Finding TT business by compassBy Rhondor Dowlat Thursday, August 26 2010
A frustrating situation ended up as a thriving business for Jessy Ghany.
The solution he found to a hair pulling on-line search for products on the internet was developing his own search engine Trinicompass.com
“One day I was looking for computer memory and was going from store to store. I thought there must be a way to view company products before going to the respective stores.
“I wanted a place where the store can list its price list and any other company information where customers can view anytime and business owners can update anytime. It was at this point, when I thought to myself, why can’t I make this into a reality and there the idea was conceived,” said the 23-year-old.
“I chose the medium to be on-line because it’s the only place where customers can view all business details in the convenience of their own homes and at anytime, day or night. It’s like virtual stores for each business. Also, the internet is the gateway into the future.”
Trinicompass is a social marketing tool by which businesses can connect with customers without ever having to walk into the store. It offers business places the benefit of having another branch available to the world. With a current database of over 8,500 entries, it seems that it’s not just a business directory . It allows company owners who do not have a website, the benefit of being able to create, edit and maintain their website at no extra cost.
Ghany, who resides in Chaguanas, developed the website with his two brothers, Rodney, 31 and Mark, 26 as well as friends Shivani Dial, 22, and Christian Suban, 23.
They took about six hard months, working night and day to make this project a success.
Being experts themselves in Information Technology (IT) the young group did their very own innovative design and format. The group operates out in Central at their main office at 567 Old Southern Main Road, Chase Village.
Ghany baptised the website “Trinicompass” The logo and graphics were done by Mark.
“It is just original. Trini as in Trinidad and Tobago, we are referred to as Trinis and compass is what people would use if they are lost or would want directions to go somewhere, so I just put the two words together and there it was,” Ghany said.
If an individual or company does not have a website, customers can customise their URL link which can be used as the company’s website. Businesses that already have existing websites can make a link with trinicompass.com.
Trinicompass.com gives more than just a business listing since customers can add pictures, coupons, menus, Google maps.
Ghany said it has been very profitable for his clients.
“The feedback we are having so far is great. Businesses just want an affordable way to advertise. Business owners need a cost effective place to advertise in TT...we all know how expensive television advertising is. Also they need a cost effective way of getting a website, where they can update their information anytime for free,” he said.
With Ghany’s and programmer, Suban’s computer science background, the developmental approach was not hard for them.
Their strategy, said Ghany, is to do business surveys and make an intensive category and sub category system to place all businesses in TT, example Category- Auto, Sub Category – Car Wash and Polishing.
“Currently, we are focusing on TT but we intend to go regionally soon,” Ghany said.
The business initiative was launched on August 1 and has since enrolled about 40 customers.
Customers are given three options — premium, VIP and corporate — for the “length and breadth” they want their businesses to be advertised.
Check out www.trinicompass.com or call 673-2825, 784-6547 or 463-6244 for more details.
