal with you must get some Business Cards produced with 2 languages on the card. If Spain is your favorite Country make sure your company name as well your personal name(i.e. Sr. Chris/ Mr. Chris) is in Spanish & English. Now visit the Consulate of that country. This is your key to success. The consulate can be the most helpful person in your research. He can give you contact info. of suppliers, phone numbers, addresses. He can give you very helpful information, guidance & even put you in a Data Bank with that Country. You will need to call & make an appointment to see the Consulate Representative. Once you have the appointment, make sure you are on time, present your business card, and be very polite. Remember from a legal standpoint you are on there territory. Be professional & confident in your manner. If you are a man dress in a business suit, if a woman go with business attire. Once you are with the representative explain that you are an Importer & wish to Import from his Country. Don't mention anything about exports. Don't forget that the consulate is there to promote their Country. You then ask him for his information library. Most Consulates have a library that has information on almost everything about his Country. Any info. you require you will be able to locate there. If he asks which products are you interested in, Explain to him you are interested in many possibilities. Once he hears that he will be very helpful. Try to avoid products that have expiry dates, shelf lives, & need to be refrigerated until you get a few products under your belt. They tend to have higher chances of running into problems. Try not to pick the largest supplier in all of Europe for your first venture. Chances are their expectations will be very high with quotas attached. Please pick a medium to small manufacturer to start off with. He will accommodate your needs easier than the huge companies. Advise the Consulate that you wish to be listed in their data bank. By doing so your company will be listed in all their consulates around the world. If a company overseas is now looking to expand globally chances are you will be called & given the opportunity to Exclusively Import their product. Don't forget to ask the consulate about upcoming trade shows & their locations.

Now that you have the first 3 steps to creating a huge income go out & do it. There are still more steps to come such as letter writing etc. You will thank me in a year's time when you are working for yourself & traveling the world.