ShanghaiZhan: All Things China Marketing, Advertising, Tech & Platforms

OUR 25th EPISODE!Meet Bill Russo, Founder and CEO of Shanghai-based Automobility. Bill founded a strategy and investment advisory firm that helps its clients build and profit from the future of mobility.   In this episode, Bill provides a bleak outlook for the foreign automobile manufacturers in China who have missed the opportunity to re-think mobility as something more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and fundamentally more profitable than the current model, which relies purely on a one-time sale of a product and its eventual maintenance and repair.  To Bill, the automobile is the least efficient device on Earth, but China companies are now leading the world in redefining automobile ownership.1.  What is "automobility" and what does your company do in China?2.  Why China will lead in new ways of mobility, thanks to the intervention of technology3.  Making profit beyond the sale of the mobility device - what auto companies still cannot embrace4.  Not a car but a mobility device is the biggest super-computer humans interact with on a daily basis5.  Western car brands had big advantages over the Chinese industry, but now they are falling behind the local innovators6.  Auto productivity equals 1 hour a day7.  The growing portfolio of Chinese EV brands:  who wins and loses?8.  Will the traditional 4S dealer survive?  Does it have a role in the new China mobility?9.  Will we expect infrastructural changes to go with the changes in Chinese mobility?10.  How can you be a part of the mobility revolution?11. What will be the Chinese EV that will sell abroad?12.  The A/B Test:  Puxi, of course!  NIO and the NY Yankees!About Automobility:  http://automobility.io/Bill on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamrusso/For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

What's the state of the workspace in Shanghai these days?  What are the latest trends in work environments what's the role of technology?  Will China go with the rest of the world and adapt the hybrid working model?Meet ex-Naked Hub/ex-WeWork China executive Dominic Penaloza to answer these questions.   Dominic is a serial entrepreneur and has lived in Shanghai for 16 years.  He was previously the founder of the professional social platform, You Shi, before moving into a role as Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Naked Hub, a Shanghai-based company where he, his team, the technology products they built, and the business model innovation those technology products enabled resulted in WeWork acquiring naked Hub for USD 400 million in 2018.  Dominic was WeWork’s head of technology and innovation for Greater China until 2020, and now he’s back to his entrepreneurial roots exploring various business opportunities and advising companies in the areas of Future of Work, Future of Mobility, and the intersection of technology and real estate.1.  How WeWork got Naked in China for $400 million2.  Shanghai:  the birth of workspace on demand now known as "WeWork On Demand"3.  Build the user experience by building space with energy4.  How the lockdown impacted the co-working WeWork/Naked experience5.  Remote Work + Technology:  the biggest change in our lifetime6.  CTrip embraces hybrid work:  a massive study into the effectiveness of alternative work environments7.  Hybrid is still the best model for Shanghai work using home & alternative work environments8.  What's the missing tech?  predictive co-working & calendar management9.  China's size is still a big advantage for global entrepreneurs to come to China10.  A/B Test:  Palabok & Adam Neumann (sorry, Rebekah)Dominic on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicpenaloza/For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

Meet Victoria Glanz, a 12-year expert in bringing foreign brands to China and successfully launching them in e-commerce.     Until recently, she led international expansion for Baozun, China's leading e-commerce service provider, launching its offices in Paris.   She is launching a new company called Sesame that helps brands sell better online, taking her experience from China.  You'll quickly discover there isn't much about China e-commerce that Victoria doesn't know.1.  I never chose e-commerce in the first place, but not it's my obsession day and night.2.  The demand is ready in Europe for e-commerce, but the offer is not yet being served3.  Conversion Phase: the biggest difference between Europe & China's e-commerce markets4. Traditional Brands in Europe Still See Digital as a Sideshow5.  Social Commerce -will the China model work in Europe?6.  Any thoughts on Ali Express?7.  To do big volume, don't go on WeChat8.  Live Commerce:  Will it work in Europe?: It depends upon the volumes9.  What will happen post-Austin Li?10.  Is China still a great market for brands?  50% is No!11.  What about DTC commerce models in China?  12.  How do get into the e-commerce business?  Just do it.13.  A/B Test: Shanghai, the French Riveria and No Ris de VeauVictoria on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-glanz-6290251b/About Fulljet:  https://www.fulljet.com.cn/For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

We sat down with former Asia-Pacific CEO of Ogilvy PR, Scott Kronick, who is indisputably the father of modern PR in China.  Scott lived in China for 29 years and is easily one of the longest serving agency leaders, foreigner or Chinese, in the China ad business.   What's it going to take for Chinese brands to go abroad?  This is the question we asked Scott, who's been behind the effort to take many successful and large-scale brands outside of China.  China used to be about cheap goods, but now it represents attributes largely unknown back when Scott first came to China.Scott is now a Senior Advisor for Ogilvy PR, as well as the author of the book, "The Lighter Side of China".  He's also an Adjunct Professor at Beijing University.1.  The big moment that China brands came into the world (besides the Beijing 2008 Olympics): 2.  Do China brands need to promote their country of origin? Is "Made in China" a good thing?3.  Should more Chinese brands on Amazon embrace brand campaigns to increase their premiumness?4.  Chinese brands fail abroad when they don't understand the nuances of the local markets5.  Peaceful Coexistence of China & the rest of the world:  Business that helps people more productive is more apolitical6.  What are the consistent communications mistakes of China's going abroad?7.  Where can China & US find common ground?  Healthcare, Climate & Sports?8.  We couldn't resist asking Scott about Eileen Gu9. Scott's career advice for those interested in getting into the Chinese PR business10.  Scott's advice to his 25-year-old self.11.  A/B Test:  Orange (not Red), David Ogilvy, Sir Martin & Mark ReadAbout Scott Kronick:Monday Morning Mojo:  https://scottkronick.com/Scott's Book, "The Lighter Side of China":  https://www.amazon.com/Lighter-Side-China-Scott-Kronick/dp/0992762502Scott on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkronick/For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

We are talking about making documentary films in China with 2-time Oscar-winning, 4-time nominated Academy Award documentary film director, Malcolm Clarke.  We are also joined by Han Yi, a Golden Horse-winning producer of documentary films.  Malcolm is originally from the UK while Yi is from Chengdu, but both are currently living in Shanghai.Malcolm and Yi reside at Artefact Entertainment, and have collaborated on a number of recent films, including "Better Angels"; a mini-series, "A Long Cherished Dream", and most recently, the controversial, "Hong Kong Returns".  Malcolm & Yi share both the joys and challenges of making documentaries in China, a genre growing more popular with the popularity of digital media.1.  How did you get into documentaries and how did you meet Malcolm?2.  "Better Angels" - the 2-month project that ended taking 6 years.3.  Successful documentaries are all about achieving the right timing4.  Making documentaries are way more difficult to make than fiction films5.  Documentaries are on the rise in China because they are now accepted by moviegoers6.  Moving beyond the movie theatre success matrix for documentaries in a world of digital7.  About "A Long Cherished Dream": stories about Chinese emerging from poverty8.  We don't make propaganda films9.  "Hong Kong Returns":  10 short films & why they did them10.  Short format films provide the right format and arena to convey documentaries11.  Future projects in the pipeline:  "Drive Like a Girl"  &  the life and times of eccentric scientist, Joseph Needham12.  A/B Test:  No spicy food, NYU, & Jack AssYi and Malcolm's links:Movies:Better Angels Promohttps://vimeo.com/277437711/3685c41e31In My Eyes Trailerhttps://vimeo.com/275186570/9b148a3169China Heavyweight Trailerhttps://vimeo.com/277397999/dc2cd75f89Hong Kong Returns (new episode released weekly)https://vimeo.com/user45552070Company:Artefact Entertainment:http://www.artefactentertainment.com/About Malcolm Clarke:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Clarke_(filmmaker)For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

