1. How did you become interested in your profession? What do you enjoy most about your calling? Interest in my profession evolved from a combination of different aspects of my life. Upon graduating from college with a BA in English (and a minor in Art), I delved into the world of advertising and tourism. Later I decided to earn an MBA from Thunderbird with a focus on International Business and Marketing. Marketing to me is the best way to put to work my creativity (I also write and paint) in the business world.

2. What was your first year like? I presume you mean my first year in the e-commerce business, not my first year of life (which I don’t remember too well). My first year was challenging but also rewarding…as with everything there’s always a learning curve. It’s a new industry so I’m sure it’s the same for everyone.

3. What were/are some of the obstacles you have encountered (overcome)? One obstacle that comes to mind was the process of gaining acceptance in the marketplace. As with any new product, achieving acceptance is key…that’s why marketing and public relations is so important in e-business. However, I believe the obstacles are really opportunities in disguise. They force you to explore other possibilities and become savvier in e-business…where one door closes, another one opens.

4. What is the most unique aspect of your business? Saf-T-Pay is an Internet payment system that provides a safe and secure alternative for online shoppers in various countries to make Internet purchases without the need for a credit card through their local bank in local currency. It is unique because there are millions of people worldwide that are uneasy with sharing their financial information with third parties (due to potential fraud risks) and either their cards are not accepted for e-commerce transactions or they simply do not have a card. Saf-T-Pay fills this payment void.

5. From where do you draw inspiration? I draw inspiration from a variety of sources – e.g. a loving family, my morning meditation and from the wonderful Saf-T-Pay team with which I have the pleasure to work. Many of us at Saf-T-Pay are former American Express alumni and we know the card was not created for the Internet. Familiarity with the pitfalls helps us to create better alternatives. For instance, having worked in the Fraud Unit at American Express has helped me to understand the challenges facing e-business with credit card fraud.

6. What significant partnerships have played a role in your success? Former colleagues and industry relations.

7. What would you say is your “claim to fame”? Team building, creativity and a can-do attitude

8. Since the focus on the Women’s ECommerce Assoc. is to "help women connect and do business on the web," could offer one piece of advice about the internet/ ecommerce/ websites to our readers? You have to be able to get people to visit your website and then it has to be worth wanting to stay around for awhile – factors that help are great website design, unique navigation, outstanding products, competitive prices and tremendous SERVICE.

9. What are some of the trends you are noticing in your industry? Although the industry continues to grow, shoppers, particularly overseas, continue to mention two concerns: lack of payment options and delivery. Additionally, growth is coming from overseas markets, the US is today about 1/3 of the world total and only a few years ago it was over 50%. Thus, there are great opportunities to sell worldwide.

10. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? It is a great industry and although it is hard work and competitive, seldom has there been a more challenging and rewarding environment.

(For more information on Barbara Bibas, visit www.saftpay.com).

© 2006 - Heidi Richards is the author of The PMS Principles, Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business and 8 other books. She is also the Founder & CEO of the Women’s ECommerce Association, International www.WECAI.org (pronounced wee-kī) – an Internet organization that “Helps Women Do Business on the WEB.” She can be reached at www.HeidiRichards.com.