Helping business owners in Japan scale their businesses from $100,000 annually to $10,000,000 and beyond. Everything you need to know from recruitment, marketing, sales, and operations, we got you covered in taking your business to the next level. Listen
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome back Robert Heldt, CEO of Custom Media—a comprehensive B2B marketing, branding, and PR agency serving global enterprises expanding into Japan. Robert shares new insights from their latest survey on B2B content marketing trends, revealing what surprised him most and how Japanese companies approach storytelling differently than their Western counterparts. If you're looking to fine-tune your B2B content strategy for the Japanese market, this episode is a must-listen! --- Show Notes: 0:00 – Introduction 2:40 – What is the survey about? 7:09 – What findings surprise you the most? 11:28 – How Japan tells business stories compared to the West 14:52 – How Japanese companies show themselves to be reliable 16:04 – Cases on how Robert helps a company with storytelling to enter the Japanese market 18:38 – How to get your Japanese customers to give you testimonials 19:34 – How working with an international business benefits a Japanese company 21:10 – Japan's market view on Generative AI 27:01 – How Custom Media Uses Generative AI 30:20 – Maintaining content quality and scaling production 33:52 – What is a content syndication partner? 36:23 – The future of content marketing in Japan 44:00 – Additional insights from the survey report --- Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn Link to the Report How Custom Media Wins Two Campaign Asia Awards Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another special episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Japanese government subsidies for startups and small businesses, featuring insights from a seasoned subsidy and fundraising expert, Nobuji Kanai. This discussion is designed to guide both local and non-Japanese entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges and opportunities of Japan's subsidy landscape. From understanding the nuances of different subsidy types to preparing successful applications, this episode is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to secure government support and grow their businesses. --- Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction | Seminar Overview and Speaker Introductions02:36 Key Topics | Eligibility, Purpose, and Types of Subsidies in Japan08:51 Eligibility for Non-Japanese Entrepreneurs | Subsidy Accessibility for Foreign Businesses09:41 Grants vs Subsidies | Key Differences in Funding Mechanisms and Applications11:28 National Subsidy Programs | Examples of Subsidies Targeted at SMEs and Startups13:11 Local and Private Subsidies | Unique Regional Opportunities and Time-Sensitive Applications14:04 Application Process | Necessary Steps and Documentation for Successful Applications20:54 Trends and Challenges | Changing Acceptance Rates and Common Mistakes29:10 Deep-Tech Subsidies | R&D and Advanced Innovation Support Programs33:14 Time Investment | How Long It Takes to Apply and Complete a Subsidy Process38:13 Multiple Applications | Strategies for Combining and Stacking Subsidies41:09 Step-by-Step Guidance | Application, Project Execution, and Reporting45:05 Case Study | A Non-Japanese Entrepreneur Securing Subsidies and Loans49:07 Leveraging Loans | Using Subsidies and Business Loans for Financial Flexibility51:51 Local Grants | Maximizing Opportunities through Regional Subsidy Programs55:57 Tools and Resources | Where to Find Updated Subsidy Information01:00:56 Choosing Advisors | The Role of Consultants in Navigating Japanese Subsidies --- Connect with Our Speakers: Reach out to Nobuji Kanai on Linkedin Reach out to KANAI&CO --- Exciting News for Entrepreneurs Entering the Japanese Market! We are delighted to introduce SmartStart Japan, your comprehensive partner for establishing and expanding your business in Japan. SmartStart Japan specializes in assisting small businesses, startups, and foreign corporations with incorporation, government subsidies, loans, and market growth strategies. Services Offered: Incorporation Support: Facilitating company or branch office setup, processing business manager visas, serving as temporary directors and handling tax notifications and filings. Government Subsidies & Loans: Assisting clients in securing government-backed loans and subsidies for various business needs, such as sales, marketing, and research initiatives. Reach out to us at https://smartstartjapan.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to an extra episode on the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today, we're bringing you an insightful, in-depth conversation on how to effectively localize your marketing in Japan. Join experts Nanako Aramaki and Nathan Hornig as they share practical strategies and crucial insights to help businesses adapt to the Japanese unique marketing environment. Throughout this episode, we'll cover the essentials of high-context culture, adapting marketing content, common mistakes made by foreign companies, and proven approaches to build trust with Japanese consumers. Nanako and Nathan also dive into the subtleties of Japanese language use in marketing, the importance of social proof, and when to consider creating new content versus localizing existing material. --- Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro00:44 - Speaker Backgrounds: Nanako Aramaki and Nathan Hornig05:15 - Host Overview of Agency's Revenue Growth Services in Japan07:07 - Japan's High-Context Culture and Marketing Adaptation Needs10:22 - Language Nuances in Japanese Marketing and Consumer Perceptions14:38 - Effective Indirect Marketing for Japanese Consumers20:25 - Importance of Language Tone and Context in Marketing Content26:04 - Establishing Trust in the Japanese Market with Social Proof and Quality30:31 - Japanese Consumer Preferences for Quality and Service Standards32:37 - Localizing Content vs. Creating New Content for Japan42:43 - Translation Pitfalls in Japanese Marketing46:30 - Misaligned Messaging and Cultural Disconnects56:11 - Common Mistakes by Foreign Companies Entering Japan1:09:47 - Evaluating Product-Market Fit in Japan Before Market Entry1:14:24 - Strategies for Effective Marketing Localization in Japan1:31:16 - Cultural Expectation for Detailed Guidance in Japanese Consumer Experience1:39:54 - Closing Remarks and Speaker Contact Information --- Connect with Our Speakers:Nathan Hoernig: Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/digitalmarketingjapan/ Humble Bunny : https://www.humblebunny.com/ --- Nanako Aramaki Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanakoaramaki/ TAMLO : https://tam-tamlo.com/ --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to host Vijayalakshmi, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and education. Vijayalakshmi is the founder of FOX Academy and ATIK Energy Solutions. Vijayalakshmi dives deep into the startup visa process, sharing who should consider applying, the limitations involved, and specific insights into Hokkaido's Startup Visa Program. She covers essential requirements, from eligibility criteria for various types of startups to the critical steps in creating a business plan. --- Timestamps: 02:53 Starting the Journey | How Viji Obtained Her Startup Visa05:46 More About the Startup Visa | Who Should Apply and Limitations07:11 About Hokkaido's Startup Visa Program11:17 What Hokkaido Looks for in Visa Applicants13:18 Eligibility for Non-Tech Startups15:49 Process for Obtaining the Startup Visa18:47 Essential Business Plan Details | Expected Timeline26:05 Support Available from the Local Government29:08 Business Restrictions During the Startup Visa Period31:12 Costs Associated with the Startup Visa32:16 Tasks Required of Applicants33:33 Tips for Applying for a Startup Visa36:21 Transitioning to the Business Manager Visa40:12 Support Options for the Business Manager Visa44:50 Costs Associated with the Business Manager Visa46:28 Major Advantages of Starting with a Startup Visa48:59 Post-Company Formation Filings51:25 Office Requirements for Startup Visa vs. Business Manager Visa54:59 Post-Incorporation Notifications for Company Setup --- Connect with Vijayalakshmi on LinkedIn Explore courses at FOX Academy --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Arnar Jensson, CEO of Cooori, a cutting-edge AI-powered language learning platform. Dr. Arnar brings a wealth of experience in scaling businesses in Japan's unique market. Cooori has made waves with its innovative approach to language learning, combining advanced technology and human-centered design to enhance education. Join us as Dr. Arnar dives into his journey with Cooori, navigating the B2B market in Japan, uncovering competitive advantages, and sharing insights from his experience in the different stages of business growth. He also offers valuable tips for companies looking to expand into new markets and adapt their strategies for survival and success. This episode is packed with practical advice for scaling your business in Japan and beyond. --- Show Notes : 00:00 Intro 1:48 What is Cooori? 