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Kenneth Wong

Guide to Beijing 2008 for Foreign Enterprises

Leverage the glory of the Olympic Games

By Kenneth Wong, Consultant, Willsonn Partners

For foreign enterprises, the opportunities presented by the Beijing Olympics are huge. Small businesses should implement a market-driven strategy to leverage on the glory of the games. As 2008 nears, small businesses should signal respect for the bold aspirations of the nation and its people, riding the games as an express train to the heart of desire. According to Tom Doctoroff’s book "Billions", the Chinese will actively embrace businesses who boast integrated, insightful, China-centric sponsorship strategies. The following are 3 strategies to profit from Beijing 2008:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Keep in mind both global and Chinese audiences

Do keep in mind that the 2008 Olympics boasts two massive audiences: Chinese (Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas Chinese) and global spectators. A global Olympic advertising strategy will require special tailoring to achieve the optimal “China effect”.
I recommend: Local tobacco manufacturer The Shanghai Tobacco Company packages the award of hosting rights to the Olympics in its advertisements as “The glory of the Chinese, Double Happiness abounds.”

The Chinese revere winners

Link your product to the conquering spirit of the victors.
I recommend: Liu Xiang, the first Chinese Olympic Champion who currently holds the world record for the 110-meter hurdles sprint, is currently the spokesman for over ten products in China, ranging from Nike Shoes to Coca-Cola. Smaller businesses may take a leaf from the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Mobile Television. It did not spend a cent on using Liu Xiang directly to endorse its products. Instead, it used a tall guy wearing a Green t-shirt printed with the numbers “12.88”, as a veiled reference to Liu Xiang’s character and world record to emphasize on the speed and supremeness of its products.

Increase your chances of Beijing 2008 success

The Games represent an affirmation of everything China represents and will become.
I recommend: Beijing 2008 offers regular updates on the ongoing activities going on in the run-up to the games. A business can enhance relevance by highlighting how their goods and services can help in making Beijing 2008 a success. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Marketing Plan will give insights on how a small business owner can work in tandem with China towards achieving common goals: success for the games and profits for the small business who realizes the potential of the games.

Recommended Solution Providers

Beijing 2008 Official Site: Sponsorship Opportunities
Official site for Beijing 2008 -- find out how you can become a sponsor.


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