Understanding the global marketplace is increasingly more important for African companies and getting access to specialist products is also key. Danielle Goldman, founder of Guanxi Connections Ltd, a digital marketing and design agency in China, and now incorporating a China sourcing agency here in South Africa, is looking to provide a solution and, importantly, bringing local market knowledge with her.
LoA spoke to Danielle Goldman, the inspiration behind Guanxi Connections, to find out how she successfully manages her entrepreneurial footprint in both Africa and China.
What does your company do?
Initially we were a digital marketing and design agency as well as handling big corporate events in Asia. But since I have relocated back to South Africa I still run the business but have incorporated a China sourcing agency. So Ideally if your company is looking for products in China, we will source them for you, negotiate as we all speak Chinese and have our own contacts there, and we will handle all the logistics so you get what you want for the price you are supposed to pay, and ensure you receive your goods in working order without having to deal with unnecessary negotiations and complications that are involved in dealing with China.
"So Ideally if your company is looking for products in China, we will source them for you, negotiate as we all speak Chinese and have our own contacts there, and we will handle all the logistics so you get what you want for the price you are supposed to pay."
What inspired you to start your company?
I had a huge network having lived in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and then China and I was always keen on setting up my own company. My father is an entrepreneur and he always inspired me to take one step further than most.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
I am completely transparent and I like to give 100%! I cannot do half a job and I thrive on making others happy especially when dealing with China as I have been there for 10 years and I know all the aggravations involved working with Asians.
Tell us a little about your team
We are ideally all in HK except for myself, they are all local Hong Kong people. They are young and energetic and thrive on creativity.
"When I arrived in Hong Kong I was homeless and destitute and my partner had left me. I slowly made connections in the most expensive city in the world and began to gain the confidence I needed to setup my own agency. It was a very difficult time in my life, but through perseverance and great friends that believed in me I started once again taking control of my life!"
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Yes my father is an entrepreneur and he always implored me to be better than most! He is my inspiration. When I arrived in Hong Kong I was homeless and destitute and my partner had left me. I slowly made connections in the most expensive city in the world and began to gain the confidence I needed to setup my own agency. It was a very difficult time in my life, but through perseverance and great friends that believed in me I started once again taking control of my life! Eventually I was organising the HK Rugby Sevens for Corporate clients and I loved every minute of it!
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
It is my desire to continue servicing marketing clients in Asia and connecting Africa to Asia; that means I would like to source good quality products from Asia so that my people here in Africa do not have to go through the same obstacles I had when I lived there. It would also be a pleasure to market products and services to Asia which will be my biggest dream!
VIDEO: Guanxi - Standard Chartered Rugby 7 Presentation
"It is my desire to continue servicing marketing clients in Asia and connecting Africa to Asia; that means I would like to source good quality products from Asia so that my people here in Africa do not have to go through the same obstacles I had when I lived there."
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Seeing a client happy and content with our work and referring us to other clients is my greatest joy
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Perseverance and to be completely tenacious; it's a hard struggle but eventually if you follow your dream it will manifest.
Contact or follow Guanxi
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | EMAIL danielle@guanxi-connections.com
Why LoA loves it….
Probably all women entrepreneurs have faced significant challenges at some time in their business lives, and Danielle Goldman is proof positive that such challenges can make you stronger and more determined to succeed. Danielle today is leveraging on her unique knowledge and experience of running a successful business in Hong Kong, to assist companies in Africa to source key products there. She has found a market niche and is determined to make this latest new venture succeed. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa