Silvia Mariani: Shares Her Entrepreneurial Journey with Making Business Happen

Tell us about yourself and your business.

I am Silvia Mariani, the founder and CEO of Making Business Happen, a consulting firm with locations all over the world that supports the international expansion of small Italian firms. My goal in starting Making Business Happen was to assist Italian businesses in going global by assisting them as they developed their brand recognition in other regions. I came to see that Italy has a lot more potential than what is portrayed in the media on a global scale and that there are many craftsmen and very driven small business owners that need to be known around the globe. The majority of the Italian goods we see overseas are made by powerful corporations that control whole markets. Italy is so much more than that, and the majority of Italian goods now available on the market are extremely

How have you handled success and failure over the course of your career?

I am quite appreciative of the challenges and setbacks. They are, in my opinion, the finest instructors, and a blessing is almost always in store. Rather than asking yourself, "Why is this happening to me?" I used to ask myself, "What is this teaching me?," and I think this is the mindset a business owner needs to have in order to successfully navigate challenges. When you adopt a "half full" perspective, frustrations turn into inspiration and barriers into challenges.

What strategies do you use to stay competitive in a changing market?

In my opinion, tailoring your offer to the demands of your target market is the greatest way to remain competitive in such a fast-paced industry. Having a service or product that is closely related to demand is crucial. In fact, we provide our clients with customised solutions in an effort to meet their particular needs. The firm itself must also differentiate itself. As digital temporary export managers, we frequently enter areas with different business practises, other languages, and distinct cultural hurdles. A diverse staff is essential for being able to connect globally.

What motivations drive you to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity?

Working in such a volatile and uncertain climate is always incredibly challenging, but my strong confidence in my abilities and those of my colleagues keeps me going. In difficult circumstances, it's crucial to stick to the firm's goal and assess the environment to determine what is harming the organisation. Businesses seldom maintain the original organisational setup. Most of the time, they change, and difficult situations are the ideal opportunity to continue changing and developing. In reality, the knowledge that there is always something to learn from difficult circumstances and that we need to pick up the cues that will help construct a better and more resilient firm is what drives me to keep turning up.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their chosen field?

There is usually a sense of both exhilaration and terror at first. The amount of advance planning is what sets apart a great start from a decent one. The first step is to have a brilliant company concept, but preparation is essential and will probably make the difference between success and failure. Thus, before the big launch, take your time to study the dynamics of the entrepreneurial sector. To build a solid basis for the firm, a clear vision must be established.

How have technological advances affected the way you conduct business or operate your venture?

As we manage digital exports, technological advancements have benefited us since they have made it possible for us to forge relationships and collaborations throughout the globe. We appreciate all technical developments that make connections easier because relationships are the foundation of a large portion of our business.

In what ways has customer feedback or response influenced how you prioritise goals or objectives for your business or venture?

Without clients, a company, like any other, cannot exist. In fact, it is crucial to constantly be open and attentive to feedback since it reveals areas that want development. Customer reviews have also served as a source of inspiration for me, driving me to constantly strive for perfection and see potential for improvement. But I must be glad to state that practically all of our clients have expressed pleasure at the conclusion of the projects, and some have chosen to work with us again to begin a new relationship after a few years.

What trends do you see emerging in your industry that are likely to shape its future growth and development?

As there is typically little demand for new items in today's highly globalised society, exporting is a very difficult endeavour. Identifying the proper trends and following them by suggesting the ideal product at the ideal moment is actually a part of our work. The health trend is the most potent, still-present trend after COVID. This trend affects a wide range of industries, including fashion, food, and drinks. Taking advantage of this trend is Italy, which is renowned for its healthy lifestyle. As export managers, we are striving to promote and exhibit the appropriate items that are well suited for this situation.

Are there any skills or areas of expertise that you think are essential for success in your field?

The capacity to network is the most important talent needed for export managers to succeed. In order to effectively introduce our clients' products, social and connection skills are crucial, and a professional export manager cannot overlook these. Because markets are so unstable and constantly changing, effective problem solving is a crucial skill that will be required frequently.

How has working remotely or online impacted your business or venture over the past year?

Working remotely was challenging at first because we often worked as a team, just like in any firm. As we adjusted, we saw the incredible advantages of it, and we still have a team member that works remotely since it enables us to be in other locations and grow our network outside of the office more quickly and effectively.

What tips would you like to offer to others who are in a similar position to you but looking to take their careers or businesses further?

My recommendation is to carefully consider new investments that will provide various outcomes. A company that wishes to expand need additional inputs in order to generate larger outputs. These investments shouldn't simply be for financial reasons; in fact, I think that the finest investment is in the human element because people are the foundation of any company. The crucial component that will take the company to the next level is having a diversified and young workforce that is able to give various answers and ideas.