3:30 Dr Arnar & Japan 5:58 B2B market 8:46 Competitive advantage 10:38 Stage 1 24:00 Unique insights in stage 1 26:48 How did you adapt your personality for stage 1? 32:07 Stage 2 42:00 What advantages did you get in stage 2? 47:58 Unique insights 49:08 Current progress 52:45 What are some important factors in your mind when moving to another market? 54:35 Several things that help your company to survive. 1:00:14 Messages for listeners --- Reach out to Dr Arnar Jensson Learn more about Cooori! --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Japan Scalers Podcast! This week, we're thrilled to have Paul McMahon, founder of Tokyo Dev, a leading platform that helps software developers navigate and secure job opportunities in Japan. Tokyo Dev has become an essential resource for those looking to break into Japan's competitive tech industry. In this episode, Paul takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, sharing how he built Tokyo Dev from the ground up and leveraged his deep knowledge of both Japanese and international tech ecosystems. Tune in to hear Paul's story and the invaluable insights he's gained along the way in creating Tokyo Dev as the go-to platform for developers aiming to grow their careers in Japan! --- Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 3:17 How did Paul start Tokyo Dev? 6:24 Tokyo Dev's target market 7:30 Paul's Special Advantage 11:00 Tokyo Dev's mission 12:14 How did Paul adapt your personality for stage 1? 17:12 How did the networking community help Tokyo Dev? 20:26 Challenges with pricing 28:16 Stage two transitioning from blog to business 36:26 Tokyo Dev's competitors 40:07 Funding 42:00 Third Stage 50:59 Tips to other people about the transitioning stage 58:00 Tokyo Dev's community 1:01:58 Main challenge for Tokyo Dev --- Links from Guest Appearance : Paul's LinkedIn | TokyoDev --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast! In this episode, we're excited to have Apolline Daimaru, a branding expert with a wealth of experience in helping businesses establish their identity in Japan. Apolline dives deep into the world of branding, sharing her insights on how startups can effectively build a brand, the tools and components involved, and the timeline for creating a lasting impression in the market. She also discusses when startups should start investing in branding, common mistakes made in Japan, and how understanding Japanese culture plays a crucial role. Tune in as she covers these topics and more, including trends in Japanese branding and a few fascinating rebranding projects. ---Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 3:55 What is Branding? 8:28 Branding for startups 11:49 Building a brand & tools and components involved in creating a brand 14:03 How long does the branding process take for startups & small businesses 16:39 When should a startup start to invest in branding? 22:18 Some steps startups could take to create their own brand 26:22 Pros & Cons of in-house branding vs freelance/agency 31:18 What are some common mistakes that startups in Japan make 34:50 How important is understanding Japanese culture for successful branding? 43:22 Branding trends happening among Japanese people 48:45 Example rebranding projects --- Reach out to Apolline on her LinkedIn here Visit nowthen on their website here --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today we are joined by Yoga Koda, the CEO of Nihonium, a company dedicated to helping SaaS companies successfully enter the Japanese market. Nihonium works closely with foreign software companies, guiding them through the complex process of localization and adaptation to Japan's unique business landscape. Join us in this episode as Yoga shares insights into the software gaps in Japan, how Nihonium supports the growth of foreign software companies, and the crucial role localization plays in building trust with the local market. We'll also dive into cultural differences between Japan and the West, and Yoga will provide key advice for startups looking to establish themselves in Japan. Stay tuned for a deep dive into navigating Japan's evolving tech ecosystem. ---Timestamps: 00:00 introduction 2:36 How Nihonium is helping SaaS companies enter the Japanese market? 9:05 What area of software are Japanese companies lacking? 11:41 Are domestic startups in Japan filling up the software gap? 12:23 Entry options for foreign software companies. 32:23 Gaining trust out of the local market/ Why is localization so important? 41:46 Cultural differences between Western vs Japan 51:50 Marketing in Japan 1:10:13 Advice for startups entering into Japan --- Reach out to Yuga on his LinkedIn here Visit Nihonium on their website here --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Japan Scalers Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by Eran Galperin, founder and CEO of Gymdesk, a leading software platform revolutionizing gym management. Eran walks us through the critical stages of building Gymdesk into a thriving business, from finding product-market fit to scaling across different stages of growth. Join us as Eran shares valuable insights into his competitive advantage, the challenges he faced in developing a strong product, and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to recruitment, content marketing, and expansion. He even offers a glimpse into the unique opportunities in the Japanese market, and how Gymdesk has adapted to global needs --- Show Notes:0:00 Intro2:51 What is Gymdesk?5:13 Erin's competitive advantage8:47 How long did it take for Erin to have a strong product-market fit?10:04 Beginning stage of Gymdesk15:37 What are the advantages you had & how did you successfully utilize them?23:45 Would you like to share any insights regarding the first stage of business?30:16 Eran shares second-time founder advantage32:40 Eran's content marketing experience35:55 How did you adapt your personality for stage 1?39:11 Stage 2, a redesign in early 2020, followed by growth43:50 Gradual internal team expansion, learning from outsourcing mistakes49:51 Unlocking Yourself & Recruitment54:39 Challenges in Stage 258:36 What would you define as Stage 3?1:03:34 Japan market1:13:11 Conclusion --- Links from Guest Appearance : Eran's LinkedIn | Gymdesk --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Japan Scalers Podcast, Tyson chats with Ray Sato, co-founder of Grow and former lead recruiter for Uber Eats in Japan. Ray shares his journey from being the first recruiter for Uber in Japan to scaling the team from 10 to 120+ employees across APAC, contributing to Uber Eats reaching a $1 billion run-rate. He discusses the competitive strategies and challenges that helped shape Uber Eats' success. Ray also offers insights into key topics such as recruitment pipelines, OKRs & KPIs, employee value propositions, and his experience launching Grow, a recruitment agency that achieved $3 million in revenue during its first year. Tune in for valuable lessons on scaling, overcoming challenges, and driving growth in fast-paced startup environments! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 3:40 Ray's Story at UberEats 7:31 Services of UberEats 10:16 Ray's Competitive Advantages 17:17 Uber's Competitive Close Rate 21:15 Challenges & How Ray Overcame Them 33:21 Advice from Ray 42:37 OKRs & KPIs Insights 45:50 Recruitment Pipeline & Internal Processes 52:42 Employee Value Proposition (EVP) 59:52 Fintech Support to Sales Ratio 1:00:21 The 4 Stages of Growth 1:12:37 What is Grow? ____________________________________ Links from Guest Appearance : Ray's LinkedIn | Grow's Website --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today we are joined again by Beau Becker, the CEO of Reiwa Pharmaceuticals in Japan. Reiwa Pharmaceuticals produces an anti-flush drink called Akan and has experience incorporating in Japan and helping others incorporate in Japan. Join us as Beau talks about his experiences whilst creating a bank account in Japan and the recommendations for the best banks for foreign entrepreneurs and workers in Japan. --- Show Notes 0:00 Introduction 5:03 The Four Stages of the Fast Track Banking Strategy 28:37 About the Required Residence Status 32:51 Limitations and Technicalities of an employment business 34:27 English Service Banks in Japan 36:22 What Kind of Stamps Are You Going to Need? 38: 55 About the Account Booklet 41:45 Mega Banks 47:21 Different experiences with Shinsei Bank 50:33 Online Banking 56:51 The Business Plan and Needing a Website 1:00:23 Credit Unions 1:04:10 Does He as a Service provide advisory to Companies that need help with the Business plan for these loans? 1:10:43 Final Thoughts --- Reach out to Beau on his LinkedIn Be sure to check out Reiwaseiyaku and their Instagram Beau also wrote two extremely popular articles on creating a bank account and incorporating a company, which you can find below: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/guide-corporate-banking-japan-beau-becker/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/guide-incorporation-japan-beau-becker/ --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast! In this special solo episode, Tyson dives deep into the questions posed by his LinkedIn audience, providing practical answers that every aspiring podcaster and business leader in Japan needs to hear. Tyson pulls back the curtain on his podcasting journey, sharing invaluable tips on how to start and scale a podcast in Japan. He also delves into the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way and offers advice on how to avoid common pitfalls. Check out the Scaling Japan Podcast | Tyson's LinkedIn --- TimeStamps : 0:20 Starting a podcast in Japan intro 01:11 Personal & Professional impact of doing a Podcast 04:12 How has it helped the people you've interviewed 05:09 Impact on the broader system of audience 08:33 Approaches to solving Listener's feedback 12:55 Distribution platforms & SEO in Japan 18:42 Marketing growth for podcasts 24:43 Tools used 31:48 Practicing & Rehearsing 33:32 Recording equipment 35:34 Preparing recording environment 36:02 Choosing guests 40:47 Mistakes made as a host 41:37 How to prevent those mistakes 44:33 Co-hosting & Remote podcasting ---The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch Lab : Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp --- Send in a voice message:
