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

Season 1's Final Episode welcomes back our #1 most downloaded guest, insights expert, and Founder of Inner Chapter, Julien Lapka.  Julien gazes into his crystal ball and gives us some "healthy" predictions for 2023 and gives suggestions for marketing during the tough times. And despite the recent opening of Zero Covid, Julien remains optimistic for 2023.1.  Why is 2022 his best year of business so far.2.  Moving from brand to product-based marketing3.  Reaching difficult target groups, especially the +55-year-olds, 2022's most sought-after demographic.4.  Product marketing's origins come from e-commerce search results5.  Doing ethnography research during the Covid lockdown times6.  Julien's take on "new normal" product trends:  soul searching & the end of bling7.  Brands can be more proactive in improving people's lives.8. China's upcoming recession:  is this an opportunity for brands & companies?9.  What's driving the recent negative confidence, and when will we come out of it?10. Should brands keep on messages of positivity during tough times?11. A/B Test: Trick Math, China & Innovation!Julien's Past #1 Episode:  https://zhanstation.com/?p=367Julien's Links:1.  Julien on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienlapka/2.  Inner Chapter Website:  http://innerchapter.co/3.  Julien's Bar:  The Revolving Door:  https://www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/directory/1799099/revolving-doorFor everything ShanghaiZhan:  http://zhanstation.com/Donate & become a ShanghaiZhan Patron:  https://www.patreon.com/shanghaizhanCampaign Asia:  https://www.campaignasia.com/ShanghaiZhan 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 spent a lot of time in the past talking about China's e-commerce boom, but what about traditional trade?  9 out of 10 purchase decisions in China are aided by a trip to the store.  Today we're talking about traditional trade and big retail trends, and we're honored to have Jason Yu, Managing Director for Greater China at Kantar Worldpanel.  You'll quickly learn why Jason is the undisputed expert on China retail.1.  What's the World Panel, and how does it work?  How does it measure e-commerce?2.  Given all the data out through e-commerce, why should brands buy a panel subscription?3.  What are some big trends in traditional trade?  Why are proximity retailers growing?4.  The rise of Sam's Club and membership club wholesaler trade5.  Why is Costco so popular, given that it's not online? 6.  Douyin and Kuaishou's rise in e-commerce and the decline in Alibaba7.  How do people shop in Douyin?  How does it work?  Why is FMCG doing so well?8.  Why isn't social commerce growing outside of China? Are there cultural issues?9.  New product categories in the "next normal". Cat food category is up 22%!10.  How does Kantar define O2O, and what are the big trends?11.  Will we see community group buys continuing post-lockdowns?12.  Do bulk purchases result in brand erosion?13.  Jason's 3 big retail predictions for 2023!14. Any advice for fresh graduates?  Why should you choose the marketing research industry15. A/B Test:  Costco and Stinky DoufuJason Yu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-yu-496423/About Kantar Worldpanel China:  https://www.kantarworldpanel.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/

Has China’s obsession with achieving sales targets sacrificed long-term brand growth, or does it matter anymore?   Now with another Single's Day shopping event behind us, we look at the state of brand building in a market dominated by e-commerce sales campaigns.We're talking to Dhiren Amin, currently CMO at NTUC Income, based in Singapore.  H was previously Asia CMO for Kraft-Heinz, based in Shanghai.  Dhiren is one of the most active  CMOs in the effectiveness awards space and is a big proponent of their participation.  1.  Being a regional CMO based in Shanghai under Covid meant 6 quarantine experiences2.  What transfers from China?  Channel Learning & Skill of China Speed3. Will China's new product development innovation impact other markets?4.  Newness in e-commerce comes from the fact it's a 2D environment5.  What's the gap in China's submissions to regional and global effectiveness awards?6.  The path to effectiveness is the development of brand platforms7.  What is the advice for China brands to build effective campaigns?8.  How do brands stay in touch with pop culture?  9.  What do you think it's important to participate in effectiveness awards?10.  Who is doing it right?  Which brand is ahead of marketing effectiveness in China?11.  Tell us about Guanghe -a Kraft-Heinz fermented tofu brand!12.  How do you partner with agencies to make effectiveness campaigns?13.  Is being a CMO in China worth it, even with all the lockdowns?14.  Any advice for brand managers wanting to get ahead in the APAC region?15.  A/B: Test:  Effectiveness, Wisdom, and Shanghai (professionally, that is)Dhiren Amin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhiren-amin-977a8a8/ 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/

