Meet GES Delegate: Michelle Gandoulf
Organization Name: Go TWIP
Name: Michelle Gandoulf
Twitter handle: @michgnd
Country: Mexico
Organization Website: gotwip.com
Brief Description of Organization: Go TWIP is an online friendly and intuitive platform which offers pertinent updated information in regards to international trade and commerce. Its goal is to reduce the gap of unavailable or hard to obtain information, in order to facilitate the identification of essential information for the customer.
What inspired you to start this organization? The idea of Go TWIP originated from the general concern on the difficulties and challenges entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses face when they attempt to go global. As bachelors in international trade and commerce, we get asked “how hard is it to export or import a product?” or “how or where do I start to figure out the process to do so?” The answer is never simple, thus the restlessness of developing a tool which would help facilitate the visions and goals of many.
What is the next big step you hope to help your organization reach? We are currently designing our platform and our next big step is to finish programming and fully developing the platform with the help of experts in the field. We would also like to grow our team and add key participants who would likely help push the project into the next development stage. We will also like to pursue our first important investment outside from what we have been able to put into the organization.
What has been your biggest obstacle as an entrepreneur? My biggest obstacle as an entrepreneur has been believing I have what it takes to try and push forward my ideas. On the way you meet people who have tried being entrepreneurs and you meet with those who are currently developing their projects, some give you advice but others seem to want you not to pursue your projects. Knowing that most of the time, especially at the beginning, you are probably the only one who’s going to believe in the project is quite thrilling and empowering.
What advice would you give other emerging entrepreneurs? Surround yourself with people who are trying, have tried and love entrepreneurship - they will gladly give you tips and tricks. Another advice I would give is to be open to feedback, suggestions and new ideas, you never know when someone might inspire you to change, adapt or create an idea you weren’t expecting. Finally, if you don’t succeed just remember that perseverance, timing and attitude are key.