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today we are joined by Eli David Rokah, the CEO of StartupBlink, a startup ecosystem research center working with over 100 government entities, corporate innovation programs, and multilateral organizations worldwide. Their global startup ecosystem map has hundreds of thousands of registered start-ups, co-working spaces, and accelerators, creating a robust sample of innovation globally, being well known for creating the startup ecosystem index of 1000 cities and 100 Countries. Join us in this episode as Eli explains StartupBlink's Index, where Japan and its cities are ranked amongst the other countries and the industries the Japanese government should focus on in the future --- Show Notes 0:00 Introduction 3:12 Overview of StartupBlink and the StartupBlink Index 5:06 The Highest Ranking Japanese Company 23:51 Japan's performance in 2024 30:21 Further Thoughts on the support from the Japanese Government 38:15 Other facts about Singapore that makes it much easier for Startups 44:06 More on Business Environment Versus Overall Rank 47:37 Industry Specifics 49:21 Trends in terms of Industries 52:33 What Industries should Tokyo Focus on and any Final thoughts for any policy makers? --- Reach out to Eli on his LinkedIn here Visit StartupBlink on their website here --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to the eleventh episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. In this eleventh episode, we welcome Eric Wei, the CEO of timelyhero, a dynamic platform that connects talented individuals with businesses in need of their skills. With over 15 years of experience in e-commerce and product management, he has worked at top global companies such as Amazon, Google, Foodpanda, and DiDi. Join us as Eric shares his experience scaling DiDi as Chief Product Officer, along with valuable insights into overcoming intercultural communication challenges, recruitment strategies, and the role of a fractional leader in an organization. --- Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction1:57 Fractional Leadership Talent5:03 What is DiDi? – Target Market and Customers7:17 Partnership with SoftBank9:00 Overcoming Intercultural Communication and Biases11:49 Other Challenges16:16 Advantages of Entering the Market19:26 Unique Insights that Helped the 1st Stage26:22 Tips for Recruitment34:24 Benefits of Offering Services as a Fractional Leader with Timely Hero43:19 What was the Next Stage?52:53 Role of Chief Product Officer (CPO)1:00:08 About the Guest --- Links from Guest Appearance : Eric's LinkedIn | timelyhero --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to the tenth episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. In this tenth episode, we are joined by Erika Iwai and Allen Wong, co-founders of Sollective, which is a Japan based corporation that is re-inventing freelance in Japan by changing the views of companies towards freelancers. Join us as Erika and Allen explains the stages of their buisness progression that led them to be recognized as one of Japan's best 100 startups in 2023 by the Toyo Keizai magazine. --- Time Stamps : 0:00 Introduction3:35 About Sollective4:44 How Does Sollective Help Freelancers?6:04 What is “High-Level Talent”10:35 What is Sollective's Competitive Advantage for Getting Into the Industry?12:35 The Stages They Have Developed as a Company and How Many Users They Have Now14:06 Stage 1: The Beginning16:38 What Is the difference between an HR Generalist and an HR BP?19:59 Does Sollective find that to be a Huge Advantage in Developing the Product?21:29 How Did Sollective Gain their Initial Users?28:26 Tips on How to Progress from the Starting Stage in the Japanese Market31:56 Business Models Changes in the Earlier Stages35:43 How Sollective Adapted their Personalities and Business Style in the Beginning38:27 Stage 2: The Investment39:43 How the Managed the Challenge of handling and balancing Companies and Freelancers in a Two-Way Marketplace44:44 Stage 348:41 How Work Contracts and the Qualified Invoice System Impacted their Business54:19 Tips on How to Progress to Round 2 from Round 159:37 About the Trust between Them and Their Clients and Final Thoughts ---Links from Guest Appearance : Erika's LinkedIn | Allen's LinkedIn | Sollective's Website ---The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today, we are joined by Aya Murota, who, since October 2023, has been the manager of global startups in the innovation promotion division of Yokohama City, with her department being part of the Economic Affairs Bureau. Aya brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, having previously worked at a global startup company where she played a key role in building the business from scratch in Yokohama. Join in as Aya shares about the startup scene in Yokohama, as well as the long history and the many innovations she's been involved in both within and beyond the vast multicultural port city of Japan. --- Show Notes 0:00 Introduction 3:07 More About Yokohama City 5:09 The Industries or Business Types Sought in Yokohama 7:13 The Type of Support Offered for Entrepenurs 8:41 What Types of Companies Approve a Start Up Visa? 9:30 Definition of Start Up for Yokohama 11:18 The Subsidiaries Offered 12:13 Types of Support and Programs for the Stages of a Company 13:58 The Management Program 14:40 Success Cases of a Foreign Company in Yokohama 15:27 Rising Stars Coming Out of Yokohama 18:00 More History and the Open Nature about Yokohama City 20:56 The Business Cultural Differences 21:41 The City's Plans Moving Forward for the Next Three Years + Final Thoughts --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to the ninth episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. In this ninth episode, we are joined by Paul Kraft, the Founder and President of JapanIQ, who guides multinational corporations enter and succeed well in the Japanese market. He has helped launch and scaled brands already well known around the world in Japan, including Starbucks, Nespresso and the main subject of this interview, Haribo. Join us as Paul shares how he made the world famous gummy candy brand go from #8 to #1 in the Japanese market in the span of four years, helping it go from a niche imported brand to a worthy mainstream contender. --- TimeStamps : 0:00 Introduction3:25 Initiatives4:29 About Haribo's History in Japan7:40 The Communication of the Packages to the Customer11:45 Further Communication with Haribo with Television Advertising14:28 Advantages and Experiences as a Leader for Growth26:32 About the Competitive Nature of Convenience Stores30:18 Convincing the Internal Business Team and the Likely Obstacles that Comes40:10 Further Likely Obstacles Between the Japanese partners and Headquarters45:10 “The Death of Thinking” and Inventory50:00 “Walk the Talk” and “Doing Things that Don't scale”55:32 European Customer Support Time Zone Obstacles56:38 Advice before Starting Sale in Japan59:13 Consumer Understanding1:05:40 Where to find Paul and Final Thoughts --- Links from Guest Appearance : LinkedIn | YouTube | JapanIQ ---The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we are delighted to welcome back Robert Purss for the third time. He is the founder and managing director of McLaren Group, a Tokyo-based bilingual marketing consultancy offering comprehensive services, including marketing strategy, consumer research, and business development. In Part 3, he will delve into essential tools and methodologies for conducting effective research that sets the stage for achieving future success. Join us as Robert shares valuable insights into market research and growth strategies in Japan, addressing why companies need market research, affordable research alternatives for businesses with limited budgets, and the advantages of consulting market research professionals. Link to Part 1: https://scalingyourcompany.com/marketing-agencies-in-japan-part-1-with-robert-purss/ Link to Part 2: https://scalingyourcompany.com/marketing-agencies-in-japan-part-2-with-robert-purss/ Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn | McLaren Group --- Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 2:34 What is Market Research? 