Ben was hired as a foreign expert in 2016 based in Shenzhen, China. A high school English teacher employed by the Government working in two of their top-5 Public schools. They trained him up and taught him all about their culture. Taught him many skills that helped him develop in his personal life - he has a lot of gratitude and respect for this.
Because of his personal relationship development, the way he taught, his persona, and positive energy (heart) by teaching 850 students successfully (when introduced, but a total of 1850) not only English but life skills - it was very well received and respected. He was introduced much higher up, a connection in Government possibly one of the highest in Southern China.
Also, one of his relationships developed provides permission for foreign companies to enter the country of China, such as Manchester City. He has obtained permission and was offered Government guarantee backing for his trade creation via this connection.
Chinese society is based on "Guanxi", connections. Without connections, no business entity can succeed or enter there.
The Belt and Road initiative - there was a signing in which he was one of only two foreign witnesses. It was British lawyers who signed the documents to which he was a witness. Maybe they helped create the documents globally? He has an interesting story from a guy he met crossing the border of Hong Kong that adds a little validity to this opinion.
He returned from China in 2018 to begin a family Business (car storage franchise). Unfortunately, family business does not reconcile within his father’s brain. At the end of 2019, Ben moved to Sicily, to escape. It was not an intentional move.
It would be a waste of his 6 years of cultural learning and development of experiences to not at least give you the openings.
Mr Lee advised that many items are for sale. He bet Ben that he would not be able to sell a particular item. Unfortunately, after some research conducted, Ben was unable to sell any items as a museum is required for safe transport.
He is unsure if there are buyers available?, however, the opportunity to revisit and suggest a buyer had been found could reignite the relationship given that it's been a few years since he's been able to visit China.
Ben has been based in Sicily ever since and obtained a residence permit of stay (Brexit). His contact, his first landlord happened to be high in Government who once went to China to sell Sicily products, but failed. Because he offered Ben a home when he first arrived (a good home), and mentioned the China visit, Ben said he could probably help sell some products into the Chinese market - hence how it all began.
He would like the opportunity to have a small trading company in Sicily. Not for money, but because he wishes to stay a resident long-term.
Ben offered 1 year of free consultancy to open the door - the 1 year turned into 3 (the pandemic certainly did not help the situation for all parties). This consumed a lot of his time mainly critical thinking time as it's not easy figuring out and forming this type of large business. Usually, consultants would be paid ££’s hundreds of thousands – he did it all for free.
It did affect his car business negatively as his train of thought was swayed. But, it also allowed him to reconnect and stay in contact with a family he was introduced to.
He has some powerful insights on both parties - relationship development and testing of this.
They respected only money (see below). No respect for the time and effort put into the project, nor the creation, or ability to construct the opportunity. The braveness to do it, the time invested, and the 6 years of cultural learning and connections formed - no matter how much he did or gave.
*Ben has spent many years developing personal relationships. They are all great people by the way. He has some interesting stories*
They only showed respect at the very end. Only after Ben advised that one time back in 2012 he was offered a £100m investment, and the largest deal he’d ever set up was for £250m. He wasn't going to say this at the beginning of the process (it’s not common knowledge to anyone by the way) - better at the end.
That's how the relationships were developed - Ben went through a lot of pain knowing they’d be like that. He wanted to show them at the end. Unlike the billionaire people he met who respected him for being himself - nothing to do with how much money he had or didn't have. Possibly a couple of the wealthiest, most influential people in the world (East and West).
Needless to say, he has a little influence in Sicily (Italy) and China.
It would be a waste of his 6 years of cultural learning and development of experiences to not at least give you the openings.
You are in control – this is important to Ben.
He believes there are a variety of potential opportunities. The hard work he believes has been done - happy to serve.
The small business people know nothing about the big stuff or connections by the way. He doesn't tell people. For your information only.
*Pictures below reverse order -two years+*
Example to demonstrate various videos, messages etc between Sicilian Government & Madam Mi Na.
These are snippets - Just wanted to show you so you can see it's genuine.
There are many interesting stories to share - knowledge, understandings, and information.
