I recently travelled to the Service Industry Association’s (SIA) APAC conference in Seoul, South Korea. Surprisingly, after 25 years in the industry, this was to be my first business trip to the Far East.
Following a 14-hour direct flight from London Heathrow to Incheon Airport, Seoul, my first experience of Korean culture was a sense of calm and tranquillity. As my fellow travellers and I queued in an orderly and patient fashion at passport control, there was a well-organised and efficient process keeping the ever-increasing queue moving as more passengers arrived. The experience was only to get more enhanced as we approached the conveyor belts in a well organised baggage reclaim area. On approaching, we were greeted with a smile from a hospitable airport porter who was lifting the luggage off the belt to make it easier for weary travellers to collect their luggage. This was only the start of things to come.
The SIA APAC conference was entitled ‘Charting The Course: APAC’s Service Sector Voyage’ and brought together business leaders and members of the SIA from all corners of Europe, Singapore, US, China, Malaysia, and Australia to name but a few.
During an ‘icebreaker’ networking drinks and dinner event on the first evening it very quickly became apparent, after speaking with my fellow delegates, that regardless of location or business type, the majority of these global business leaders shared very similar values. In my honest opinion, those values included integrity, transparency, and an element of vulnerability, all of which had contributed to a strong alliance of trust and respect between the leaders and their associated businesses.
Even as the ‘new boy’ to the association I was made to feel very welcome from the outset, which was testament to the association and its contributing members. Also, as I had no pre-conceived opinions about the event, or its host city, I was in ‘listen and absorb’ mode throughout. As a result, I’ve shared five of my key takeaways from my time spent at the conference.
1. Co-opetition
In a partner-led market such as the technology channel, astute businesses are recognising the opportunity of collaborating with other companies that they once identified as competition. Traditionally, companies were competing for the same slice of pie. However, in an outcome-focused market, like-minded and innovative businesses are increasingly taking a ‘co-opetition’ approach by collaborating with both competitors and complimentary partners to create a bigger slice of pie to share, consequently expanding the market opportunity.
2. Calibrate Continually
It’s a widely recognised phrase that the only consent in life is ‘change’. With so many external influencing factors currently impacting business strategy, it has never been more important for business leaders to be agile and continually calibrate their strategy in order to remain relevant. By taking this approach organisations keep moving forward and give themselves the best chance possible to remain aligned to not only the business outcomes of today but those in tomorrow’s world.
3. Not knowing tech can be your biggest strength
In an outcome-based industry, in-depth technology knowledge isn’t the only asset to call upon when building a successful tech business. Getting closer to the customer and understanding their desired goals and motivations is a great way to differentiate yourself. Businesses who harness diversity and nurture a broad range of talent are the ones which are differentiating themselves from the pack.
4. Balance
Like creating the perfect recipe, it’s about finding the right balance of ingredients and adding them in the right order that provides the optimal result. Running a global business is no different. We’re all looking to provide the most effective outcome for our customers but realise we don’t have all the ingredients in the cupboard. We understand that we need to collaborate with partners to compile all the required ingredients for the outcome we’re trying to achieve. Companies who continue to find the right balance are the ones most likely to succeed.
5. Trust thy neighbour
Governments don’t drive technology innovation, tech companies and their talented team members do. Don’t believe everything you hear or read. As the famous UK journalist and political broadcaster, Andrew Neil once said at an event I attended “do your homework, and don’t take information on face value.” It is clear to see that media rhetoric and political propaganda is becoming more divisive, with social media often fanning the flames.
Regardless of which country they reside, most people are genuine and adhere to similar values. From personal experience and attending the recent SIA APAC conference, I recommend getting out there and meeting as many people from diverse backgrounds as possible, as each conversation brings a new perspective, educates, and helps to break down any pre-conceived barriers, large or small. This in turn builds trust and empowers people to form communities of like-minded individuals who collectively can achieve great things.
Finally, I would like to thank both the SIA and its members for hosting an insightful, engaging and enjoyable event and I look forward to uniting once again in Dublin in June. It would also be remiss of me not to thank our host city, and that was the beautiful, tranquil, and hospitable city of Seoul and its wonderful people who very much converted me into a Seoul man.
Curious to see more? Click here to check out the event gallery for a visual journey through the highlights!
This article was produced in association with Nebula Global Services and is classified as partner content. What is partner content? See more here.
Richard Eglon
Richard Eglon is Chief Marketing Officer of Nebula Global Services
