Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Todd Cornell, Founder of Heart Of China.net, located in Fort Collins, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I bridge cultural and linguistic hurdles between the US and China or Taiwan. And I do this by training companies in best practices for working with the Chinese. I help companies establish the best business strategies for China and Taiwan and teach Mandarin, focusing on Chinese culture and mindset. And I work with individuals or organizations that deal with China and Taiwan seeking a better, more balanced approach to success.
Tell us about yourself
My China experience spans 40 years—21 of which I lived in China. I lived in places like—Taipei, Hongkong, and Shanghai in the south, and the far northern regions of Beijing, Harbin, and Inner Mongolia. Having lived in China, learned the language in the environment, and worked closely with the Chinese, I realized many attempts by US companies to work with China meet with cultural and mindset challenges. I am motivated by the successes I see in individuals and companies I work with achieving more success in China.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Guiding people to understand the cultural differences between American culture and Chinese culture—finding greater success in their interactions with China.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The work-life balance and need to be on top of everything. Marketing has been difficult with so many other things that need to be attended to.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your heart, and don't lose track of your dream. In the Art of War, it says, "Know self, know others." This is a difficult balance to achieve. It's like a SWAT analysis. Do you know your strengths and weaknesses and those of the people you work with?
- Be patient. Things take time. The Chinese have a saying, "Be restrained in the moment." We can't see the movements of the universal plan with our naked eye. Trust the universe.
- Embrace failure; it's a time of learning. As the Chinese say, "Failure is the mother of success." As a kid growing up in Colorado, learning to ski, my dad told me falling down was a sign that I'm improving. I will never forget that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cultur668.com/
Mindly: https://mindly.social/@HeartOfChina
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcornell/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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