In this week’s Everything Korea my thoughts again turn to discussing why some Korean businesses do well outside Korea, while others struggle.
A caveat is tied to last week’s episode where although Korea entrepreneurs have and continue to launch some amazing new startup concepts—few ever gain the stellar funding and success achieved by similar startups the US in the past or now with concepts like Periscope, Meerkat or my favorite Super.me.
Frankly what works well in Korea may not work well outside Korea and with regard to the Startup Model even work within Korea. Same thing goes for global brands, what works well in each respective country or region needs some if not substantial localization—localizations a catch phrase that everyone agrees to but few truly embrace.
In particular, I see with Korea brands looking outside Korea to often the same missteps re-occurring. In my recent case study “A Global Approach: For Korea Management Teams” I address many of the challenges. See the link below for a copy of the study.
So what are some steps in my opinion for 1) Korean brands already having a global footprint, or 2) brands that wish to expand outside Korea, or 3) domestic Korea startups, all need to take?
I’ll talk more on this in the next episode, but for a first step–embrace and immerse in the local culture, market norms and success model.
What is a poor idea is for an overseas team modeling practices after the Korea operations. This I know can be difficult–most Korean teams dispatched are most familiar with the Korean model, receive limited support to transition, or are subjected to pressure from their peers and seniors to limit the embracing of local norms over the mother company’s. The later situation a real concern.
Again in the next episode we’ll drill deeper to the core causes of the disconnects.
Oh one more thing…
Those struggling with some of the challenges I’ve mentioned, or have issues within your organization that need to be addressed….I have blocked out my availability to chat and discuss…. Just go tohttp://www.meetme.so/southerton
Until next time, all the best.
Case Study http://unbouncepages.com/case-study-fb/
And a very cool App, please join and follow me https://super.me
#Koreanculture #bridgingculture #koreanbusiness #globalstartups#Koreanstartups #koreanbrands #globalbrands #localize #localization#globalfootprint
This Week’s Episode of Everything Korea – Watch Now!
Two topics, first I’ll be working from NYC this week. I’ll be sharing the Korea Society presentation once their very professionally team produces the video series and uploads to YouTube. Please Stay tuned.
That said, much of my professional work is providing strategy and consulting to the top Korean brands globally.
This includes working with non-Korean firms, leadership and audiences to explain the dynamics and nuances in Korean business. During a long day that can often extend into the evening, I tackle client issues.
A common question both in media interview and by clients is “ Don, how did you get interested in Korean business?”
My Korea focus and experience are actually rooted in Korean martial arts. I began martial arts in the early 1970s, receiving my Cho Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) by the mid 1970s, opened my first school in 1976 and tested for Sabom Master Instructor in 1987. In 2013, I was inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame.
Outside my public image today of business consultant, coach, trainer, strategist, social commentator, and author. I’ve continued to be a life-long student of traditional Korean martial arts– now for 43 years.
I have added several complex Chinese forms to my repertoire of over 35 hyung—the traditional sets of combative movements martial artists’ practice to hone their bodies and minds.
I have always seen martial arts as not only a way of staying in shape through a wide range of stretching, kicking, and hand movements, but also a demanding mental regiment.
All said, I attribute my success in Korean business much in part to the discipline, “meditation in motion,” self-control, patience, and focus sharpened over a lifetime in the martial arts—not to mention the strong rooting in the cultural dimension of a traditional Korea art.
Just one more thing, in addition to my Korean facing Facebook pages, I just added a new martial arts Page. It includes some articles I have written for both academic and the martial arts industry.
So until next time, this is Don Southerton wishing you all the best.
As in past Everything Korea, I will share links on topics discussed in the accompanying copy.
1. The Korea Society
http://www.koreasociety.org/corporate/korea_perspective.html
Please Follow and Like:
2. My Facebook Page ( lots of posts I see as timely and relevant)
https://www.facebook.com/dsoutherton
3. Bridging Culture Worldwide Facebook Page (Korea facing)
https://www.facebook.com/BridgingCultureWorldwide
4. My Martial Arts Page (cool videos and articles)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Don-Southerton/846237712136423
Questions, Comments, Thoughts? Go to questions@koreabcw.com
#Koreasociety #NewYorkCity #strategy #Korea #Koreanbusiness#martialarts #personaldevelopment #mentaldiscipline #patience #focus#Koreanculture