Members Profile

Name: Lindy Chen
Business Name: ChinaDirect Sourcing Services
Address: 155 Lytton Road, East Brisbane
Post Code: 4169
Phone: 07 3392 1421
Mobile: 0418 899 698
Fax: 07 3112 4357
Email: lindy@chinadirectsourcing.com.au
Web Address: www.chinadirectsourcing.com.au

SELF
Q. Tell us something about you – your philosophy, your lifestyle, your ethics, your hobbies etc.
A. My philosphy is to always be learning. There is always something new out there that may improve you as a person and your business. Therefore, I attend a lot of personal development courses and read a lot of books. I particularly like to read books on love stories. My interests include keeping fit and on the weekend, I participate in activities such as golf, yoga, running and tennis.

BUSINESS DETAILS
Q. Do you work from home?
A. My business is a home based business in South East Queensland.

Q. What is it that your business does?
A. ChinaDirect Sourcing is a boutique product sourcing company that offers end-to-end import assistance to source, negotiate and facilitate delivery of products from China. We source everything from bulldozers to buttons, latex pillows to birthday candles and have saved our clients over $3 million in purchasing costs since our inception 5 years ago. ChinaDirect has 30,000 suppliers on its database and a team in China negotiating the best deals for our clients.

Q. What makes your business unique?
A. The trading model is one in which Australian businesses of all sizes can easily access Chinese suppliers and remain globally competitive. The resources and skills required for this were previously only available to larger firms. The ChinaDirect model can be utilized by all Australian companies, from stay-at-home mums wanting to start an import business to established importers wishing to source more price competitive product.

MARKETING
Q. What is the most important Marketing/Networking tool/strategy your business has had success with?
A. My most important marketing tool would have to be my education-based marketing approach. Right through from building the database to conversions, clients are informed each step of the way. This is through my regular workshops, website, product offerings and emails.

Further, ChinaDirect's marketing strategy is integrated into the sales strategy and is therefore one of complete transparency. Before any client is taken on board, the full process and costs are shown. This includes giving examples of the exact reports they will receive, and the timeline in which it will be delivered. By being completely open and clear about what the client is paying for and following our education- base strategy right through from generating awareness to conversion, we are able to maintain a very high level of customer satisfaction, which is imperative in this particular industry.

SUPPORT
Q. What would you like to achieve for your business by having entered the MCEI Marketing Awards?
A. I would like to achieve recognition with my business, but most importantly I would like to help other small businesses have the opportunity to suceed also. Having been there myself, I understand how difficult it can be to be a small start up business and implement marketing strategies on just a small shoe string budget.

Q. What is it you can offer to MCEI members, beyond your normal product or service?
A. I can offer advice and support. I am currently a member of the Women's Netowrk of Australia where I attend regular speaking events over the country on aspects such as Women in Business and motivation. I would like to be able to do the same for MCEI.

Q. How do you envisage demonstrating your support and loyalty to the association of MCEI?
A. I would like to envisage demonstrating my support by attending speaking events and other events MCEI may hold.