The Telecall Corporation of 1010Talk declares ‘Your Internet Connection is now your Phone Connection’. The purpose behind establishing the firm is to offer services that make for inexpensive solutions in telecommunication which includes a reliable network that spans across USA and beyond along with other calling incentives. All you need is an Internet connection and a 1010Talk VoIP adapter and an analog phone to boot!
eBrandz catches up with David Kaen, Director of Retail Sales at 1010Talk for a spot of corporate Tete-a-tete.
Q. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business.
1010Talk is part of International Telecall Corp. 1010Talk’s management has more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications sector and prides itself on being a leading provider in the business. Our extensive suite of national local access, long distance and international calling plans offer some of the best rates available. We believe in providing excelling rates and high quality service for all our calling options. 1010Talk has long-established partnerships with the leading telecom service providers in the USA and abroad. Our wholesale and retail partnerships enable 1010Talk customers to receive the best quality at low costs. New partnership opportunities are continually being developed to meet the changing demands of the telecom marketplace, and we encourage you to contact us for more information on how you can become a 1010Talk partner.1010Talk maintains a strong distributor network to meet the specialized regional needs of our customer base. Our distributors provide custom voice products and local services at outstanding cost savings. 1010Talk uses the latest in VoIP technology to deliver the most cost-effective calling plans with outstanding service. Our redundant fiber-based network offers reliable, high-quality telecom services, with features like voice mail, unified messaging and more. 1010Talk gives you all the services you want at a price you can afford.
Q. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself.
I was born and raised in NY. I studied International Business from NYIT with a minor in Computer Science. Currently I manage the retail division of 1010talk. Our customer base covers all of the United States, and certain niche countries around the world. In the last few years I have had the opportunity of exploring new ventures in VoIP with the hopes of expanding our business to the next level.
Q. What ignited the spark in you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
I tried to structure my business around the economy and basically see what market is demanding for. At 1010talk we want to offer more economical and cost efficient ways for people to call their family and loved ones all over the world. Bottom line customers now a days look for savings in one of two ways; rate per min to call a destination or a low $$ entry point (subscription plans). In order to accommodate everyone needs we have created both plans, and thus able to accommodate both needs.
Q. How important have good employees been to your success?
I would like to consider all of my employees as part of my FAMILY! That being said, a good support staff is crucial. You have to have trustworthy, dependable employees to ensure that clients are well taken care of.
Q. What three pieces of advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?
The advice I would give to college students would be if you believe in your idea, GO FOR IT. Never allow someone to crush your dreams. You cannot sit around and talk about what you want to do, at some point, you have to take risks and do it. Then I would tell them to talk to friends and family members that might be in that field for some hands on advice. The third thing I would tell them, is that you need to be honest. Never pursue an idea or venture to make the quick dollar; integrity goes a long way in everything you do.
Q. If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Honestly nothing. No complaints.
Q. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Strong work ethic, good social and networking skills, and most of all courage.
Q. How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
I do not like to give up on any idea that easily. If I come to a road block, I may put it on the back burner, so I could re-think strategically on how to tackle and make that idea a successful one.
Q. How many hours do you work a day on average?
The amount of hours I put in depends on the needs of that particular day. They can range from 9 to 12 hours or even more.
Q. How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Some days are stressful, but for the most part it has paid off. It has definitely opened new doors for new ventures.
Q. What motivates you?
Family and friends. Most of all enjoying and living life to the fullest!
Q. How do you generate new ideas?
Brainstorming with friends and families. It is always good to converse with at least 1 other person so you can bounce ideas back and forth.
Q. What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
I honestly manage my fear by being open minded, and exploring new things!
Q. What are your ideals?
One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself
Q. How do you define success?
I define success on how happy my family and I are. If they are all happy, I feel I have achieved the greatest success.
Q. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Always be honest to yourself and others
Q. Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Most of the funding has been organized privately. The rest has been gathered by our relationships that we have made with our strategic partners.
Q. How do you build a successful customer base?
Through our niche advertising, and word of mouth! Also delivering exceptional product/service that keeps them coming back for more, with their friends.
Q. How did you decide on the location for your business?
Location is not important in our business!
Q. Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Yes most definitely the best formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur are: a) desire, b) dedication, c) commitment, d) integrity, and most of all e) knowledge.
Q. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My family
Q. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Meeting new people, traveling, networking!
Q. What would say are the five key elements for starting and running a successful business?
Having a well written business plan, Having clear marketing Objectives, presentation, information and signage, ability to network.
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
When you see all of your hard work and determination pay off. Your customers are happy with the products you have introduced in the market.
Q. What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Entrepreneurs tend to be more passionate about something that is theirs; and also a greater willingness to take risks. Whereas when you work for someone else you don’t own their company; you just get paid to work for them, and you might not have that much freedom.
Q. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
The partnerships that I have created in the niche markets that I go after. It is key to have someone that speaks the native tongue, it helps with the comfort level
Q. What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
At 1010talk we are a tight family. It is a family business and that is one trait that attracts us to other organizations/business partners.
Q. In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Challenging for the most part. But it is good learning experience
Q. What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
One of the biggest mistakes in my career has been not turning down projects that I know I should have turned down (being over worked). I have to remind myself that I am in a business and that I have to think of paying my bills at the end of the day.
Q. How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
One thing that I always believe in is that there is always a solution for everything. But I have to know what the fault is; never get mad at your workers if they come to you with an issue.
Q. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
I love traveling when I can. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. Trying new things. Spending time with families and friends.
Q. What makes you happy?
My family and loved ones
Q. Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
I see myself in 10 and 20 years being financially stable, being able to dedicate my time and efforts to my office, family and those who need my help.