Review: Wisdom from an Australian Entrepreneur's Mouth
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 28, 2013
Jonathan Nichols has over ten years of experience related to Asia, and in his career he has worked in many developing markets across a broad range of industries. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Sydney University and has a wealth of business experience. He left Australia in 2002, sojourned in Hong Kong and became enamored with the Asian culture and lifestyle. Then came April 20, 2012 - international trade sanctions against Myanmar were suspended. `I, Jonathan Nichols, a young entrepreneur was among the thousands of foreign businessmen who were drawn, maybe sucked, into the land.' He had never even visited Myanmar prior to 2012 and found it completely different to any other market he'd ever experienced.This reviewer read Jonathan Nichols successful book PUK TIME STORIES AND BUSINESS LESSONS and introduced thus: `Jonathan Nichols, a feisty young Australian entrepreneur, shares with us the journey he experienced his arrival on April 20, 2012, the day that Hilary Clinton, the United States Secretary of State, announced the suspension of trade sanctions against Myanmar. What appeared to be the chance of a lifetime - being present at the gate when the economic potential of trade with Myanmar opened - turned into a close study of the history of a country torn for many years by bizarre influences, the influence of the culture, and the idiosyncrasies of the people who were all too ready to begin to make money in the new atmosphere, but were a bit inept at doing so.' Now after more time in Myanmar he presents this brief but very informative book for foreign dummies.`To succeed in Myanmar it is important to observe cultural differences and respect the local people. The world closed its doors on the country decades ago. They are now unlocked. However the wise foreign businessman will still politely knock, wait to be invited in, remove his shoes, as is the Myanmar custom, and humbly enter.'He then presents his 18 guidelines to understanding and decoding Myanmar: Become friends with the general manager of your hotel, Get a driver, Iron your US dollar bills an bring plenty, Learn `Who's who in the Zoo', Understand the Myanmar people (including traits learned form the Chinese, Indian and Thai businessmen), Always take your shoes off, deal with the Betel Nut habit, Establish an office, Rules and Regs on how to set up (or not) a foreign company), Pay the commission (everything needs a broker), Under promise and over deliver (understanding investor relations), make a pilgrimage to the Capital - Naypyidaw, Getting Paid!, Beware of high corporate taxes, and  know where to take the `boys' at night.Though the book is brief, it contains a lot of valuable information for those who plan to `approach Myanmar'. Grady Harp, August 13