#3 Gary Isse – Building an online platform to meet an educational need
Gary is from Los Angeles, California and has been in China for over 7 years. He started training and consulting in 1998; primarily on how businesses can use the Internet for marketing. He received his Masters Degree in Business Administration and prior to coming to China, he worked on the development and implementation of a company-wide ERP system at a major multinational company. Now he’s in China using his background in training and information management systems in his latest two ventures SkillNuggets and ShekouDaily.
Learn to listen with more than just your ears. The more you listen, the more people are willing to listen to you.
Show Notes
How he got to China
During his MBA study in L.A., a friend’s trip to China encouraged him to find a way to get here. What he imagined didn’t exactly match up with what he found when he arrived!
How he got started
Frustrated that there wasn’t a comprehensive platform to share knowledge legally, he created SkillNuggets so resources could be shared and people can learn freely without violating copyrights.
Lessons learned along the way
You don’t always have to do things a certain way. Start smaller perhaps to avoid some unnecessary regulations.
China specific challenges
Among others, the fear of losing face makes people hold back in terms of taking risks. Tune in to hear Gary’s take on generational differences as well!
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Lower your expectations during the concept stage and seek feedback quickly before you get attached to the end product.
Give us one of your beloved resources
Michael Michelini of Social Agent weekly webinar/blog
Episode Links
- SkillNuggets
- ShekouDaily
- China Law Blog
- Dezan Shira & Associates
- Book: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey
- Book: The Lean Startbup, Eric Ries
- ShenzhenParty.com
Connect to Gary
You can search for Gary on LinkedIn and on SkillNuggets
