My friend Daniela is changing.
 
You see, a few months ago she was invited to take a trip to Italy. And wanting to “get back to her roots” – she went. Well, she came back a different person. She seemed so light-hearted. So excited about life. And that’s when she told me what she was going to do…
 
“I want to go back,” she said to me in a breathless voice over supper. “I told my company it’s time for a change and they said I could take some unpaid leave to travel for a bit.”
 
So Daniela took a second trip to Italy – but when she returned she STILL had the travel bug.
 
In fact, this weekend she told me just how much she misses Italy. And that’s when I said to her: “Well, why don’t you start a business where you can travel part of the year to Italy.”
 
She looked astounded. All this time – she’d never considered that option. Needless to say we spent the next half-hour chatting about the products she could import into SA…
 
But how often do we do that? We put our lives into these little boxes. We believe we have to work 8 hours a day. Take 15 days leave a year… And you know what? You don’t. In fact, you can design the life you want. And you can start today.
 
That’s why I’m going to show you too how to travel the world and get PAID to do it…
 
You see, less than 20% of companies around the world export their products. As an import-export agent, you could earn up to R50,000 a month helping the other 80% realise their potential. You see, import-export agents earn a commission of between 2.5% and 15%! Here are some insider tips to get you started:

1. Keep a sharp eye on your local shops to determine the latest fads, trends and hot sellers.
 
2. Use your holidays to go looking for products and manufacturers to help you introduce great new products back here.
 
3. Don’t forget South Africa’s increasingly multi-cultural society. It can offer you plenty more great opportunities. Find out what your local Turkish, Indian or Nigerian neighbours miss most from back home. See if there’s a way you could get it into the local shops.

4. The country Turkey offers a brilliant opportunity right now because you can still buy excellent products at reasonable prices.
 
* Scour local markets and shops for first-class rugs, leather goods and craft silverware that Turkey is renowned for.
* Get chatting to local retailers and ask for introductions to manufacturers of the items that interest you.
* Buy samples and assure your new contacts you will be in touch following your return home.
 
5. Malaysia and Indonesia are great for high-quality wicker furniture.
 
* Keep your eyes peeled for unusual items that would appeal to South African consumers.
* Contact local manufacturers, introducing yourself as an agent.
* Give them your contact details, get theirs and photograph items of interest to you.
 
6. Italy still represents untapped potential. Here's how to find some great opportunities:
 
* Find out local specialities while on holiday.
* Try them out and, if you like them, talk to the food producers concerned.
* You should easily find buyers at local delis or health food shops back home.
 
Step out of your comfort zone. You have the ability to design the life you’ve always dreamed of. And I promise, every week through Moneymaking Insider I’ll give you the tools to do it!