Made in China Podcast: International Business | Crowdfunding | Entrepreneurship

Interesting one on one with SourceFindAsia CEO Rico Ngoma and Gary Huang - Founder of 80/20 Sourcing and the 7 Figure Seller Summit. Gary has helped thousands of e-commerce entrepreneurs save time and money sourcing product from China and scale their businesses. He talks about selling online on Amazon, eBay, etc., but most specially the 7 Figure Seller Summit which you wouldn't want to miss. Check out this video to find out why.

In this episode, Rico shares with us what happened with his company last year and plans for 2023.Rico will take us through his company's accomplishments in 2022 and give us insights into his company's vision for 2023, including new projects and initiatives they plan to undertake.In the Q&A portion, Rico will answer questions from our listeners:Difference between Western New Year and Chinese New Year the people do not know.Percentage of clients that recommend SFA's servicesHow long will it take for SFA to become familiar with a client's account to take over the functionWhich of Rico's businesses he enjoys and would keepRico's profession if he were not an entrepreneurWhether you're a business owner looking to manufacture your products in China or simply curious about the Chinese manufacturing industry, this episode is for you. Join us as we delve into the world of Chinese manufacturing with Rico Ngoma on the Made in China Podcast.

This week's episode was a first! We got the chance to interview a fan of the podcast, he reached to us via email, Rico met him for drinks in the Guangzhou IFC Tower and now he's guest on the show. His name is Ryan Flynn, he's a designer in NYC, who works for a multi-national sportswear brand as their Design Director - specifically in their athletic footwear department. Topics Discussed Incl:When working with Chinese trading companies is actually the best option for you What happens when your factory switches out materials on you Dealing with China remotely Ensuring you get the best out of your designs when certain materials are expensive How he gets high volume orders done with insane time constraints

DESCRIPTION#FromTheArchiveGoals are important for business people. Goal setting is a method of determining what you would like to achieve in life and the specific actions you will take to reach your goals.As we approach the new year, Rico and ChinaMike talk about the importance of setting goals for the entrepreneurs.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONOne goal they succeeded and one goal they failed at last year and why.What they've learned about goal setting through trial and errorBalancing realism and optimismHow announcing your goals publicly holds you accountable

DESCRIPTIONHere Rico and Allan discuss a few topics like hiring a personal assistant and Rico's sales experience.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONRico's goal of getting a personal assistantHow his PA make his life more efficientRico's sales experience as a teen

Rico talks to Aladdin Farre about the media industry in China. Aladin is a content producer who has worked in both China and France. He moved to China in 2015 and some years later founded a company called China Compass Productions with the aim to help content and stories cross borders.Rico and Aladin discussed what are the criteria in producing a good documentary and the difference of French and Chinese media. POINTS OF DISCUSSIONSWestern media vs Chinese mediaChina's Dragon StampForeign movies in ChinaWhere is China's media industry going?Making content in ChinaUseful skills in the media industryAladdin's recommendations (podcast, book, series)

DESCRIPTIONRico talks to Aladdin Farre about the media industry in China. Aladin is a content producer who has worked in both China and France. He moved to China in 2015 and some years later founded a company called China Compass Productions with the aim to help content and stories cross borders.Rico and Aladin discussed what are the criteria in producing a good documentary and the difference of French and Chinese media. POINTS OF DISCUSSIONSTypes of documentaryMoving to ChinaRico plans on making a documentary about his fatherWhat are the qualities of a good documentaryHow to stay relevantAladin's struggle in ChinaDoing media in China versus other countries

DESCRIPTIONIf you're searching for something to watch or listen to, Rico and ChinaMike talk about the movies, series, and podcast that hooked them recently.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONHow young people use DiscordJoe Rogan with Yeoman ParkRico and China Mike's recommended contentSFA Discord

DESCRIPTIONWhat's going on in China now? Rico and ChinaMike talk about random things about China.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONSituation of Basketball in ChinaViewing Covid as common diseaseWhat the banks are doing during CovidWhere is China going?Why Rico wants to stay in the Philippines for business?Business transitions in CovidWhere SFA is heading?The SFA Discord Community

