Since my last update, I’ve had a few interesting encounters.
Early last week, I met with a few people who have had some significant experience in China. I met up with them to chat about their experiences, what they have viewed as the biggest sources of struggle and frustration, and the biggest chance for opportunity. Unfortunately, our encounters were a little rushed, so we didn’t have a very lengthy amount of time to chat in-depth about China. I walked away from these meetings discouraged, because the people I met with had encountered struggle and hardship in their businesses, and weren’t overly-encouraging about what I’m trying to. However, it was really great hearing their perspective on our proposed business plan, and getting input on ways in which we could strategically improve our positioning.
I also attended a seminar last week about trade relations with China, which was both really interesting and also a little irrelevant. It was a great opportunity to learn about doing business in China, cultural and business norms in China, and to meet people with similar interests. I spoke with a few people about our venture, and again ran into some skepticism. Frustrating… but not deterring.
So, as I speak with more people about our vision and mission, I have been getting a little more input that has directed our business development. A few people I’ve talked with have suggested that if we’re developing an English language school, that we direct our services toward children and teenagers. Some other suggestions included offering services to those in the business world either by evening or weekend courses, or by creating a contracting service that brings English language services to business professionals in their professional setting. I thought this was logical and insightful help. The more I think and pray for direction, the more I begin to see that this might be a beneficial direction to start heading–tailoring our services for a younger crowd, with specialized services being for business professionals.
I’m also currently in the process scouting out cities—looking at their population, what schools are already located there, etc.
So, all in all, I think we’re making progress. However, it feels frustrating to me to run into so much skepticism. I’m so excited about what’s happening and where we’re going. We understand the road will be rough. We understand there are anticipated and unanticipated challenges. However, I’m still excited and optimistic with where we’re heading. Understanding the need for relationships and strategic partnerships is crucial, and in no way would we be able to do this alone.
Does anyone have thoughts regarding China’s need for English Language Program? We’d love to hear your input on who we should target!
English is becoming more popular in China every year. Many primary schools are teaching English which means students are learning at an earlier age today than they were 20 years ago. To be specific, there is a university in Beijing sending their professors to a Texas university to have them learn how to teach their courses in English. This university is aiming for bi-lingual classes. Learning English is, in one sense, big business in China. There are English schools all over the country but there are 1.3 billion people. No matter how many there are, they will not be enough for a long time. It’s a big place with many needs. It’s difficult to start up any business in China, no matter what idea you have. You simply need to ensure you are following the Lord in obedience and leave those discouraging folks with their discouraging words. Keep praying about the city you will establish your first store front and keep walking by faith, while working hard.
In regards to your question on comments for need for English teachers in China . . . I have been running a small manufacturing busienss in China for 3 years now, the 5 years prior to that I was involved in various roles at educational institutions in China. Additionally, I am consulting for a new BAM English Training Center in our city which is struggling terribly. I think the bottom line to your question is, yes, there is a huge market for English teachers in China, but there is also a surplus of teachers in the larger cities which makes for strong competition and you can see several English Training centers going under each year, while most struggle and one or 2 excel. Outsourcing your teachers to teach in the more up-scale Chinese public schools typically proves to be a steady business. Location is a key item, as if you are willing to open in a medium sized city that for some reason has not been very attractive to foreigners, then it is more likely to succeed. I also highly recommend a TRUSTED Chinese business partner to help you though all the complexities of registering and running a business in China.
From the pain of experience, I can tell you running a business in China is not an easy thing. It can be full of overwhelming complexities and a steep learning curve. If any of my frustrating experiences can be of use to you, please don’t hesitate to ask.