Can Chinese brands get a voice abroad?  Today we are talking to Jim Fields. He's a social media influencer on YouTube and Bili Bili with tens of thousands of followers - and he recently founded an influencer management platform for Chinese brands going outbound called relay.club, which has just finished a round of angel fundraising. 1.  What is Relay Club, and what problem is it set up to solve?2.  What's the advantage of a China-based influencer service? It's about authenticity. 3.  What are the differences between influencer marketing in China and the West?4.  Is there a difference between how influencers make money on YouTube vs. Bilibili?       (See Jim's video on the subject:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2oowcPatV4)5.  What are the cultural differences in how influencers are used by brands?6.  How does Shanghaizhan monetize its influencers?  It's a labor of love 7.  What about exporting social commerce?8.  What's the best way to budget your allocation on influencers?  Focus on engagement & reach and less on follower count 9.   What's the right influencer strategy?  Scatter or a singular, long-term approach?10.  Any outlandish brand experiences you'd like to share?  How about re-useable balloons?11.  Do we need to re-think the influencer model under Web3/metaverse?12.  I want to be an influencer.  Any advice you can give me?13.  How do you avoid social media haters and toxicity?  14.  A/B Test:  KOLs, TikTok and Real!Jim Field's Links: On YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjpfd1ZEYBcrv6umNKDANw/featuredOn Bilibili: https://space.bilibili.com/32384384?spm_id_from=333.337.0.0On Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jifields/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 new with the sports fashion industry in China?  Now at $45 billion US annually, it continues to expand and grow.  Everyone is getting into the game, including luxury brands.  Gucci, Prada, and LV are all getting into street fashion to attract younger targets.  And with the strength of local brands, will market leaders Nike and Adidas weather the storm?We are talking to Gavin Lum, who's spent the last 14 years in China working for leading agencies and brands, all dedicated to the sports industry.  Gavin previously worked at the agency Weiden + Kennedy before moving to a career at Adidas. He currently serves as Digital Brand Director at Lululemon China, based in Shanghai.1.  What got you into the sports fashion industry?2.  Why is the luxury industry getting into the sports game?3.  How has the industry been impacted by Covid-19?  There are 2 sides...4.  What's with sports apps like KEEP?  Do they have global ambitions?5.  Gamification of sport and the importance of social media6.  What's the reason for the rise in local brands?  Will the big boys survive?7. But there are still opportunities for niche brands...8.  How do you balance sports and fashion?  Is performance still necessary?9.  A/B Test:  Laksa, Tokyo & Lululemon!Gavin on Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinlum/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/

Is China still a great place to study?  Despite our differences, some institutions keep the spirit of positive collaboration between China and America alive, and one of them is NYU.  We spoke to NYU Shanghai's Vice Chancellor, Jeffrey Lehman, about the globalization of education.  Why, despite Covid restrictions, should students consider China a place to study?  1.  Shanghai to Shenzhen:  what's China's big draw?2.  What's NYU Shanghai about? What makes it different?3.  The magic of the Chinese student/foreign student split 4.  The difference between globalized education and studying abroad5.  Employee training and the role of universities:  should there be more collaboration?6.  Why is university tuition so high?  What can be done about it?  Jeffrey has some ideas.7.  Why, after all the lockdowns, should parents send their kids to China to study?8.  A/B Test:  Supreme Court switching, Katz Deli, and the Detroit TigersJeff on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreylehman/NYU Shanghai:  https://shanghai.nyu.edu/NYU Shanghai on Twitter:  @nyushanghaiNYU Shanghai on LInkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/school/nyushanghai/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/

Tom Hui Young talks about his real passion, the metaverse, and how it will change how we live, shop, work, and interact with products.  Tom is a molecular biologist but, his true passion lives in the human experience in a virtual world.  If you thought the metaverse was about geeky Mark Zuckerberg avatars and bulky Oculus glasses, this is the episode for you!Tom is an innovator, software architect, data scientist, futurist, runner, and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology. Tom has spent a long time researching virology, molecular biology, and genomic health, co-founded a digital health startup, steered data science and AI at Accenture China, and is most recently running the data and AI function at Unilever China as their Global AI Director and North Asia Data Head. 1.  What is the metaverse, and why is it important?2.  Wait for the innovative leapfrog or the "iPhone Moment."3.  Tom's bold prediction: a bet for 1 Bitcoin!4.  What motivates a Ph.D in molecular biology to get into the metaverse?  A special moment in the car!5.  Who will control the metaverse from getting out of control?  You have to wait...6.  What services will be the initial metaverse products?  What about online retail?7.   Ali's dystopian fears and Tom's reassurance.8.  Benefits of the metaverse:  working together, medicine9.  Who's leading the metaverse platform in China?10.  Tools in the metaverse: blockchain & NFTs - what's the future in China?11.   Metaverse and the democratization of experience12.  Does your company need a "Metaverse Dept"?13.  Any predictions that keep you awake at night?  "Beam Me, Up Scotty"14.  A/B Test:  Bitcoin, Bitcoin, and Bitcoin!Tom on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-young-phd/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 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/