DESCRIPTIONRico talks to Evan Tate of Brutal Buddha before the launch of their new product line. Check out the great deal!!!POINTS OF DISCUSSION Brutal Buddha's MissionBusiness journey and changes last yearLessons from the past yearBusiness growth during CovidProduct launch detailsImportant qualities of leadersThe story behind the new productsProduct line, Product dealsWhat's in the next 5 to 10 years

DESCRIPTIONRico talks to former employees, Luc and Vincent. They look back at their SFA days and how are they now.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONBlockchain in AfricaFrustrations in doing business in developing countriesLiving in different countriesWhy the Philippines is interesting to live in?Productivity in remote workWork from home or rent an office?Business milestones during the pandemicChanges in Rico's work-life balanceDealing with burnout

DESCRIPTIONRico talks to former employees, Lucy and Vincent. They look back at their SFA days and how are they now.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONPros and Cons of living in 2 different countries as a kidOn Relationships: finding someone with the same mindsetStarting a company and InvestmentsLove-Hate relationship with ChinaSFA customer baseDigital AssetsMarketing ShiftExpanding to the PhilippinesRico talks about personal long term plans

DESCRIPTIONRico talks to former employees, Lucy and Vincent. They look back at their SFA days and how are they now.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONAxie Infinity, Crypto in the PhilippinesKeeping in touch with former colleaguesEgo, Foreigners, and English Teachers in ChinaIssues of living and doing business in China todayGuangzhou during the pandemicDigital RelationshipsHow Covid affected their life and career

DESCRIPTIONRico talks to former employees, Lucy and Vincent. They look back at their SFA days and how are they now.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONHow they got the job at SFAExperience in Asia and working for SFAWhat they learned from SFAWhat are they up to

DESCRIPTIONRico and ChinaMike talk about business payments in China. With all the stricter rules and regulations when it comes to payment transactions, it is becoming a greater challenge day by day.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONForecast about upcoming business difficulties in ChinaWhy China will still be significant in businesses for years to come.Anti-China vibe in the USHow to manage mass production as a company with no presence in China.SFA on Discord

DESCRIPTIONRico and Allan share more about doing business with Event Fuel and PayPal. On the side note, they also talk about wedding plans. No, it's not Rico's (yet).POINTS OF DISCUSSIONBig companies take time to make paymentsWhy Rico enjoys working with “in between” companiesAllan's assessment with Events Fuel projectTalking about Company Values: Fairness in BusinessPersonal Stuff: Allan's wedding plansStoicism, Journaling, and Digital Detox

DESCRIPTIONRico and Alan share updates about working on a project, Events Fuel and PayPal.They discuss the challenges they had to go through especially the shipping. POINTS OF DISCUSSIONIssues with taxes in the PhilippinesBig problem with the freight industry and the supply chainAdvantage of having an employee from the country where you're doing business.Major Obstacle: ShippingCultural barriers in businessDifficulty of starting sourcing businessWorking In Your Business VS Working On Your BusinessAnother PayPal project for Christmas

DESCRIPTIONPart 2. In this episode Young Jaymee shares how she met Rico and eventually started working for SFA. And get to know what's very special about our Content Manager. POINTS OF DISCUSSIONYoung Jaymee “The Plug”How Young Jaymee's passion to help got her started working with RicoImportance of Connections (part 2)Young Jaymee as SFA Content ManagerHer unique skill set that landed her the jobJaymee and Rico's friendship over the yearsHow crazy can Jaymee get when helping othersSource Find Asia Discord GroupYoung Jaymee on her future plans

Part 1. Get to know “Young Jaymee”, the newest addition to Source Find Asia's family. Young Jaymee is the Content Manager from the Philippines. POINTS OF DISCUSSIONJaymee's passion to help peopleWanting freedom, running away from home, and more about her colorful backgroundImportance of connections in life in generalHow and why she started her freelancing journeyHow working online gave her a more balanced lifeCommon issues of hiring staff from Southeast AsiaHow to find good online employeesStory of a wasted opportunity

DESCRIPTIONTwo years into the pandemic, Rico asks Mike about the current business atmosphere in China where he is based. How different is the situation now in Asia's economic giant for foreign businesspeople?POINTS OF DISCUSSIONHow the pandemic affected the Podcast releaseWhat's up with Mike almost a year after the last MIC podcastWhy it's getting more difficult for high profile people in ChinaWhy Rico won't talk politics to Chinese peopleLockdowns in Shanghai and ShenzhenWhere is China heading?

