NEWS RELEASE
Andres Chagolla/Nelson Mitchell–MCbiz Team
602-506-2249 / 602-50MCbiz
achagolla@mail.maricopa.gov
mitchelln001@mail.maricopa.gov
Ecommerce CEO shares advice with Arizona Internationalists and Small Business Community
MCbiz – Maricopa County’s Small Business Enterprise Program, hosted the Arizona International Growth Group (AZIGG)’s monthly early morning meeting on Monday, January 7. MCbiz is charged with facilitating procurement activity and helping the small business community progress in Maricopa County through workshops, outreach, and partnering with organizations such as AZIGG. AZIGG meets monthly to discuss international business. It shares knowledge, experience and ideas for the benefit of people and companies in Arizona.
The keynote speaker was Omar Sayed/founder & CEO of Succeed® Corporation, an Arizona-based e-commerce company that helps small businesses succeed online. Succeed had landed the number 50 spot on the Inc. 500 list in September 2007. The list is an annual ranking of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. Succeed is also recognized as the #1 fastest growing software technology company on the list in Arizona.
Omar moved here from India in the 90’s, and “ felt right at home.” An entrepreneur at heart , Omar practices what he preaches, stating that “failure is not an option, attitude is significantly important to growth, and recognizing opportunities, peoples, and those things not visible in the obvious sense are each key” in moving forward with one’s business. His entrepreneurial spirit motivated him to start an import/export business in Texas, then he came to Arizona, “looking for a more future-oriented state and the State of Arizona has delivered in the area of technology,” stated Omar. He suggested that Arizona is still positioned for growth in terms of the technology industry for the next ten years and beyond.
Providing advice to the large crowd of diverse small and big business representatives attending the meeting Sayed indicated that there are challenges in diversifying to the international markets; “However, the world is shrinking,” Omar further stated. He mentioned the instance in which he was contacted by students from the Ukraine, offering their expertise in software platform issues. Omar decided to present them a real-world problem his firm was challenged with, and the students solved the problem within four hours and only charged $8 dollars.
Omar noted that the international and local talent base and the “favorable economics” have allowed his firm to stay privately funded, although he is keeping his options open. He said, “The Global Market, from a sourcing perspective, right now, presents a great opportunity to selling products outside of the United States.” However, Omar’s firm remains focused in the United States.
Succeed Corporation also powers partners with a private-labeled version of the iBuilder platform offered under the partner's brand. "Continuing to build long term strategic licensing partnerships is a key part of our business model," said Sayed. Succeed Corporation provides small businesses with a suite of Internet-based tools necessary for businesses to succeed in the Internet age. Until recently, that manifested itself in the form of web hosting, e-commerce, email, and basic online marketing. Now, it also includes online banking, financial services, collaboration, intricate integration with suppliers and customers, advanced customer service, advanced marketing, and much more.
Omar Sayed contact information: 1201 S. Alma School Road, Suite 15500 - Mesa, AZ 85210; info@succeed.com; 480-899-8200; Partnerships: 480-899-8200 x 100
MCbiz workshops in January:
Tuesday, January 15, 4 PM – 6 PM
Wickenburg Community Center, 120 North Valentine Street, Wickenburg, 85390
• Andres Chagolla, MCbiz – How Can Small Businesses Do Business With the County?
• Sasha Frugone, Information Facilitators – Data Management, Introducing QuickBooks
• Harvey King, Vistage International – Business Leadership
Thursday, January 24
3PM – 5 PM
Ed Robson Library, 9330 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, 85248
• Nelson Mitchell, MCbiz – How Can Small Businesses Do Business With the County?
• Janet Sullivan, Business Development Financial Corporation – Financial Literacy, 10
Tips to Impress a Lender
• Major Williams, JR2 Solutions – Business Efficiency, Selecting the Best Solutions
Please visit our website at www.maricopa/mcbiz for more details or call Nelson Mitchell at (602) 506-2249 to RSVP/participate in a workshop.
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