2. My Background • I managed a car dealership in Ethiopia before coming to U.S. • People I know had successful businesses in a tough environment. • I am sharing three stories and three lessons that I learned from them.
3. Story One: Pasta Makers • A friend's family business made and sold pasta at markets. • They started with limited resources but could grow. • Partnered with Italian investor for equipment and finance. • Bought flour from local farmers. • Allowed their salespeople to change prices based on situation.
4. Story Two: Coffee Farmers • In Oromia, coffee farmers started co-op. • Produce high quality heirloom coffee. • Sell to international consumers and split profits. • Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee.
5. Story Three: Care Sales • Have to have contacts with importers. • Build relationships with brokers. • Spread by word of mouth. • Treat employees well.
6. Lesson 1: Find Reliable Partners • Italian investor for Pasta. • International coffee buyers. • Car brokers.
7. Lesson 2: Know Target Market 1. Coffee growers able to get higher price for high quality internationally. 2. Pasta sold locally cheaper than import. 3. Cars sold to brokers that know what customers want.
8. Lesson 3: Adapt Locally and Globally • Import cars and pasta manufacturing machines. • Export coffee. • Pasta people change price based on circumstances
9. Summary 1. Find partners and investors you can trust. 2. Learn about your target market. 3. Be able to adapt. 4. Thank You!