3:24 Why Would a Company Need Market Research? 8:11 Existing Product Growth Strategy and New Product Growth Strategy 13:47 Research Tools for SME's 16:20 Managing Data 19:37 What Research Can a Company with No Budget Do? 22:34 Leading Questions and Online Data Sources 27:14 Comprehensive Research: Quantitative and Qualitative 31:59 How Much Do Brands/Businesses Spend on Market Research? 34:15 80/20 Principle, Market Landscape Understanding, and Concept Testing 36:49 Talking to an Expert 39:12 In Which Departments or Budget Categories is Market Research Held? 40:27 Where Can I Find Japanese People To Do Micro-research? 42:20 Why Should Someone Use the Services of a Market Research Professional?44:04 Tips for Interviewing Japanese People 46:00 Final Comments --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to the eighth episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this eighth episode, we are joined by Alex Zoboli, the Co-Founder and Managing Director at Cornerstone Recruitment Japan K.K, which is a Tokyo based recruitment firm focused on placing bilingual professionals in a wide range of market leading companies. He has successfully scaled the renowned recruitment agency RGF in Japan and has since launched his own firm. Join us as Alex shares his insights on recruitment, effective leadership, and the importance of being actively involved in the recruitment process. Show notes: 00:00: Introduction5:17 Having Your Own Business10:22 What Does a Recruitment Agency Do?11:33 Twelve Industries in the Agency14:21 Scaling the Company During Stage 120:10 Ideal People to Work With and Maintaining Them27:15 Three Elements in Recruitment29:20 Adapting Through the Stages32:35 How Did You Adapt Your Personality and Business Style?37:52 The Company's Advantage and Competitive Edge42:35 Have You Had Employees Come Back?43:19 Transitioning Style and Personality46:44 Unique Strength for Japan49:47 The Founder Doing the Interview/Recruitment53:13 Bringing in Key People55:31 Effective Qualities of a Leader58:28 Challenges1:00:41 About the Guest --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | Cornerstone | Youtube Channel --- The Japan Scalers Podcast is produced by our companies Scaling Your Company & Launch LabScaling Your Company offers several services Scaling Your Company : 1 on 1 advisory on sales, marketing, management Scaling Your Sales : Courses to increase your sales in Japan. Scaling Your Marketing : Creating websites in English or Japanese + SEO + MEO Launch Lab : Japan Incorporation Services Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we welcome Milosz Bugajski, a partner and advertising lead at Humble Bunny, a Tokyo-based digital marketing agency renowned for its enterprise-level performance marketing services tailored to ambitious brands. The company excels in web design, coding, SEO, pay-per-click ads, and other services aimed at optimizing website and digital presence to drive growth in Japan. Join us as Milosz dives into paid advertising in Japan, exploring how it works, why it matters, and sharing effective advertising strategies, along with other insightful topics. Link to Nathan Hoernig's Episode: https://scalingyourcompany.com/episode-6-how-to-grow-from-1-10-employees-with-nathan-hoernig/ --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at hashimedia.com --- Links from Guest Appearance: Linkedin | Humble Bunny --- Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 2:51 Paid Online Ads: How They Work and Importance 6:45 What Would Be a High Quality Ad? 9:36 How Can an Agency Help Someone with Paid Ads? 13:33 Unique Characteristics of Japanese Online Advertising Market 18:52 Line Advertising in Japan 20:52 Good Target Market for Line Ads 21:54 First Steps in Starting Online Advertising 25:42 Cultural Nuances that Impacted an Ad Campaign 28:19 Common Mistakes that Foreign Businesses Make in Online Japanese Advertising 32:25 Differences Between Hiring A Specialist or Freelancer vs Agency 37:35 Strategies for Scaling Up Advertising 39:52 Good Return on Ad Spend 40:50 Trends in Japanese Online Advertising 44:28 About the Guest 45:09 Ideal Client 45:37 Brands the Company is Working With --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to the seventh episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this seventh episode, we are joined by Tracey Northcott, the founder of Tokyo Family Stays, which provides short-term rentals for those looking for an apartment and authentic home in Japan. She has successfully scaled her business to more than 25 listings and has been able to scale a solid business with two full-time staff and freelancers. Join us as Tracey shares her inspiring journey of scaling her company to its current success, all the while maintaining her unwavering commitment to ethical business practices that prioritize the welfare of both staff and customers. Show notes: 00:00 Introduction 3:19 Tokyo Family Stays and How It Began 8:01 Part-Time Residence 8:55 Target Market and Ideal Customer 15:58 Stage 1 18:23 Meeting the Demands 22:07 Challenges Faced in Stage 1 24:12 Building a Relationship with Local Communities 26:15 Debunking Myths about Living in Japan 27:27 Taking More Foreign Customers 29:33 What Would Define The 2nd Stage? 37:12 Creating A Brand 41:10 Being An Ethical Business Owner 43:15 Stage 3: Challenges and The Pandemic 46:34 How Did You Overcome This Challenge? 50:23 Why is Automation Important in The Next Stage? 57:26 Global Best Practices 1:05:01 What's Next? --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | Tokyo Family Stays --- Introducing Launch Lab: Your Gateway to Incorporating in Japan!! We are excited to announce the launch of our new service, Launch Lab, designed specifically to help foreign founders and companies incorporate in Japan. Our service offers affordable back-office support, along with assistance in raising additional capital and generating more leads and sales. Discover how Launch Lab can simplify your journey and fuel your growth in Japan : https://launch-lab.jp/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to the sixth episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this sixth episode, Michael Stobo joins us to share his experience scaling Tripadvisor. From 2014 to 2019, he served as the APAC Group Product Manager for Tripadvisor in Tokyo, where he grew the site's revenue, traffic, and engagement. With nearly 15 years in the online travel industry, Michael recently led the technology team at Tabist, developing B2B and B2C products for the hotel sector. Currently, he is a product management consultant and leader, advising and coaching companies on all aspects of product management. Tune in as Michael discusses his expertise as a former project manager and the importance of collaborating with the right team to successfully manage a company. Show notes: 00:00 Introduction 3:44 About Tripadvisor 8:12 What Does a Product Manager Do? 10:52 Interdepartmental Communication 13:40 Programming Skills 16:14 Type of Project Manager 17:31 Working with the Right People and Team 21:52 Important Role of a Project Manager 26:09 Scaling Tripadvisor 30:11 Bringing It To Japan 35:14 Framework in Decision Making 40:48 Tips on Communicating to Headquarters 43:26 Managing SEO 47:44 Communicating with the Japanese Team 54:05: Developing Confidence and Trust within the Japanese Team 56:53 About The Guest and Travel Industry --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | Trip Advisor --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by Steve Heller, the Chief Operating Officer of Hashi Media, a rapidly rising social media and influencer marketing agency based in Tokyo. The company specializes in tech, gaming, and lifestyle brands, serving a wide range of clients from small businesses to industry giants like Alibaba, MSI, and Dell. Join us as Steve shares his expertise on influencer marketing in Japan, covering topics such as brand awareness, choosing the right platform, and more. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at hashimedia.com --- Links from Guest Appearance: Linkedin | Hashi Media --- Show Notes: 00:00 Introducion 1:59 Influencer Marketing 5:01 What is an Influencer? 07:37 Unique Influencers in Japan 8:57 What is a Talento? 11:09 Tiers of Influencers 13:19 Media Platforms Influencers Use in Japan 15:12 Twitter as an Influencer Marketing Channel 17:29 Reaching Out to Influencers and Content Creators 20:43 Differences Between the Tiers 23:31 Advantages of Working With Hashi Media 25:43 Conflict Between Influencers and Agencies 28:57 Tips For a Company Doing Effective Influencer Marketing in Japan 32:27 Measuring the Success of a Campaign 36:39 Foreign Influencer Market in Japan 43:33 Trends in Influencer Marketing in Japan 44:42 Tips for Corporations Who Would Like to Work With Influencer Marketing Agencies 47:18 More Information about Hashi Media --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
