Business at the Bazaar

Sara Saleh reports on an annual fair that puts entrepreneurial skills high in the spotlight

Greeted by a vibrant array of booths encompassing an assortment of services and products, from fashion wear, accessories and makeup, to food and drinks, as well as education and health stalls, the friendly faces and the generous spirit of the 18th annual Bazaar held at the Dubai Women's College (DWC) were hard to miss as hundreds of students roamed the campus grounds.

The fair was a cooperative, entrepreneurial feat set up and run by business-minded students who were intent on gaining practical experience needed to face the real working world.

The three-day event, which also involved 206 businesses, encouraged students to learn how to coordinate all aspects of their business, including customer service, finance, production, pricing, promotion and advertising.

"We had to think about money issues, how to run our business, how to deal with customers and even rotation of shifts," said business IT student Sara Omrani, whose booth 'Chocolate Station' was a popular choice with many.

Attended by DWC students and staff, the Bazaar was open to students from other major universities and schools.

"This gives us a glimpse into what goes into running a business so that we can prepare ourselves for what to expect in the future," said business IT student Zakiya Khalil.

Tips to think about when starting your own business

• While it is true that some types of businesses require enormous initial outlay, most only require a very modest investment. It is quite practical to start a business with no more money than you would normally spend and end up eventually with a lot more.
  
• The essence of successfully running your own business is a matter of strategies and good planning. You plan what you're going to do, work out what kinds of things might go wrong and test the ideas to see what is practical.
  
• Determination is important. It's best to have an attitude of being persistent, even when there is no immediate reward.
  
• Accounting. It's not entirely boring! You must know how money works and make sure every part of your business makes sense financially (and beware of overhead costs!)
  
• Try to avoid partnerships, especially with friends. It is true, business and pleasure don't mix. But if you decide to, then keep it a business relationship by ensuring all is written down and everyone knows exactly what they are supposed to do.
  
• There are many types of business you can set up, so don't limit yourself. When deciding, research until you are satisfied that it is something you will determinedly stick to.
  
• Set up a website. Needless to say, e-commerce is good for business in an internet-dominated world.

A feel of the event
While a mix of Arabic and English songs were blasting in the background, girls approached each other offering pasta from the Italian food stall.

Over the loud music, others attempted to explain the benefits of banking with their organisation represented at a stall. Further still a group of students contemplated a sailing trip that was on offer in one of the very first booths at the bazaar. Such was the buzz at the exhibition.

The three-day event, charming as it was, exemplified a true learning experience unlikely to leave these hard-working students any time soon. It illustrated a clear example of these students applying the skills and knowledge they learnt from their textbooks and classes.

What students said

"This is the first day and already there are people from everywhere - it's great!"
Eman Al Owais, applied communications

"It is very successful, it'll encourage the students to get ideas and start businesses."
Ahlam Al Bannai, applied communications

"This is honestly a lot of fun - with amazing girls, amazing ideas and great organisation."
Hamda Anwahi, applied communications

"This is important for the future as we want to develop our skills and be ready, this gives us practical experience."
Zakiya Khalil, business IT

"This is important preparation for us especially when we graduate."
Sara Al Omrani, business IT

"The Bazaar is an excellent way of preparing us for the future business world."
Asma Al Meiri, business applied technology