Our 20th Episode!  Today we meet Mia Liu, she's a famous influencer and fashion blogger, or, as they say in China, Key Opinion Leader (KOL). With over 3 million fans on Weibo, Mia creates engaging content for big global brands including, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and L'Oreal.  Armed with a Master's in Marketing, Mia represents the new face of China advertising..1.  Why on earth would you want to be a Chinese KOL?  For Mia, it was being a fashion editor2.  What’s Mia’s typical day look like?  How does she get clients?3.  Is being a KOL a stressful life or is it truly a glamorous job?4.  What’s the difference between an MCN, KOL and KOC?5.  How does a KOL in China make money?6.  Is China moving more towards performance KOLs or brand KOL?7.  How do KOLs get discovered by the brands?8.  Mia’s favorite brand collaborations:  WeWork and Durex9.  Not all KOLs livestream.  Brands need both bloggers and sales10.  Mia’s magic?:  be true to yourself and don’t forget the “opinion” in KOL11.  Mia’s next 5 years:  be a KOL for life!12. A/B Test:  Kylie Jenner + Pink + Weibo + 兰州牛肉面Mia Liu's LinksWeibo @大mia的时尚账号 https://weibo.com/u/5837677943WeChat Official Account @@大mia的时尚账号https://mp.weixin.qq.com/mp/profile_ext?action=home&__biz=MzU3MDk2MjU3NQ==#wechat_redirectMia Liu on RED @MialiuuuuuMia Liu on Instagram @mialllllingMia's story for Durex:  https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/No__SjTCZky4wk6eaUysqQFor everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

This episode is for those who are thinking of leaving China, maybe now or in the future.In this episode, we're joined by 2 "experts of experience" who left China to return home and can share their experiences about adjusting, why they left and what they really miss.  For many, especially the expatriate population, the Shanghai lockdown has become a time to re-evaluate future priorities as foreign companies consider reducing both staff and investments in the country.  Meet Milo Chao who is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for ad agency, DDB Chicago.  Milo was formally CSO for DDB China and later, TBWA.  Milo returned to the US in 2019.   We're also joined by Ker Gibbs, who is currently an Executive in Residence at the University of San Francisco.  Ker is best known as the past President of the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai from 2019 to 2021 but has been in China for most of his career.  He returned to the US in the early part of the year.1.  Why did you come to China, why did you stay so long and why did you leave?2.  When is the right time to leave?  Has Shanghai lost its mojo?3.  Will Shanghai change past the lockdown?  Will expats leave or eventually come back?  Is this the fall off the cliff moment?4.  The evolution of Shanghai:  now we're in a more developed stage & the role of foreigners has changed.  5.  Foreign companies vs. Foreigners:  How will China adjust post-Covid?6. Returning Home:  How do you prepare for repatriation?  What are the transferrable skills?7.  If you can make it in China, you can make it anywhere...China is still an important market8. Expect 2 years to get acclimated to your home culture leaving China9.  Keep your networking prospects and start right now before you leave...10.  The post-China job market realities:  a.  WFH is the new normal. b.  Growth of the Gig Economy. c.  Big global labor shortage11. Are there still opportunities in China?  Yes, but be prepared!12.  A/B Test:  Ding Tai Feng, Cui Jian, Baguettes, and the Shangri-La!Milo Chao On LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/milochao/Ker Gibbs on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kergibbs/For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

We've seen a lot of change in the Chinese media landscape over the past 20 years, so what about the next 20?  Where is it going, and is there a future for media agencies given all the sophisticated technology, in-housing and big platform plays that control the data?We're joined by Doug Pearce, the former Chairman, and Group CEO at the Omnicom Media Group.  Doug left OMG in 2018 to form his own company, the Doohken Network.  We're also joined by Jun Yuan, who is the Founder and CEO of Cross-Border Digital Marketing Consulting firm, SparkX.1.  Doug and Jun’s beginnings in the China business and the transition of media2.  Jun’s SparkX:  providing both outbound China for Chinese brands and inbound China for others3.  Outbound China media is still within the Small-Medium Businesses4.  Inside/Outside Media Buying will split the media buying world into 2 camps5.   China is further developed in first-party data and evolving their CDPs, while the West is further along with Martech6.  How do influencers fit in within the programmatic and tech media ecosystems?7.  KOCs and the eventual monetization of consumers to sell products for brands8.  Can outbound China players build brands abroad is it all low-cost ROI-driven solutions?9.  China’s media ecosystem is more effective, lower-priced and highly targeted10.  What’s the future of the media agency?  A bullshit filter11. A/B Test:  INXS, Harleys, New York, & MelbourneJun Yuan on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jun-yuan-40964026/SparkX:  https://en.sparkxmarketing.com/Doug Pearce on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-pearce-0159562/For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

