HYDE PARK CORNER — I love Doha.  I was thinking about that as I wrote a friend at QTel in Qatar.  It’s a lovely place and I know some lovely people there.  This week we have seen lots of poorly disguised derisive comments made about Qatar and it’s rulers.  They are unfair.

Of course I like Dubai too.  And I have special memories of all the time I spent in Riyadh as well.  Particularly the mice in my flat, and the strength of the coffee.  But I do love to work in new and exciting markets.

I’d like to do more in India as well.  I’d like to work for Tata in India.  Or help Infosys.  There are issues in China and other parts of Asia that I am sure could be fascinating to learn from and about.  When I taught a course in Kuala Lumpur in 2009 there were communication professionals who came from around the region.  Vietnamese who spoke English as a second or third foreign language.  People from Indonesia managing one of the biggest financial service sector mergers that I have ever seen.  Government workers from Brunei — I can’t even start to talk about that.

The fact of the matter is that many businesses in these regions are managing change in ways that should make western firms blush.

We can learn from them.  And we should.

A fair exchange of expertise and experience.  That’s what I would like.

/df

ON THE SOFA — Change management and communications are needed in China and India. World-class change and comms.

I know there are many capable people in both countries. I know that they already manage big change. I know that there are language and cultural issues that are distinct to both countries.

But I am still sure that we can help.

There are no other consultancies like Able and How. Not in Europe, the Americas or Africa. And we haven’t found one in the Middle East. When I was last in Asia and Australia, I was told that there was not a consultancy like Able and How there either.

Here’s what I know about:

India

1) The country is slowly exporting its business acumen.
2) The number of highly skilled worked puts every western country to shame.
3) The country itself, with complex geographic, language, economic and social issues is a fair microcosm of global trade.
4) As Frank Sinatra sang, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”

China

1) China’s capitalist education has been very public.
2) Experiential learning is always the best kind of learning. It sticks with you.
3) China has resources and geographical positioning that put it squarely in the centre of 21st century commerce.
4) You can’t argue with the success China has already seen.
5) Just wait and see what’s still to come.

So whether you are an Indian or Chinese business, the government of said country, a government agency, a government-owned non-government organisation (GONGO), working inside or trying to work outside of the country, let us know. We can have a chat.

/df