Networking

Last night I went to the World Trade Association of Philadelphia's annual banquet at the Cescaphe Ballroom in Philadelphia.  I had been encouraged to attend by a marketing associate from the Philadelphia Port, and he was nice enough to introduce me to several people.

*I'm linking several things, because I'm beginning to be the biggest trade industry dork.  I can't get enough of going around websites and learning about something I had never thought about before starting Soom Foods.  It's amazing to think about the things that cross oceans, and how international trade connects the world- and everything that goes into it.

The first people I met were a manager from a transportation company and the manager of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.  After introducing myself and explaining to them about Soom Foods, they asked me if we were planning on bringing a high quantity through the Philadelphia Port- to which I enthusiastically responded, "Yes! We're hoping to bring a container in the next few months."  They nodded, and my introducer explained, "To put it into perspective... Do you see that tall woman over there?" (There was a very tall woman standing a few tables away.) "She brings in a few thousand containers a month!"

OH! Well then... not a high quantity currently... but eventually!

I chuckled and they gave me some encouraging laughter and congratulated me on Soom Foods accomplishments to date, wishing me luck with our endeavors, telling me I could be in touch with any questions I come up with.

Two great contact cards in the bag!

Next, I introduced myself to the very tall woman, laughing and explaining to her the encounter I just had.  She thought my story was hilarious and she also had some encouraging words for me; telling me to shop around the freighters and forwarders for the best price and match, and gave me a couple of suggestions.  The best thing I learned from her was how much she enjoyed working in trade.
It's never boring- one container is stuck at a port somewhere, something else came in early, and another container is late- and it all has to get figured out!  Every day is different, exciting, and time flies by!

Her card: check.

I spent most of the evening with a nice lawyer, who's client is currently importing from Australia.  Although he wished I never needed his services, he did tell me his son-in-law has a Restaurant Supply company in Takoma, WA, and would be happy to make the introduction so I could learn more about the wholesale industry!

Card 4!

Card 5 came from a man who has a company with one ship that goes between the US and the Bahamas! Soom Foods in the Bahamas?  Don't mind if we do...

Ultimately what I'm learning is that it's important to talk to everyone and anyone.  People are so encouraging of entrepreneurs and new products in the trade industry, and are particularly excited to see young people trying their hardest.  They are more than willing to share their knowledge and helpful contacts.

And I am appreciating it all; I'm learning so much and enjoying myself in the mean time!