This is the fifth episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this fifth episode, we are thrilled to welcome Yan Fan, Co-founder of Code Chrysalis, as she shares her expertise in guiding individuals aspiring to establish careers in Japan's software engineering and tech sectors. This insightful discussion will delve into the importance of soft skills and a growth mindset in navigating the Japanese business landscape. Join us as Yan recounts the journey of nurturing Code Chrysalis, overcoming challenges, and ultimately achieving the remarkable success it has today. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at hashimedia.com --- Show notes: 00:00 Introduction 3:48 Competitive Advantage: Work Experience and Growth Mindset 7:36 Career Direction and Mindset 9:43 Overcoming Challenges in Communicating Unique Selling Point 12:54 Stage 1 17:18 How Did You Communicate Success? 21:50 Community Building and Innovation 27:29 Personality and Business Style 30:02 Stage 2 32:00 Catalyst for Team Building 35:55 Other Challenges and “Grandiolarity Switching” 40:20 Unique Insights on Stage 2 45:24 Stage 3: Pivoting to Corporate Training 50:44 Challenges in Stage 3 1:02:47 Adapting to Evolve --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | Code Chrysalis --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. In this episode, we are joined once again by Scott Scofield, CEO of COVUE. COVUE is well-known as a leading brand operator in Japan which provides a full-service market entry platform. Following our previous discussion in Part 1 where Scott talked about choosing the right e-commerce sites in Japan, Part 2 will delve into logistics, import compliance, and post-sales procedures. This will cover topics including Japan's import regulations, with practical examples from food and beauty care products, as well as the correct application of marketing labels and licenses. Join us as Scott shares his expertise and discusses how COVUE has successfully navigated challenges related to import compliance. *Please note that the notes / documents mentioned within the episode are being reworked by COVUE due to updates in regulations, further updates will be posted onhere as well as COVUE's website. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at hashimedia.com --- Links from Guest Appearance: Linkedin | COVUE --- Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Import Regulations in Japan 06:45 PSE and Power Electrical Safety 08:08 What was the Catalyst? 10:24 Foreign Sellers 12:58 Import Compliance in Japan 17:40 Phases of Regulations 21:32 Tariffs 24:03 Import Compliance for Food Products 31:18 Import Compliance for Beauty Care Products 35:46 Marketing Label and License 38:14 Strategies for Ensuring Compliance 39:56 Technology and Compliance 43:18 Solving Problems Involving Import Compliance --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
This is the fourth episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this fourth episode, we are delighted to welcome David Macdonald, founder and CEO of DJMAC. His company specializes in corporate consulting and advisory, particularly in global and intercultural business challenges, drawing upon his extensive experience at Docomo, Disney, and YouTube, as well as his role as an outside director at KADOKAWA Corporation. Join us as David shares his journey as one of YouTube's early executives in Japan and Asia, and how he led the team that expanded the creator economy in the region. Starting with just 5 team members, David grew it to over 50 in 5 years, benefiting tens of thousands of YouTubers and businesses. Show notes: 00:00 Introduction 1:26 What is the “Creator Economy”? 2:38 Competitive Advantage 3:17 Stage 1 and the History of Youtube in Japan 7:25 Localization of the Market 10:12 Talent Scouting Youtubers and Partners 16:05 Tips on Getting Partners on Board 19:07 The Turning Point of Youtube 28:35 Importance of Localized Content 34:40 Who are the Right People to Hire? 37:22 What Defines Stage 2? 41:46 Challenges of Youtube 47:55 Takeaways from the Interview 49:08 What's Next? --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | DJMAC --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
This is the third episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this third episode, Elizabeth Anne Kyle shares her journey of growing Arigato Travel from its humble beginnings as a cooking class to becoming an prominent inbound tourism company in Japan. As the founder and CEO of a company with over 500 trained guides and is the #1 Culinary Tours Company in Japan, she reflects on her experiences as a solopreneur and how her vision turned into a successful tourism business. Join us as we delve into Elizabeth's story to discover how she turned her passion into a successful venture, enriching guests' experiences with profound and unforgettable experiences. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at hashimedia.com --- Show notes: 00:00 Introduction and about Arigato Travel 03:59 Target market & competitive advantage 07:56 Stage 1 12:28 : Challenges & Solution in Stage 1 19:33 : Advantages for a foreigner in Stage 1 32:41 Adapting your personality to the business 34:47 Stage 2 (going from food tour to full plan inbound) 40:51 Importance of a good Internship program for a business 44:15 Having good accounting in Stage 2 49:10 Challenges during the pandemic 54:51 How to maintain service quality as you scale 57:42 What's next for Arigato Travel? --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | Arigato Travel --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today we're joined by Scott Scofield, CEO of COVUE. COVUE is well-known as a brand operator in Japan where they provide a full-service market entry platform into Japan. From import to logistics to retail, COVUE is a one-stop solution for foreign brands who wish to enter Japan. We are gonna do a two-part series with Scott with part one on e-commerce systems in Japan and part two will focus on logistics, compliance, and the other parts after selling. --- Links from Guest Appearance: COVUE Scott Scofield LinkedIn --- Show Notes: 00:00: Introduction2:36: What is Rakuten?8:24: Challenges of creating an account10:35: Restrictions on opening an account13:26: Unique insights on Rakuten's loyalty point system20:21: About Amazon34:17: Further insights on Amazon36:10: About Yahoo Shopping53:12: Is it easy to create an account in Yahoo Shopping? --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Takuo Urushihara, who serves as the Program Manager (international) for Venture Café Tokyo. Recommended by acquaintances for his expertise in community building, Takuo has spearheaded the growth of Venture Cafés, initially beginning with events in Tokyo and expanding to numerous other cities across Japan and throughout Asia. His efforts have successfully attracted both Japanese locals and foreigners to participate in their events, showcasing the inclusive nature of their initiatives. In this podcast, Takuo discusses communities that exist in Japan, what Japanese and Foreign guests seek from venture cafes, and insights on building a community! Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn Venture Cafe Tokyo Venture Cafe Tokyo - Events Show Notes: 00:00: Introduction 3:31: About CIC and venture cafes 7:35: What type of communities exist in Japan? 14:42: The concept of "online salon" communities in Japan 19:03: What do both Japanese and Foreign guests seek from venture cafes and start-up events in a multicultural community? 27:28: What do both Japanese and Foreign guests seek from venture cafes and start-up events in a Japanese community? 29:52 Insights on building the core group of a community 42:19: Networking culture in Japan vs. America 45:10: Tips for growing your community --- Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
This is the second episode of our new series Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episodes, so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this second episode, Bela Schweiger will share his story as an expert in scaling Häagen-Dazs. With an impressive track record including collaborations with major brands like The Coca-Cola Company, Nokia, General Mills, and L'Orèal, Bela shares his knowledge into spearheading the transformation of Häagen-Dazs in Japan and pioneering AI-driven ESG solutions for the Japanese market. Join us in today's episode as we look into Bela's experiences with innovative strategies and strategic partnerships that drove the successful revamp of Häagen-Dazs, imparting valuable lessons for businesses in the Japanese market. --- This Episode is brought to you by Hashi Media, your agency for doing influencer marketing in Japan. They have helped major brands like Asus, Subway, and Alibaba, but they have also helped smaller companies with their social media and influencer marketing in Japan for both the foreign population and the Japanese market. Learn more at hashimedia.com --- Show notes: 00:00: Introduction 02:14: What type of companies do you typically help to expand the Japanese market? 11:05: Advice on scaling your business and brand in Japan 14:50: About Häagen-Dazs coming into the Japanese market 24:40: About innovation and new product development 31:32: What was the situation when Häagen-Dazs first brought you in? 35:46: Dynamic change in Häagen-Dazs Japan 39:22: Brainstorming and its role in scaling up your business 45:10: Case Study of Costco Japan wanting a product due to a Korean Manga 46:32: Problems faced with Häagen-Dazs 49:28: Overcoming problems through the use of vending machines 53:05: Secret to scaling --- Links from Guest Appearance : Linkedin | Life-Lab --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
