May 29
2010If Google can’t do it – why can we?View Comments

This was the theme for Wednesday’s excellent Global Mobile Internet Conference dinner panel. Moderated by everyone’s favourite local blogger, Jeremy Goldkorn, the panel of speakers was a veritable who’s who of Beijing tech consulting. We were treated to some fantastic advice for those fresh-off-the-boat or yet to embark on their great Sino adventure.

Kaiser Kuo told us to seek local help and guidance and accept that, as a stranger in a strange land, someone might take advantage of you.

Victor Tong recommended establishing a family-like rapport with your core team of engineers/developers.

Richard Robinson and Alvin Wang both added caution to Kaiser’s comments: find a trusted partner with strong local knowledge and accept that you will be ripped-off at least once.

And finally, David Wolf reminded us all of the cha (茶) principal: C for Creativity, H for Humility and A for Adaptability. I like this acronym very much as it compliments my own advice to newcomers: “Don’t obsess about your Face, obsess about your Work.”

Image: James’ trusty Nokia E71