by Tekle Sebhatu

Question:

I have been working in aerospace sourcing in Canada for 11 years. I have worked in Taiwan for a large aerospace company and my wife is from China. She has just completed her MBA. I have been looking at potentially starting my own home base import export biz. Do you think this is a good a good career move for both of us? We have friends importing glass products from China. They are doing well and selling all over US and Canada. With all the Wal-Mart’s and other sourcing offices now opening in China, is it still possible to be an independent international trader on your own and make a living out of it?

Answer:

Dear, Mike Canada: Congratulations to both of you assuming that you were helping her when she was burning the midnight oil. Because your friends are doing well in the import/export business doesn’t necessarily mean that you will unless you are willing to put the type of effort and resources they committed to make their import/export business a success. Even after all that investment, there is no guarantee. Certainly without more detail information it is almost impossible for me to suggest whether it is a good career move for you and your wife. I can however say having a wife with an MBA plus successful friends in the import/export business on your side could help facilitate your efforts. As with any start-up business, to make an import/export operation a success requires careful planning, long term commitment, patience, hard work, believing on your products or services and above all having fun with it. If you do all of the above, there is a good chance that you can become a successful independent international trader and possibly make good living out of it. Good luck!