This is a very special episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. It will be our first of many episodes on Japan Scalers. In this series, we will only interview guests who have surpassed 100 million yen in revenue annually. We have many interesting guests lined up for the upcoming episode, so make sure to follow us on social media and stay up to date with the podcast. In this first episode, Tyson himself will share his story as the co-founder of One Coin English, an English language school. With over 8000 students and a team of 200+ employees, Tyson shares how he scaled the company from scratch, leveraging unbeatable pricing and strategic locations. Overcoming initial trust hurdles, he overcame challenges like teacher recruitment and promotional overflow. Tyson walks us through the stages of growth, from proving the business model to expanding to multiple schools. He emphasizes the importance of building a resilient team, seizing timing advantages, and transitioning from founder to business leader. Show Notes : 0:00: Introduction1:12: What company do you scale?2:35: What was your company's competitive advantage?2:57: Problems faced during this scaling process4:42: Stage 1: What were the stages of One Coin English?5:17: Advantages and how you utilized them8:39: Challenges faced at this stage10:24: Unique insights12:50: How did you adapt your personality at this stage?16:05: Stage 2 of Once Coin English: can we actually scale this business model or not?17:09: Advantages and how you utilized them in stage 2?20:10: Challenges faced at this stage21:35 Unique insights22:44: How did you adapt your personality at this stage?26:33: Stage 3: Becoming a professional company.& advantages at this stage30:30: Challenges faced at this stage36:07: Unique insights --- Exciting News for Getting More Sales in Japan !! We are thrilled to launch our live cohort course: "Mastering Sales Decks for the Japanese Market" hosted by Tyson Batino. This online program is for CEOs and sales professionals eager to enhance their sales pitches and improve their chances of securing meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers. https://scalingyourcompany.com/salespamphlet/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome once again Robert Purss, Founder and Managing Director of McLaren Group. Following our discussion in Part 1, we will explore the ways to find the right marketing agency for your company. This includes paying for and evaluating pitches from agencies, when you should ask for a second-round pitch, and how to structure your contract and scope of engagement. Here's the link for those who missed part 1 : https://scalingyourcompany.com/marketing-agencies-in-japan-part-1-with-robert-purss/ Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn McLaren Group Marketing Marketing Agencies Presentation Slides Show Notes: 01:59 Recap for Part 1 09:55 How to find the right agency? 16:39 Paying for a marketing pitch from different agencies 19:30 Developing a brief for the agencies 24:37 At what contract level is fair to ask for two rounds? 28:12 How to evaluate a marketing agency / freelancer? 31:37 Contract and Scope of Engagement 33:20 How to Structure Payment Expectations 38:55 How to work smoothly with a marketing agency? --- Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Momoka Ebi, an accomplished professional specializing in PR, sales, and marketing. At Redhill Japan, Momoka oversees key client management while driving sales, human resources, and marketing initiatives. With Redhill's rapid growth since 2014 and its presence in 22 countries across Asia, Momoka emphasizes the firm's focus on providing comprehensive PR solutions to both foreign companies entering Japan and Japanese firms expanding globally. This episode touches on topics of Redhill's role in helping companies in Japan, PR localization, working with traditional media in Japan, and many more. Listen in to get to know more about PR in Japan! Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn Redhill 00:00: Introduction 1:20: About Redhill Japan 1:45: How does Redhill help companies in Japan? 2:06: What type of clients does Redhill have? 3:02: What is PR? 4:23: Difference between PR and marketing 7:11: How can PR be beneficial for doing business in Japan? 11:40: How does Japanese culture affect the way you do PR? 15:55: What are some common pitfalls that companies make in doing their PR? 18:44: Impact of Social Media in PR 21:05: Differences between the Japanese and foreign media landscape? 23:31: The dominance of traditional media in Japan despite social media 25:02: Insights in working with traditional Japanese media 25:56: Role of press clubs in Japan 37:38: Can other non-conventional journalists participate in press clubs? 29:13: Key components of a successful PR strategy in Japan 38:17: Further insights on localization in Japan 40:06: Role and importance of influencers and celebrity endorsements in Japan as a foreign brand 42:48: Insights on event planning and management in Japan 43:38: Unique points in terms of customer service 46:21: What does a PR agency actually do? 47:26: Exploring PR Agency support for media presence 52:31: Emerging trends in 2023 and 2024 Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Kaga Yusuke from JETRO's Startup Support Division and Will Ferguson, an expert in international startup growth. We explored JETRO's role in aiding Japanese and foreign startups, uncovering case studies and tips for navigating the Japanese market. We will also discuss JETRO plans for 2024 to support startups, like their Techstars Accelerator program. This episode is perfect for those who wish to propel their startup journey in and out of Japan. Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn - Yusuke Kaga LinkedIn - Will Ferguson JETRO Startup Scouting Service Show Notes: (00:00): Introduction (4:39): What ministry is JETRO a part of? (5:13): JETRO'S expanding role in startups (7:06): JETRO's unique support system (11:04): How does JETRO help Japanese startups? (14:49): Japanese case studies and tips for Japanese companies and startups (23:20): How does JETRO help foreign startups? (27:04): Tips for foreign companies entering Japan (31:35): Additional information on how to help foreign startups or Japanese companies (33:52): JETRO's plans in 2024 (37:59): Application period for Techstars Accelerator (39:48): Connecting with JETRO: How can companies connect with Will and Yusuke? Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Robert Purss, Founder and Managing Director of McLaren Group, a Tokyo-based bilingual Marketing Consultancy offering end-to-end services including Marketing Strategy, Consumer Research, and Business Development. With over 15 years of experience, Robert's professional journey includes key marketing roles with global giants such as Nielsen, Reckitt, and Perfetti van Melle, managing renowned brands like Veet, MediQtto, and Mentos. Having overseen the localization and launch of over 50 products in the Japanese market, tune in as Robert joins us to share insights on aspects involving marketing agencies, various agency types, and the pros and cons of agencies of different sizes. Don't miss Part 2, where we'll delve into choosing the right marketing agency! Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn McLaren Group Marketing Marketing Agencies Presentation Slides Show Notes: 00:00: Introduction 2:04: What is marketing to you? 4:40: What is a marketing agency? 5:31: What are some marketing agency types? 6:38: What do marketing agencies do? 16:09: About freelancers 17:34: Pros on freelancers 19:55: Cons working with freelancers 20:56: Production companies 21:50: Pros of production companies 23:15: Cons of production companies 27:34: About small-sized agencies 28:42: Pros of small-sized agencies 29:38: Cons of small-sized agencies 34:42: About mid to large-size agencies 36:58: Pros of mid to large-size agencies 37:41: Examples of mid-sized agencies 42:09: Differences between mid and large-size agencies in terms of their services 44:24: Agency types and impact on media 45:18: Diving into paid media Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Robert Heldt, the CEO of Custom Media. Serving as a comprehensive B2B agency, Custom Media specializes in providing marketing, branding, and PR solutions tailored to global enterprises seeking to establish or grow their presence in the Japanese market. Under Robert's leadership, Custom Media extends its expertise to diverse industries such as technology, manufacturing, energy, real estate, and finance. In 2023 Custom Media also won the Campaign Asia's Japan/Korea Content Marketing Agency of the Year Award. Links from Guest Appearance: LinkedIn Custom Media Assessment Check Sheet: Is ABM Suitable for Your Business? Show Notes: 00:00: Introduction 02:07: What is ABM (Account Based Marketing) 04:04: What was B2B Marketing like before this? 10:30: Why are companies switching to ABM? 20:40: What are some of the risks implemented in ABM? 23:56: Does ABM work in Japan 26:16: Additional methods and differences used in Japan 29:33: How many meetings does it take to get good information? 