Getting ready to export Kitz 4-U Inc.'s products outside of Canada is another challenge, as there are many aspects to exporting, such as packaging laws, NAFTA agreements, FDA regulations, and shipping requirements, and so many rules and regulations that are interpreted differently by various people. "There doesn't seem to be one place where you can go and get all the information you need to become export ready," Beverly says.
To overcome this, Beverly reads all the material on exporting she can find, and has been on a NEBS expedition with Ontario Exports Inc. (1-416-325-6659), a course she recommends to anyone contemplating exporting. "The course will help you understand the role of customs, and will give you a number of very important contacts." Beverly sent her first exported package three weeks after her return.
Customs brokers are another source of information that Beverly recommends to anyone interested in exporting. "I was helped immensely by Alyce Lyne and Joe O'Shea at Harte & Lyne Limited in Hamilton."
Beverly had to learn about importing as well, because many of the products in her company's kits are imported from the United States.
While Beverly says she has made many mistakes on the road to exporting, and is sure she will make a few more, she sees it as a necessary journey for her business and others. "Until the information is all under one roof, and there is someone available to work directly with you on all aspects of your particular exporting requirements, you will find it frustrating and a little frightening. However, the ability to export will certainly increase your market!"
Asked what advice she would give to a person who wants to start a business now, Beverly says:
"Go for it! It's a wonderful experience if thought of in the proper context. If you are starting a business simply to "get rich", think twice about that. If you are starting a business to "be your own boss", think twice about that, too. Few new businesses get "rich" without a lot of work and tremendous sacrifice. Even then, most are happy to be moderately to very successful, depending on your definition of success. You may be your own boss, but you will work the most hours and have the most gray hairs. You will learn the meaning of liability and cost-effectiveness. You will also experience deep satisfaction and enormous pride."
"Do your very best to cover all the bases from beginning to end. These would include licensing requirements, loans, a business plan, marketing plan, product development, and contacts."
Beverly's attitude towards business is exemplified in the animal she chose to describe herself.
"I would be a dog," she says. "In most instances, they are friendly, hard working, intelligent, trustworthy, and extremely loyal. All of these traits are required for a business to succeed; however, the ability to be loyal, both to your customers and your suppliers, is an asset that is extremely crucial. I believe that loyalty will reap benefits, through repeat customers and suppliers who will go the extra mile to help you succeed. I am very grateful for those persons, both in my business dealings and my personal life, who have appreciated my loyalty and have responded in kind. It is a trait I look for in all business dealings."
And like many other business people, Beverly benefits from the support of business groups; she belongs to Women Who Excel, and Go-Steeltown, both in Hamilton. "Both leaders of these groups are very supportive of their member's businesses and are constantly promoting and advocating on our behalf."
Finally, Beverly offers this advice for anyone running a small business:
- Believe in yourself and your ideas.
- Ask for help. You will be surprised how many people are willing to help you.
- Keep your goals and expectations realistic.
- When you succeed, remember how you got there. Share your success with others. You were once in their shoes.
Still good advice, no matter what stage your business is in.
Kitz 4-U Inc. designs usable, affordable kits that are "Everything You Need In A Pinch." contact President Beverly Morgan at bmorgan@kitz4u.com , by phone at (905) 574-8808, or toll free at 1-888-561-8884.