Do SaaS Marketing platforms have a future in China?   Yes, the platforms here are different, but there are also a lot of cultural reasons why SaaS hasn't taken off here.  According to McKinsey, China is still 10 years behind other markets in SaaS platform development. Why?  What needs to change?We spoke to our good friend, Alex Duncan, Co-Founder of social media SaaS platform, KAWO, who has lived in China for 15 years, where his passion for adventure, user experience, and technology has flourished.1.  What on Earth is Saas?  Why do marketers need it?  2.  Why did Alex come to China?  For the adventure, of course!3.  What is KAWO?  Why do China brands need it?4.  Is There a Connection Between Social Media Execution & Brand Planning?  It Depends on the Outcome You’re Looking For.5.  WeChat is Still a Great Place To Build Brands, But It’s Not Easy6.  Is Private Domain Traffic or Is It Just a FOMO Gimmick?7.  Media Efficiency or Media Planning Intelligence?  Sorry to say, it’s the definition of insanity8. Why has SaaS not been popular in China?  9.  The Huge SaaS Potential in China and China Needs it.10. Why Isn’t Adobe or Salesforce Big In China?  Is it a Cultural or the Unique Ecosystem?11.  What Do SaaS Platforms Need in China to Grow?11.  What Gets You Inspired and Why Did you Get Inspired to Run a SaaS company?12.  A/B Test:  Mathematics, Specialized and Bearded (of course!)Alex Duncan on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/acjduncan/KAWO:  https://kawo.com/KAWO's Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing (A Must!): kawo.com/guideFor everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/

We're taking a much-needed break from Shanghai's recent Covid lockdown to talk about the globalization of C-Beauty.  What will it take for Chinese beauty brands to go global?  How important are influencer networks and what is the role of technology?  Will fast-fashion platform, Shein.com's use of AI predictive analytics be a beauty industry game-changer?We're joined by Lisa Shiqi Yu, Founder, and CEO of GENLAB Group, based in Shanghai.  GENLAB is a selective incubator supporting purpose-led entrepreneurs to complete their global vision.  We are also joined by Elijah Whaley, who is VP of Marketing for Gainfluence, a company specializing in influencers for NFT & crypto projects.1.  Lisa and GENLAB's mission: finding Chinese brands with purpose, sustainable platforms, willingness to go global, and a bit of fun in their DNA.2.  Introducing Zeya - Hard Soda with No Pressure3.  Beauty & Influencers: Is the China KOL model exportable?4.  Moving beyond the First Year Momentum That Most Chinese Brands Face5.  China's Supply Chain Product Mindset to Meaningful Brands:  What's Learned From Western Brands6.  Convincing a Chinese Brand Owner Wanting To Go Abroad to have a World View:  It's Tough7.  Brand Building Outside of China for Non-Beauty:  Leaning on Product8.  The Shein.com Story - From Fashion to Beauty?9.  Data Hub vs.  Philosophical Brand Hub:  who will win?10.  Perfect Diary:  Will They Be China's L'Oreal?11.  Should a Brand Embrace Private Traffic? 12.  A/B Test:  Baijiu, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Cucumber Soda & Kool-AidAbout Lisa Shiqi Yu:  https://www.lisashiqiyu.com/Elijah On LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahwhaley/For everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanShanghaiZhan Theme Music:   by Bryce Whitwamhttps://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825acBryce on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/Ali on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/