In my view, there are three essential elements in a successful business: (1) creativity/innovation, (2) marketing and (3) intellectual property. A business' goods or service has to make a difference, its marketing results in getting, keeping and growing customers, and its intellectual property secures the monopoly of the goods or service during its life cycle. A trademark or brand inspires customer loyalty, and a famous or well-known one is invaluable to a business.
It takes a lot of intellectual, financial and management effort to design, build and sustain a simple and memorable brand that symbolizes what a business delivers. But every business starts off with a trade mark to signify and distinguish its goods or service including its quality from its competitors. A strategic way to enhance the capacity and support between brands is co-branding, as it excites and delights new customers, brings new perspectives to the brands and breaks into new markets.
The market in mainland China is too big for any entrepreneur outside China to ignore. At the same time, mainland Chinese entrepreneurs would like to explore the blue ocean outside mainland China. I believe strategic coalitions should advance mutual interests eg a mainland Chinese entrepreneur with creative goods or services embedded with copyright to partner with a non-mainland Chinese entrepreneur with innovative goods or services embedded with patents.
I am creating my professional services consultancy business in that direction, as I have established some connections with entrepreneurs from both streams. With the same strategy, I believe I can capitalize on the green pastures along the Belt and the new fisheries in the blue ocean along the Road. I will continue to co-brand with Hong Kong as a value centre, as business or trade opportunities gravitate towards it!