31:01: International software that works well in Japan 37:45: What are some domestic software that works well in Japan? 39:45: What areas of ABM are harder to adapt or learn? 41:48: Example of a company you helped, how you did it, and the results they saw Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we are joined by Antti Sonninen. Antti is the main organizer of Takeoff Tokyo, the place for internationally ambitious entrepreneurs. Originally from Finland, Antti came to Japan 10+ years ago first bringing the Angry Birds game here as the company's first country director. Antti has also worked on several projects bridging the tech communities of Japan and the rest of the world, most notably as co-founder and CEO of Slush Tokyo. He will discuss the importance of attending startup events in Tokyo, highlighting the benefits for founders, investors, and corporations. Antti will also share strategies for maximizing event participation and mention some major startup events in Japan, along with insights on the cost of organizing such events. Links from Guest Appearance : Takeoff Tokyo LinkedIn Show Notes : (00:00) Introduction (02:26) takeoff Tokyo (11:38) Why go to a startup event (12:50) What happens at a startup event (15:43) Benefits for attending startup events for founders and investors (21:25) Benefits of attending a startup corporation (22:32) Maximize Event Participation as a founder (29:57) Maximize Event Participation as an Investor (32:24) Maximize Event Participation as a Corporation (41:28) What are some major events in Japan (46:31) Cost of running a startup event Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Jeff Crawford, the CEO of Zo Digital Japan. They are a Digital Marketing agency based in Tokyo that provides SEO, Content Marketing, PPC advertising, Digital PR, and more to Overseas companies entering Japan, as well as foreign-minded Japanese companies. In this episode, Jeff discusses the fundamental concept of SEO and its universal applicability for companies seeking enhanced online visibility. Jeff shares intriguing cases of successful SEO strategies in Japan and explores the critical role of EEAT in Google's algorithm and the impact of AI technologies on SEO. Jeff also talks about the distinctions between SEO and SEM and the qualities that define an outstanding agency. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Zodigital tokyodigitalmarketers Show Notes: (00:00) Introductions (05:52) What is SEO (07:05) Why and when should a company consider using SEO (08:05) What types of companies can benefit from using SEO (21:06) What search engines are popular in Japan and how are they similar & how are they different (22:05) The differences in search behavior between Japanese and those in Western or other Asian countries (28:47) What is EEAT and why should we care (34:09) How has AI affected SEO recently (47:28) The qualities of a good agency (50:17) Conclusions & Jeff Crawford's contact information Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Dustin Ikeda, the co-founder of Hashi Media. One of the leading social media and marketing agencies in Japan for gaming, tech, and lifestyle. Dustin explores social media platforms that are popular in both the West and Japan, highlighting many unique platforms in Japan. He delves into the differences between Western and Japanese social media and recommends platforms for targeting foreigners in Japan. The conversation also covers the pros and cons of agencies versus freelancers, along with common marketing mistakes. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Hashi Media Show Notes: (00:00) Introductions (02:53) Dustin's social media platforms expertize (03:41) Social media platforms that are both popular in the west and in Japan (05:02) Social media platforms that are not popular among Japanese (08:11) Social media platforms that are unique to Japan (14:51) Key differences between social media platforms in the west and in Japan (22:42) Social media platforms Dustin recommends to target foreigners in Japan (28:33) Pros and Cons between an agency versus a freelancer (34:13) Common mistakes marketing agency make when it comes to social media (40:55) Dustin's company and contact Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Goki Sawada, the co-founder of Mixer, a design service that provides professional digital designs for Japanese businesses. Discover the challenges faced by Japanese companies in accessing global designs due to language barriers and unique design philosophies. Goki delves into the distinctions between Japanese and foreign designs, exploring elements of web, software, and visual design. Goki shares insights on industry-specific design in Japan and discusses exceptional Japanese websites. This podcast also touches on the effectiveness of minimalist designs in the Japanese market and explores differences in copywriting approaches. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin mixer design studios Show Notes: (00:00) Introductions (03:41) General differences between Japanese and foreign designs when it comes to flyers, websites, and other visuals and why (13:42) Unique elements of website or visual design depending on the industry in Japan (15:13) Examples of websites in Japan and why do Goki thinks they are great (24:24) Do minimalist designs work well in Japan? (26:21) Are there differences when it comes to copywriting? (28:10) Are there differences when it comes to creating logos? (29:16) Conclusions & comments Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of Scaling Japan Podcast, Joshua Flannery, the dynamic CEO of Innovation Dojo and a pivotal figure in Japan's startup landscape. With a keen focus on assisting foreign entrepreneurs, Joshua delves into Japan's startup events, dissecting the advantages of large versus smaller gatherings. Gain insights into the world of pitch contests, discovering the prizes at stake and understanding the strategic industries that benefit most. Uncover the power of startup communities and groups, exploring the resources they offer and the collaborative spirit they foster. Joshua also discusses the concept of business matching, revealing its significance and practical applications. Tune in for a deep dive into the Japan startup scene with a true expert. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Kobe Global Startup Support program Japan Business Development service for foreign universities looking for R&D partnerships in Japan Show Notes: (02:15) The startup events in Japan (09:25) The events in Kansai (12:30) About pitch contests (17:26) Pitch contests prices (21:14) Startup communities & groups (27:40) What is open Innovation (36:41) How can a startup determine which open innovation to participate in (38:28) What is business matching (41:51) Types of clients Joshua Flannery is accepting Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Joshua Flannery, the founder and CEO of Innovation Dojo Group, delves into the key aspects of the startup ecosystem. He explores the roles of incubators and accelerators in fostering early-stage ventures. Joshua highlights the significance of vibrant startup cities as hubs for innovation and collaboration. Additionally, he shares insights on leveraging overseas universities' innovation and R&D departments for global entrepreneurship. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Kobe Global Startup Support program Japan Business Development service for foreign universities looking for R&D partnerships in Japan Show Notes: (3:06) About incubators (7:57) About accelerators (20:19) Start up cities (30:31) Overseas university's innovation/R&D/startup department and entering the Japanese market Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of Scalingyourcompany, we are delighted to have John Kirch, a Tokyo-based consultant with over 30 years of experience in helping international startups enter the Japanese market and providing B2B software solutions. Today, we'll delve into the world of Proof of Concepts (PoCs) and their significance in the Japanese business landscape. John will share insights on the value of PoCs, their popularity among Japanese corporations and the government, and the distinctions between PoCs and paid projects, offering a wealth of knowledge to our listeners. Links from Guest Appearance Linkedin Gmail Show Notes: (1:27) Self introduction (2:57) What is POCs (7:28) Why are PoC's popular with Japanese corporations and the Japanese government? (11:42) The difference between a PoC and a paid project (12:22)The ranges of how long a PoC has gone in John Kirch experience in Japan (17:57)The unique expectations for a foreign company entering the Japan market when doing their first PoC (20:32)The differences in metrics and responsibilities (21:55)How to launch a PoC successfully in Japan. (24:04)How should a company approach a PoC and what are signs of success / danger signs at each of the following stages, i.e. negotiation, execution, and post-execution? (26:46) What is PoC hell and how do we avoid this? (30:16) Ways to penalize another company if they are not committing their end of the bargain or are creating delays (33:38)Why do many companies fail to make it past the PoC stage? (35:12)What frameworks would John Kirch recommend for managing a PoC? (40:43)Requests for the listeners and where can they find John Kirch Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/ show/scalingjapanpodcast /message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan podcast, we have Takashi Nishida, the CEO of Sophia Projects and a Business Development and Customer Success consultant. He will discuss the importance of hiring the right salesperson for the Japanese market and the role of a business developer in Japan. Takashi Nishida highlights the need for market assessment, connections to target buyers, and understanding Japanese business dynamics. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn Techmahindra Show Notes (0:42) Takashi Nishida introduction (2:00) What does a business developer do in Japan? (4:15) Why is a BD necessary in Japan? (6:22) What do foreign companies tend to misunderstand about Japan? (15:45) Why does cold calling often not work in Japan for foreign corporations? (21:20) What types of contracts do BDs have with companies? (21:30) Salaried contracts (24:25) Salaried & Success contracts (27:54) Commission only (29:47) What would a company do to attract experienced BD in Japan (31:42) Where do you find BDs in Japan (35:37) Ending comments & thoughts Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
Welcome to this special episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast. Today, we're delighted to host two distinguished guests: Satoru Ichihara and Akihiro Mori. Satoru serves as the General Manager of Station AI, an innovative startup support center in Aichi ; Akihiro is the Assistant Director in the overseas collaboration division for Aichi prefecture. They'll talk about why Aichi and Nagoya are excellent locations for startups and discuss the programs available to support startups in the region. Links from Guest Appearance Satoru's LinkedIn┃Akihiro's LinkedIn┃StationAI┃Accelerate Aichi - 500 Global Show Notes (0:00) About Satoru & Akihiro(4:53) Three things you should know about Aichi & Nagoya(7:29) Industries Aichi is known for(9:02) Why start your company in Aichi?(11:52) What are some startup programs offered at Aichi?(13:49) What does StationAI do?(16:31) Accelerate Aichi - 500 Global(22:03) Collaborations with the foreign organizations(24:13) Financial Support Aichi offer to startups(26:52) Requirements to applying to Aichi's subsidies(29:55) Does StationAi invest in companies?(32:07) Requirments to StationAI fund(32:52) Who are the rising stars of Aichi & Nagoya startup?(36:20) What is so Unique about Nagoya?(38:40) What are business culture differences in Nagoya?(42:56) What are Nagoya /StationAI'ss plans for the next 3 years Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we have Yoshi Nishikawa, he is an innovation specialist for the city of Kobe and he will tell us more today about Kobe city and its approach to startups. He will also share success stories from both local and foreign startups in Kobe This episode is a part of our series on startup cities, and we have interviewed Kobe, Aichi, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Shibuya. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn InvestKobe┃NextKitchen-Kobe┃Climate Tech Challenge Show Notes (02:54) About Kobe (05:36) Industries that Kobe is strong at (11:52) What is Life-Tech KOBE? (13:21) What type of support Does Kobe offer foreign entrepreneurs? (17:26) Financial Support From Kobe (19:41) Success cases of a foreign company / startup in Kobe (27:47) What is unique about Kobe? (30:45) How can a startup develop more trust with cities / Japanese companies? (35:49) Plans for Kobe for the next two years (37:56) Kobe's current startup programs Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we have Younes Hairej, founder and CEO at Aokumo, which helps medium to large corporations simplify their cloud operations through their platform. We will dive into the important topic of system integrators or SIers in Japan, which is a key component to any long-term expansion in Japan for software companies. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn Aokumo Show Notes (3:00) What does a Japanese system integrator do? (5:40) How Significant are system integrators in Japan? (9:38) What type of companies do system integrators help? (10:26) How did system integrators come about in Japan? (12:17) Benefits to using system integrators (13:48) Downsides to using system integrators (19:33) How does system integrators impact startups? (22:22) How to select to right system integrator for your company? (25:17) Famous system integrators in Japan (27:42) How to actually find system integrators (28:45) Getting system integrators as partners as a foreign company (30:50) Do you need Japanese to work with system integrators? (34:10) How to get that meeting with a system integrator in Japan? (39:06) Why are system integrators important for your long-term expansion strategy? (43:58) Who is Aokumo and what do they do? Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Gerrard Lai, a Senior Associate at MUFG Innovation Partners, the CVC arm of the well-known Japanese bank. This is part two of our series on Corporate Venture Capital, in part 1 Makoto Shibata of Finolabs gave a great introduction and we would look to go deeper into the topic. You can listen to part 1 here. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn MUFG Innovation Partners Show Notes (1:40) What makes CVC different from venture capital? (3:35) How much do Japanese CVCs actually invest? (5:20) Who are the big CVCs players in Japan? (8:10) Are there any unique changes to CVC investment in 2023 or 2024? (10:10) Do CVCs typically lead rounds? (12:40) What companies are the sweet spot for most CVCs? (17:00) Do CVCs invest in companies from overseas? (19:22) What is the best way to approach CVCs? (21:37) How do CVCs evaluate a company? (27:00) Pitch deck and pitch types for founders when approaching CVCs (29:00) What are MUFG goals for creating a CVC arm? (32:10) What areas do you like to invest in and why? Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome William Ryan, the CEO of Japan Hospitality Consultants, who supports fellow expats to open up their own bars, cafes, or restaurants in Japan. He has managed pubs for more than 20 years and more than 7 years with his own pub, An Solas Irish Pub in Yoyogi. Today he will provide unique insights into how an entrepreneur could open their own restaurant in Japan, and some points entrepreneurs need to know before starting their own restaurant. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn Japan Hospitality Consultants Show Notes (2:46) Difference between Running a restaurant in Japan vs. another country(6:57) Common Mistakes Foreign Restaurant Owners Make(12:13) Do you need a Japanese partner to start a restaurant?(13:41) What do Japan Hospitality Consultants do to help expats open their stores?(24:14) The ideal Japanese partner for the hospitality industry(28:22) How much for rent in Tokyo and how much capital do you need to start a restaurant?(30:22) What are some laws we need to be aware of?(31:53) Potential issues / criteria when choosing a location(33:10) Thoughts on campaign and point cards(37:20) Importance of having different payment systems(40:07): Thoughts on Customer service Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we are happy to welcome back Ruth Jarman, the founder and CEO of Jarman International KK. She also sits on the board of Directors as outside Director for KADOKAWA and Fujibo Holdings. In our previous episodes together, episode 38 and episode 43, she has shared how foreign business owners can build a strong network and understanding Japanese budget timelines. Links from Guest Appearance LinkedIn Jarman International KK Show Notes (3:42) How to establish good communication with your sub contractor (6:54) Potential negotiables (10:28) Additional communication tips (14:09) Mid project challenges and how to overcome them (17:35) Having payment/bank information (22:57) When are project payments (26:25) Connecting with contractors (33:49) How to pick up signals as a foreigner (39:47) Knowing your worth Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we are joined by Yoshiro Tasaka. Additional Resources Blackbox Episode 7: How to Get Japanese Government Money for Your Business with Miho Tanaka Show Notes (0:38) Yoshiro Tasaka's self introduction (2:28) What is Shibuya startups (5:30) Target audience of Shibuya startups (8:30) Subsides and funding (9:10) Sucess stories of foreign founders (11:06) Why choose Shibuya (14:53) Future plans (17:21) Case studies of companies with proof of concept (POC) Coaching with Tyson Looking to take your business to the next level? Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your business from $100,000 to $10,000,000 dollars with his coaching and advisory services. Visit here to learn how he can help. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scalingjapanpodcast/message
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