Internet Gold Rush for China Market
Recently, I had a discussion with my partner about expanding our business to China. To me, its a giant yet to be tamed. And we know that some big companies were already there, wrestling with the forces of the republic. Not many survive though.
Well, we do not laugh at others. Small companies like us are not even ready to go. We believe that if we can’t even stand properly in Singapore, China will be too far for us. Moreover, Chinese companies will have the homeground advantage. Not preparing fully before going to battle is half the battle lost.
In fact, we have some web design clients already tapping on China’s manufacturing industry. If you have relatives from China with strong business network, we believe you will have the upperhand. China’s export is one of the most lucrative pies you can think of. Prices are simply unbeatable and we strongly believe the phrase “Made in China” may slowly become a brandname.
There are various issues we are thinking about still. Stepping into a foreign land is not going to be easy. Like what they often say, “there are crocodiles in the Yangtze river”. Not having someone to trust from a foreign country is our biggest concern. Legal issues like copyright, payment processing, dealings with government agencies are some of the things we have been thinking about.
Yet, I strongly believe that the later we enter the Chinese market, the more dangerous it is. Business environment will become more and more competitive as the market grows, eating everybody for lunch sooner or later.
From what I see, these few years will be the golden years for online business in China. Google has entered and acquired part of Baidu (The Chinese Search Engine). The growth and establishment of search engines means the laying of infrastructure for millions of small businesses online.
Well, we do have some ideas on what to do in China. Problem is.. Haha.. funding. =)