I remember growing up, my dad would never let me call out sick from school. No matter how sick I was, how tired, how depressed, discouraged, or anything – I had to go to school. I won the perfect attendance award every year I can remember, from 1st grade all the way through high school. It just wasn’t accepted, missing …
American Expats Giving Up USA Citizenships
Yes, I bet this headline caught your attention. My friend Scott sent me this new york times article today – Lammy just sent me US Expat Taxes Drive Americans Away, and I thought I would discuss it more. “What we have seen is a substantial change in mentality among the overseas community in the past two years,” said Jackie Bugnion, …
Made it to Thailand – Came This Far – Not Giving Up!
Sitting down at a coffee shop in bangkok, thailand now, my last country until I’m back in China (well, I have the Canton Fair in Guangzhou before home, technically) and man, what a trip this has been, spent a bit more then I expected, but I pretty much got done what I thought I would get done. I was able …
Philippines – So Beautiful yet such political + economical problems
Last full day in Philippines, next step is Thailand. It still amazes me, Philippines is such a beautiful country…and the people are generally so nice and friendly…..how is it possible its under such difficult political and economical conditions…. for example, our beach house this morning didn’t have power for a few hours….and this is a normal issue. Another issue is …
Video of the Traffic and Streets of Manila
posted this on facebook too, but for those in China, where facebook is blocked, I thought i would quickly upload this here on my blog. Maybe I’ll try to post more videos in addition to photos, I was trying to get good photos of the environment here, but only a video can really capture it. enjoy! ( update Aug 2014 …
International Business – Forcing things to work
Writing this at 5am walking down a sides street in makati, manila, Philippines from my mobile phone…..still blows my mind the drastic changes in climate, economics, and culture in 1 country or region to the next,,,,,and makes me realize how sheltered i grew up in safe and secure us of america! but really, like i title this blog, business is …
In Ningbo – Now I understand why businessmen are so old
I definitely underestimated what it takes to start a business……i figured i had some customers, some cash saved up, the rest would work out…..hahaha, 3 years later (from Shadstone beginning, 6 if you count from newyorkbarstore beginning), the struggle continues….. This is my countless times in a factory in the Ningbo area (yuyao, ningbo, yong kang – all over Zhejiang …
American Companies Don’t Feel Welcome in China anymore?
Also while watching CNN in hong kong today….they discussed a poll about more and more american companies frustrated doing business in china….the numbers were almost 30percent as of feb 2010 I can admit….i have always had trouble but in a way i believe / feel it is also because the cultural differences….not a positive or a negative feeling, just that …
Everyone Wants to Do it – Start an online business
I enjoy learning about people’s interests, and what makes them tick. A couple years ago I became a “expert” in the allexperts.com/ep/1089-90814/E-Commerce-Web-Business/Michael-Michelini.htm ecommerce category of All Experts. At first I was going to do the category in import/export, but even still I am not an expert in international trade – my passion still is the MIX of internet, marketing, and …
Putting More Internal Pressure on Myself then Ever Before
Sorry to those around me…but I am on a rampage the past couple weeks….I am just fighting like never before…..That is how I deal with things….I come at them head on. I need to be aggressive….I didn’t come this far, all the way out here to China, to get lazy, drink beer, and try to get other people to pay …
Working USA hours in China (graveyard shift)
Always since ive been in china i have had to coordinate with usa time schedule…..but the past week its become extreme….earlier this week and last i was working until 5 or 6 am….sleeping until 2 or 3pm Wake up 11pm in china – usa (ny) 10am – europe (4pm) Sleep 3pm china- usa Nyc 2am – europe – 8am But …
How to Structure NYC Retail Store Licensing + Consignment Deal
i’m back to doing USA business almost 90% of the time….think i really gotta get back to the usa and straighten some deals and alliances out. Since Shadstone took over newyorkbarstore…. i have been seeking vigorously how to improve the cash flow, here are some ideas I NEED HELP WITH #1…………….how to structure a deal like that… 1) PARTNER with …
As China Office is empty- USA is busier then ever
This longggggg China New Year holiday drives me insane – as I’m sure a lot of other business owners (chinese and foreign) – it still amazes me how a country of such size and current global influence can completely shut down – so many of my favorite restaurants are still closed. Things should start opening up again friday and the …
Lonely in New Office
I guess its like the saying goes “be careful what you wish for”. My previous office, was 1 massive room with a glass dividing wall between the office and the main room – NO privacy. So looking to move, I wanted to have multiple rooms, and areas that I could have private meetings with staff and visitors. Here is a …
Firing People in China – Watch your Back
Have to share this greatttttttttt email I received today, makes me sleep well at night. Unreal people out there like this. But I want to share, some of the after effects of firing someone. The guy lost me customers, was lazy, and did his own work during company hours. Anyway, received the below email (exact copy / paste) from a …