DESCRIPTIONTwo years into the pandemic, Rico asks Mike about the current business atmosphere in China where he is based. How different is the situation now in Asia's economic giant for foreign businesspeople?POINTS OF DISCUSSIONHow the pandemic affected the Podcast releaseWhat's up with Mike almost a year after the last MIC podcastWhy it's getting more difficult for high profile people in ChinaWhy Rico won't talk politics to Chinese peopleLockdowns in Shanghai and ShenzhenWhere is China heading?

Rico and China Mike come up with the idea to provide better support to their followers consistently. Through Discord, members will have exclusive access to special contents — the latest China updates, strategies, workflow, and more. All information and assistance will be available whatever your timezone is.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONWorking with SMEs to larger companiesInability to travel and meet face to face that transitions to outsourcingQuality vs Quantity (employees and clients wise)Launching DiscordDiscord membership and channelsDiscord discussions, chats, calls, and live streaming

DESCRIPTIONRico and China Mike talk about the struggles they went through during COVID that hindered the consistency of podcasts for Source Find Asia. They also share how personal issues of people during pandemic impacted their availability to work and do business.POINTS OF DISCUSSIONGetting people and delegating worksWhen great employees start to crackReasons why tasks are left undoneMeeting and talking to people in person versus onlineMaking use of old recordings for contentsFinding reliable people for the jobGetting calls and comments from people waiting for new contents

DescriptionPart 2. Due to Covid, events company, Event Fuel, ventured into digital events. They tapped Source Find Asia for their giveaways. In this episode, Rico and Alan talk about their experience so far working with the Irish company.Points of DiscussionFinding clients through industry-specific websitesGetting clients from the podcastTapping established networks in ChinaHow vital factory visit is nowadaysVirtual conference experienceFace to face events will come backEvolving the sourcing office

DescriptionPart 1. Due to Covid, events company, Event Fuel, ventured into digital events. They tapped Source Find Asia for their giveaways. In this episode, Rico and Alan talk about their experience so far working with the Irish company.Points of DiscussionMajor issue to deal with at the beginningDoing quality control on the productsHelping the company save a lot of moneyPayment methods for suppliers without international licenses in Mainland ChinaBusiness lessons from CovidAdjusting the business model due to corona

DescriptionWith millions of existing businesses around the globe, what will make you thrive? In this episode, Cory tells Rico about being a remarkable entrepreneur, plus the books that inspire him.Points of DiscussionMeeting other entrepreneurs and their impact on CoryRunning Woodies on autopilotDoing other businesses while exploring other interestsBeing an efficient businessman: working on things that count over and over and are always usefulCory's Game Changer booksHow covid affected his businessMaking your business remarkable

Description Running a business is hugely demanding in many ways. In this third part of Rico with Cory Stout, he tells of the key people who help him with the business and how they make life a lot easier for him.Points of DiscussionFinding the right tools for your businessAutomate your businessWhat happened when his mother handled the customer serviceWhy Cory recommends hiring Filipino VASpending time in ChinaChanges brought by commerce in China

DescriptionPart 2 of Rico with Cory Stout, owner of Woodies Sunglasses. For Cory, having a vision for the business and flexibility enabled him to achieve his business goals. If you're a budding entrepreneur, you wouldn't want to miss this episode.Points of DiscussionWorking with Kendall Jenner for a photoshootSelling outside AmazonWhy new e-commerce entrepreneurs should start on AmazonAchieving his first 6-figure salesWhat to sell on Amazon

DescriptionRico chats with Cory Stout, owner of eco-friendly sunglasses, Woodies. Cory shares how he started selling products at Amazon which now earns 7 figures annually. Listen to the practical tips he shares in this episode.Points of Discussion:How Woodies startedJumping to AmazonComparing Amazon then and nowAmazon as a great business platformHow Woodies started getting more salesSustaining the growth over the yearsA “Most Important” area that many Amazon sellers don't pay attention to

