SAM Flemmings erste Erfahrung mit China ist mit einer sino-Amerikanischen Software-Firma, in der er chinesische Angestellte für ein Leben in den Vereinigten Staaten ausbildet. Einige gründet Jahre später Flemming, total an der Mühelosigkeit in den öffentlichkeitsarbeiten und in der Unternehmenskommunikation, seine eigene Firma: Internet-Forschung für amerikanische Firmen. Seine Quelle der Inspiration? The unprecedented publicity that companies and their products enjoy on Internet forums and blogs. “This is a big thing. It’s not just thousands of messages, it’s tens of millions. Written by real people, sharing real experiences about real brands, products and services.” Together with his Chinese co-founder and a team of what he prefers to call ‘Internet Word of Mouth Analysts’, Flemming now runs CIC, a company specialized in providing research and consulting based on consumer talk on BBSs and blogs. We’re eager to ask for his experiences.

“Of course, being a pioneer is always a challenge. There are no manuals, no models, nothing about this industry. We can only rely on our experience and knowledge. The government here in Shanghai is always very supportive though towards new initiatives, towards anyone who creates new jobs. We’ve had nothing but good experiences. And there’s also a great advantage in pioneering: the fact that we’re developing by every step we take, means that we are Read the rest of “American Dream in China” or post a comment

By David Dayton

“Going to China” has become the mantra of the business world. You’re looking East. You’ve done your homework with AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce in China), on the Internet, with other “China Hands” and in your industry. You’ve found your “perfect supplier” on line, even found a second factory as a back-up. You’ve got a great bid on your product. The pictures of the factory look great, the samples are exactly what you want, and the phone conversations with the sales rep, while maybe a little limited, have been useful. You’re excited. Read the rest of “Working With Chinese Factories - Part II: Qualifying Your Overseas Supplier” or post a comment

By David Dayton

Once again, I’m in a factory working through production issues that would be impossible to solve over the phone, with email, or even with photographs. What’s the issue this time? Among other things, my primary task this trip is to define the factory’s actual capabilities compared with the overly-optimistic sales pitches presented in their brochures. Qualifying a factory is definitely something that you can’t do from across the globe or even from a great distance within the same country! Read the rest of “Working With Chinese Factories - Part I: The Initial Visit” or post a comment