Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech 2005

Sourcing for Suppliers

On a recent trip to Thailand I managed to source for a few suppliers for interesting knicknacks like wood and paper laterns, handmade soaps, paper mache ornaments, etc.

I know there are plenty of stores like Barang Barang selling Asian handicraft and furniture. But I like this resort home concept stuff and the mark-up on the ones they sell in Singapore is a lot.

I might be able to get something low-cost up and running with my brother who's in New York and sell this stuff to the people there.



I got all the contacts from the various markets we visited. I don't know if the so called suppliers of the goods I found from the markets were the representatives of the actual producers or wholesalers (added middleman cost). But you have to start somewhere I guess.



When the whole SMU BIG thing started there was alot of emphasis on the business idea being the most important concept. Even in all of the business plan competitions I've taken part in, the winners were always the ones with the most inventive idea.



So why bother starting a business that's nothing really new, based in import/export or retail? One of the panelists (who were all established Singaporean entreprenuers ) said at last week's lunchtime forum: "The value of the entreprenuer lies in his/her successful execution, rather than just the idea." If you think about it, most successful Singaporean entreprenuers are successful restuaranters and retailers.



And besides, even if things don't really work out. It's still a good excuse to go on holiday and go shopping.

Photography

Hi i'm Jezreel, if you need to take some stock photos of your products.


I'll be happy to help you!

To see more of my portfolio please visit the website below:
http://zerolimits2006.funkygrad.com/photogallery/index.php