Description:This is Part 2 of Rico at Renaud Anjoran's podcast. They talk about entrepreneurs planning to get started with manufacturing in China but ON A TIGHT BUDGET. Maybe you're one of them and having the same questions as:How do you reduce the cost?Should you hire consultants or just do it yourself?What budget do you need? Discussion Points:Taking responsibility for your own product approval process.Before you start production…Which products are not for you if you are a first-time manufacturer on a budget.How adherence to compliance regulations can be expensive.Packaging complianceShipping & LogisticsRenaud Anjoran is the CEO of Sofeast Ltd which helps companies to develop their own products. Links in the resource section.

Description:Rico is a guest at Renaud Anjoran's podcast. They talk about entrepreneurs planning to get started with manufacturing in China but ON A TIGHT BUDGET. Maybe you're one of them and having the same questions as:How do you reduce the cost?Should you hire consultants or just do it yourself?What budget do you need?Learn these and more in this 2-part episode and be better equipped for the future!Points of DiscussionHow to develop a new product on a low budget?The stair-step approach to manufacturing.Sourcing & vetting suppliersSourcing tips from Renaud and Rico when on a low budget.What are the basic terms you'll need to set with the supplier you select?

Description:Part 2 of Rico on Leaders with a Heart Podcast. In this episode, Rico talks more about his Asian adventures and why he loves living in Southeast Asia! If you're embarking on a same journey towards East, don't miss this podcast! Highlights:Pulling off huge orders. How did Rico do it?Cause Rico is passionate aboutWhy Rico wants to keep the Philippines a secretThe unbelievable price of comfortable living in AsiaSmallest thing that gave Rico the biggest impact on businessWhat are Rico's superpower, mission, and purpose?About starting small

Description:Get to know Rico in this interview with Payman Lorenzo — not only the entrepreneur from Canada but some personal stuff as well. If you need some dose of inspiration to fire you up, then this is for you!Highlights:Leaving Canada for an adventure in AsiaThe thing that shocked Rico about ChinaThe entrepreneurial spirit of the ChineseWhat Rico misses in ChinaRico answers what makes him — happy, smile, come alive, sad, scaredRico's dream as a childWhat kept Rico going in his lowest moments in ChinaGet to know SFA Digital SummitSFA ideal clients

Description:Professional-looking product photos add value to your e-commerce business. But professional can also mean expensive! Not in China. In this episode, Rico shares how to save money on professional product photos in China. Highlights:Advantage of living in Southeast Asia for entrepreneursHow professional photoshoots are done in ChinaHiring modelsSteps in hiring photographers / doing photography shoots

Description:Second part of Rico with Michael Michelini of Global From Asia. They touch on scams and doing events online. Highlights:When the shipment is not what you expectedDoing a virtual networking eventLooking into the future - VR eventsMike's exciting new ventures - VPN, CryptocurrencyPost COVID plans

Description: In this episode, Rico chats with his friend Michael Michelini of Global From Asia about life in China, business, and COVID. Highlights:How China has changed in a decadeE-commerce in ChinaHow China treats foreignersUS-China relationshipSurprising change in the immigrationMike's business amidst COVIDWeChat story that almost robbed Mike of a business opportunitySmart move on how Filipinos start Amazon business

Description:You're starting your business. You're choosing which factory to partner with. Before getting on that stage, Rico shares his expertise on this subject. Highlights: Is working with a larger factory better?Questions to ask a factoryUnderstanding the production timelineSpecialization and experience of the factoryFactories to avoid — those selling on amazonCertification for your product

Description:Maybe you're considering hiring a sourcing agent for your business. Then, this episode is for you! Rico talks about when you should get the service of an agent.Highlights: Is it the right time to hire an agent?When you shouldn't hire a sourcing agentThings to keep in mind when working with an agentThe best way to find sourcing agents

