Marcia’s Gift’s – From Hobby to International Business
01 March 2002
Many people dream that one day their favourite hobby will grow into a successful career, but most are never able to realise this dream. However, for Marcia Miller her self proclaimed “hobby” did become her career. Four years ago, Marcia began making gift hampers at her home, to sell to friends and family for a bit of extra pocket money. Then she enrolled in a NEIS business-training scheme and now, only four years later, Marcia is selling her hampers around the world to such far-flung and varied places as Malta, Norway and Japan.
Marcia's Gifts was established in April 1997, but it was not until she had begun her business training that Marcia realised the potential the Internet had to offer. She launched her wares for purchase over the Internet, and has not looked back since, “I enjoy making gift giving a pleasurable experience, personalising your gifts to your special requirements. “ Her understanding of the importance of maintaining and increasing competitive advantages has helped her business grow. She offers many incentives like same day service, discounts for loyal customers, and customising corporate and personal gifts just to name a few. Marcia’s range of gifts and hampers can be found at www.marciasgifts.com.au.
Veronika & Paul Reimers - Orthopaedic Shoes with a Difference
In August 2000, Paul Reimer decided to start up a new business and begin a TAFE course. These two decisions would change his, and his wife, Veronika’s, life forever. He decided to do a Certificate IV in Small Business Management at Kangan Batman TAFE, a thirteen-week course that would help them establish themselves in their new, orthopaedic shoe business. Paul explains that the business plan NEIS assisted him in writing has been the cornerstone of their success so far, and that the areas covered in the course has set them up for a successful future. He clarifies that while all the information taught to them in the course was extremely useful, the information on learning how to market your business effectively was ‘especially helpful’.
The concept of developing a ‘competitive advantage’ for your business has struck a chord with Paul and Veronika, who have developed a ‘semi-orthotic, custom made shoe’ which is not available form anyone else on the market. It is an extra depth shoe, designed to take orthotics and which can be tailored to your foot. As Paul explains, it ‘offers more benefits than other shoes’ in the market and at a more affordable price. With an advantage like this and many others on the way, time will be the only burden on the future successes of Paul and Veronika Reimer. For information on Paul and Veronika’s products please call 9308 3596.
