Al Rachid General Trading

1. Tell us about your business

Trading, Sales and Marketing, Exporting/Importing. We are dealing in different field like: Food Stuff, (Commodities), Cosmetics, Mobile Phones, Gold, Diamond, Oil deals, Finance services.

2. When and why did you start your business?

We started our business on 30/09/1983, we wanted to improve ourself and I achieved a very good connection with many people as they gave me their trust because I am very straight and honest with everyone i work with no matter what.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with your business?

We started with one company in 1983 up until 2009 we had 9 different companies in different fields. We have achieved a lot of good connections through all the experience that we have been through.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

At the start I found it very challenging to deal with all the different products but what encouraged me was the customers since i like to communicate with a lot of different people. I also found it hard to build new relationships with new people in every different country I went to as a lot of them I didn't know anyone. It was a new start for me everytime I went to another country.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

We where very successful on Food Staff as I travelled a lot to manage as much as I possibly could in all the different countries I wet to. We were also very successful in Commodities as we had very strong connection with the main dealers. As to Cosmetics we had good staff that were very hard workers. We also had good quality products. We had furniture in Switzerland and they were mainly dealing with Rose Wood quality. For diamond we had our own company for cutting and polishing and dealing with many different types of nationalities.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

We were less successful in Gold, Scarp and Oil deals. This because of the owners and the intermediary people. Most of the plans that were made didn't end up succeeding in the end.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

My favourite thing is how I get to meet a lot of new and different people. I also get to learn more over the time and gain more experience.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

The buyers are my biggest inspiration. At times when I personally didn't have a certain product they would encourage me to go and buy that product so they would buy it of me.

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

My plans are to settle in Australia and to achieve something while I'm in Australia.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

My biggest tip to keep a strong relationship with buyers and dealers always be honest and give others a chance and the same concept with your staff.