Eight Critical Steps For your China Market Entry Strategy It takes more than just “business as usual” to succeed in China and you need to make some kind of personal investment: emotional, cultural and intellectual. Step 1: Know Yourself Step 2: Prepare your People The attitude, support, influence, energy and dynamics amongst the people around you will be just as important to your success in China as your own personal development. Step 3: Prepare your Marketing Your success at home, strength as an organisation and commitment to China will largely be measured, judged and evaluated by the quality and professionalism of your marketing materials, as seen from a Chinese perspective. Step 4: Research China is not one market, its many markets, each with different characteristics, opportunities and should only be determined after some proper research and an evaluation of different market entry options. Step 5: Get on the Ground The key at this stage is to meet lots of people, make friends, exchange business cards (and Wechat QR codes) and talk enthusiastically about your business plans and opportunities in China. Step 6: Follow Up and Build your China Network It’s best to “strike while the iron is hot” and conduct your follow up campaign the moment you return to your home base. Step 7: Getting Started It’s now time to try and move things forward to a point where some actual business can occur. Step 8: Momentum is Everything Now its all about building momentum, continuing to move forward with your local partners, suppliers and clients, and managing your costs, people and expectations.. By: David Thomas