Everything Korea December 12, A Favorite Lesson
“Knock on the door a 100 times!"
I share much on business norms and expectations with Korean, American, and global teams and management.
I, too, have learned much in exchange.
In fact, I've been fortunate to have a number of senior Korean leadership share their opinions and thoughts.
For example, I was asked by a Korea client to find out if a successful and high profile American brand was interested in the Korean market. If so, the Korean firm would like to be considered as a potential partner.
After talking to the American brand's Founder and CEO, a legend in the QSR industry, he politely shared that their plans were to focus on the US market. Any Asia expansion would not be for at least years away.
A few months later while they were visiting the US, I hosted the Korean client's Chairman and his wife at a VVIP lunch meeting with an iconic American restaurant.
Over the meal, the Chairman's wife quizzed me on my progress with the American brand. I explained that the US brand's Founder and CEO was polite, but they were not currently looking at Asia and Korea.
Pausing a moment, the Chairman's wife expressed that their Group was still very interested in the brand for Korea.
She then hoped I'd keep trying and not take "no" for an answer; adding firmly that sometimes we need to "Knock on the door a 100 times!"
My Korean client's success was evidently rooted in their perseverance and not taking "no" for an answer. A trait we find in many of the leadership the top Korean Groups.
Take away~
When challenged with an issue, situation, or problem...we need to "Knock on the door a 100 times, “ not give up at the first impasse.
Questions? Comments?
I, too, have learned much in exchange.
For example, I was asked by a Korea client to find out if a successful and high profile American brand was interested in the Korean market. If so, the Korean firm would like to be considered as a potential partner.
After talking to the American brand's Founder and CEO, a legend in the QSR industry, he politely shared that their plans were to focus on the US market. Any Asia expansion would not be for at least years away.
A few months later while they were visiting the US, I hosted the Korean client's Chairman and his wife at a VVIP lunch meeting with an iconic American restaurant.
Over the meal, the Chairman's wife quizzed me on my progress with the American brand. I explained that the US brand's Founder and CEO was polite, but they were not currently looking at Asia and Korea.
Pausing a moment, the Chairman's wife expressed that their Group was still very interested in the brand for Korea.
She then hoped I'd keep trying and not take "no" for an answer; adding firmly that sometimes we need to "Knock on the door a 100 times!"
My Korean client's success was evidently rooted in their perseverance and not taking "no" for an answer. A trait we find in many of the leadership the top Korean Groups.
Take away~
When challenged with an issue, situation, or problem...we need to "Knock on the door a 100 times, “ not give up at the first impasse.
Questions? Comments?
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