How to become an entrepreneur in Shanghai - Maria Korolov

Maria Trombly

Larger numbers of entrepreneurs are heading for Shanghai as their own economies go bad. Veteran entrepreneur Maria Korolov gives in Shanghai Expat the newcomers a few tips on how to survive in this very competitive city.

But, before you hire a team of lawyers and incorporate as a JV – or a WFOE – or as a rep office of an off-shore entity, before you start hiring staff and finding customers, do yourself a favor and get to know the entrepreneurs who are already here.

She is advising twitter as one of the new much needed tools for entrepreneurs:

Last week, Paul Wood – who's starting an iPhone software development company – tweeted that he was interested in finding some Samuel Adams beer. Several people, including me, responded about a new bar – Kai Ba – known for its wide selection. Someone else suggested Munchies for snacks and a tweetup was born. The next day, a couple of dozen of us crammed into Munchies for their burgers, Cincinnati chili and quesadillas – excellent, by the way -- and to chat. Across the table from me, Paul Wood met Sera Hill, another entrepreneur who was starting an iPhone development company in Shanghai.

Of course, she lists some of the more active accounts.

Maria Korolov will host on April 2 our Global China Chats on tourism.

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Maria Korolov is also a speaker of the China Speakers Bureau. In a driven and convincing still, she talks you through the trenches of the China business. Do get in touch if you need her at your conference.