Victorian businesswomen collaborate to grow their export businesses in Asia
A talented, passionate and energetic group of Victorian businesswomen came together in Melbourne on 31 January, to share their expertise and gain cutting edge market insights and strategies to expand their businesses into Asia.
Delivered by Asialink Business, for the Victorian Government’s Victorian Women in International Business program, the seminar featured expert speakers and facilitators along with practical business case studies.
It was the first seminar of this kind focused specifically on opportunities for women in the Asian export industry.
Participants explored why being authentic, investing in long-term relationships and leveraging ‘brand Australia’s’ clean, green and healthy image were among the key ingredients for success.
Delivering the keynote, Founder of online retail business, Jessica’s Suitcase, told the audience it was necessary to “share who you are” with your customers, as well as to leverage and foster a strong peer-to-peer support network with other SMEs.
Catherine Cervasio, Founder of successful organic skincare company, Aromababy, also shared her experiences in cracking the Chinese market.
She explained that while around 300,000 babies are born in Australia each year, China has around 16 million births annually, making it potentially a far more lucrative market. But time, investment and a well-researched China strategy were essential.
Amongst the many considerations for entering the Chinese market, it was important to understand the culture, the competitor landscape, and potential barriers, as well as to carefully consider sales and marketing strategy, distribution channels and how to secure your intellectual property.
Other prominent business speakers at the seminar included Mitu Bhowmick-Lang, the Director of Mind Blowing Films, and Sharon Thurin, the Founder and CEO of Slim Secrets.
The seminar featured additional insights and tailored cultural awareness training delivered by Asialink Business’ experts.
Director of research, Megan Mulia, explained the key Asia capabilities that are essential for expanding into Asian Markets, and the Director of Asialink Business’ China Practice, Nicholas Henderson shared the key approaches and techniques to enter Asian markets effectively.
Asialink Business’ newly appointed Director of Capability Development, Donna Webster, who conducted the session on cultural intelligence at the seminar, said:
“It was wonderful to work with such an energetic, inspiring and passionate group. These dynamic entrepreneurs recognise that to grow your business with Asia, it is important to develop strong cross-cultural awareness skills, understand how to build relationships, and ensure that you have a well-researched market-entry strategy.”
Supported by the Victorian Government, the Women in International Business program promotes opportunities for Victorian women to make new connections and develop the critical partnerships necessary to grow their export businesses.
Victorian Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins also addressed the gathering.
“We’re supporting initiatives like this because it creates a space for women to become vital – and visible – players in our state’s economic productivity,” Minister Hutchins said.
The Victorian Government will also host the first all-women trade delegation to China later this year, with a focus on trade and investment in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation and technology.
For more information about the Victorian Women in International Business initiative, visit www.trade.vic.gov.au.
View photos from the event.