Hong Kong Plus 9 Months

“This is going to a self assessment that I’m going to issue once a month to gauge my progress since I’ve been here (Aug 7, 2008). By progress, I’m referring to things I’ve learned or come across that has or will benefit myself in one form or another. I ask 3 basic questions to help evaluate my growth and identify what I need to focus my attention towards. You can take this for what it’s worth, but this is for my personal guidance to make sure I hit goals and stay on track. My two main goals coming to Asia were to develop a true understanding of Chinese culture & lifestyle while establishing a foundation on which to execute business ventures.”

What have you learned in relation to Hong Kong?

1. Wear a surgical mask when you can in crowded spaces. I’m not talking just because of the swine flu, I recommend it all the time. Had the cold which lasted a good week, and a week later I got another one brewing up. For a person who hasn’t been sick in over a year, the only thing that has changed is me moving here.

2. Chinese girls like to kiss both sides of the cheek when saying farewells. This is from personal experience but could very well be that they think that’s how we do it in the States, so they do it to? I’ll do more field testing for this one.

3. When someone refills your drink during a meal an equivalent of saying “thank you” is taping your fingers next to the cup (like hitting a card on blackjack). I’ve known this custom forever but figured I could share. You tap when you have food in your mouth and can’t politely say “thank you”. Simple concept.

What have you done to help yourself professionally?

1. Attended a 3 day sourcing fair held in Hong Kong. Met many suppliers and observed products in the market.

2. Getting multi-entry visa to China taken care of. Good for 1 year.

3. Continuing with Mandarin, also started on learning Japanese language.

4. Received expert feedback on sample products. Now shifting towards new direction and target audience.

Goals for next time?

1. Make adjustments to current designs and implement new designs to compliment new audience.

2. Have all modifications and new products final for prototyping.

3. Keep up Mandarin and Japanese language.