As I prepare for my travels this week and next month, I wonder how I got into this habit of being able to go off alone to these different places with no idea what to expect! Of course there were some milestones like leaving home for college out of state….and before that going to catholic high school not knowing anyone …
Travel Tips I should follow
Man, I guess EVERYONE out there has been worried about the way I travel these days….my friend Lammy sending me a private facebook message, my friend Yuki in Shanghai telling me I need an assistant to travel along side me (of course, Yuki volunteered for that role, so long as I paid her and paid her travel expenses, not a …
Back from Thailand – Government Protesters Freaked me Out
Again, I feel spoiled (fortunate!) to be an American….seeing these political and economical troubles still shocking to me…..Bangkok, Thailand is such a beautiful city, yet there is political unrest. I am not at all an expert on the political conditions, nor do I want to study them that deeply, but basically there is an uprising in the people about the …
Leaving Philippines You wonder people are so frustrated….
the flight day is always hectic and stressful, but man…in philippines its a nightmare….and i feel for the people who have to deal with it each day….. The island of puerto galera is pretty far from metro manila, so i had to wake up at 6am to catch a 3pm flight!! Didnt bring my suit bag to the island, left …
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 …
Snorkeling in Puerto Galera Philippines
Finally have a bit of destressing on this trip. Many think this is like a vacation to me, but really the past couple weeks traveling have been almost purely business!!! And the stressful preparations for the Xiamen internet show, and booth, was really insane. Not to mention dealing with website problems for some ecommerce stores and warehouse systems along the …
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 …
Still Feel I’m holding myself back
Another day in Xiamen, visited some ecommerce and sourcing people, hoping to grow some connections here and get to know the city more. Most of the others from the trade show left on Sunday, almost immediately after the trade show ended…..not giving one extra day before or after to see the city. Maybe I used to be like that, short …
In Xiamen – SMX Internet Trade Show
Arrived in Xiamen yesterday, Jojo booked me a flight at 7:40am – so I arrived here bright and early to prepare for today’s Chinese Search Marketing Expo. This year I prepared a booth and a speech – about how to sell directly in the USA market. As chinese companies need to become more competitive in today’s difficult economic environment (falling …
So Busy In Shanghai…..this city is great
I know its better past due for a blog post…I was doing great making regular posts….but I’m on business travel now…..and I seem to be on a roll….. jamming in at least 3 business meetings a day, and shanghai is not a small city!! So seems some days I bounce from one side to the other in a crazy , …
Running a international business from China – Middle Kingdom
In the Chinese language, China translated into Middle Kingdom – or middle land – and while Westerners feel Chinese are developing into the modern world, I believe Chinese feel they are the original race, and all people came from China at one point – so in essence it is the Chinese that are now allowing themselves to engage with the …
As I Have More Readers – I cannot change my purpose
Its great that each day now I hear about people enjoying to read my blog. Of course that is the first purpose I had when I first started this blog , to share my experiences starting up a company and transitioning from corporate America to entrepreneurship & small business. I remember the conversation in a New York diner, with Greg …
Dealing With Various International Cultures…..being flexible…
Every day I struggle to be sensitive to so many different cultures (ok ok, so maybe not really sensitive, but at least aware!) Being an American, I can say I grew up DUMB to international cultures….even though I spent time in a university with Indians, Chinese, and others, as well as almost 5 years living in New York City – …
Upcoming Travels in China + Southeast Asia
writing this on my mobile phone, it amazes me how open the world has become with the internet. My assistant jojo has prepared my travels for the next month, until the end of april, and this is what i have lined up: Now until march 25 – stay in shenzhen / hong kong taking care of business operations, financial cashflow …
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 …