Description:Email remains to be essential in business. But in China, it's no longer the main form of communication. In today's podcast, Rico talks about WeChat, China's "super app" and its importance in doing business there.Episode Highlights:- Get to know WeChat and the functions that make it the "Super App".- WeChat business accounts- Main benefit of WeChat for business- Creating WeChat groups with the manufacturers and clients- Don't shift 100% to WeChat

Description:This is Part 2 of the Global Sources' MATCH Event episode where Rico and Mike talk more about sourcing in China. Also, in this podcast we'll get information on sourcing in emerging markets in Asia.Discussion on:Negotiating strategy for suppliers in India, VietnamLogistics advice for sourcing in Vietnam and IndiaQuestions about Compliance CertificationWhere to find suppliers for small quantity ordersStandard payment terms for suppliersDrawbacks in sourcing from countries outside ChinaSourcing trends for 2021 - moving out of China

Description: At Global Sources' MATCH Event, Mike and Rico presented the SPIE Method, making its first debut in webinar form. Please take note that this is a videocast.

Description:Are you an entrepreneur looking for suppliers for your business? Rico answers important questions about supplier vetting. In this episode you'll learn:Where to look for suppliers aside from AlibabaAlibaba VS other suppliersCommon mistakes entrepreneurs make during the first contact with suppliersHow to find the right supplier in the marketImportant questions to ask potential suppliersThis interview is part of the Source Find Asia Digital Summit. To know more about the summit, check out the link below.

Description:When John Graham Harper started a gym business that took a loan to fund his business. Until he got scammed by the “buyer” or the person that had a deal with him. This is an update episode of that saga.Important Notes:Barriers John dealt during the whole legal battlePeople taking advantage of the legal systemDoing remote workHow COVID affected John's gym's businessLife after the legal battleJohn's future plans. Will he leave China after all?On negativity and that big lesson he learned from the 4-year legal battle

Description: Rico talks to social entrepreneur Payman Lorenzo about the ethics of social enterprise. He also shares where to begin your social enterprise journey.This interview is part of the Source Find Asia Digital Summit. To know more about the summit, check out the link below.

Description:When John Graham Harper started a gym business that took a loan to fund his business. Until he got scammed by the “buyer” or the person that had a deal with him. This is an update episode of that saga.Important Notes:Being stopped at the border because of an alleged court caseLoaning his way to fund his gym business and everything went southBeing threatened by about his lifeWhat is it like fighting through China's legal systemGathering evidence to make the appealChina's enforcement court coming after himHustling his way to settle the caseThe scammer using the loopholes in the system to get to JohnPaying Lawyer fees, penalties and othersStaying positive throughout his experienceWhat is the Chinese Legal System as an expat based in China

Description: Rico asks Michael Michelini about creative launch strategy for e-commerce businesses.Notes:Importance of Brand StoryContent Creation and Brand BuildingAdvantages of Western SellersRecommendations on Affiliate ProgramsThis interview is part of the Source Find Asia Digital Summit. To know more about the summit, check out the link below.

Description: Vance Lee talks about Kickstarter - how it works, difference with Amazon, and launching a successful campaign.This interview is part of the Source Find Asia Digital Summit. To know more about the summit, check out the link below.

Description: Rico interviews Francois Jaffres of Noviland about shipping and logistics. He gives advice to first-time shippers and buyers about choosing freight forwarding companies, necessary paperwork from China to the US, among others.This interview is part of the Source Find Asia Digital Summit. To know more about the summit, check out the link below.

Description: Here is one of the topics that we will cover at the Summit. This videocast tackles on certain Product Compliance Policies and what is the impact of Amazon Business in COVID-19. Fredrik is a co-founder of Asiaimportal Limited. This interview is part of Source Find Asia Digital Summit. To know more about the summit, check out the link below.

Rico talks about how conscious are they when choosing their Outro Music in the early days of Made in China Podcast. In this bonus episode, they talk about how relevant it is to them and how would you understand them through music.Music in the Podcast:Fire and Desire by DrakeControlla by DrakeTell Me by RL GrimeFlashing Lights by Kanye West

Here’s a snippet from SFA Digital Summit with Insight Quality founder Andy Church. In this episode, Rico and Andy talk about client inspection of products.For more details about SFA Digital Summit, check out the link below.