It is About The People, Not The Politics (Great Quote + Interview)

Dear Readers, What an intense 2020 for sure. My wife and I were on BBC live radio last week (here’s the quick 3 min clip if you’re curious) talking about living apart during the Coronavirus saga. Trying to think of other topics to discuss, as it is consuming my mind space as well as everyone in the industry (have talked … Read More

Kicking Off New Year With Amazing Events (Friends & Ours)

Dear Readers, Hope everyone is prepared for the upcoming CNY (Chinese New Year) – the year of the rat. The last time it was the year of the rat was 2008, which my first Chinese New Year in Mainland China. Time is flying, and I wish all of you a good rat year – which technically doesn’t kick off until … Read More

Welcome To a New Decade [Some Plans For You]

Dear Readers, I’ll keep my letter short today. You’re welcome 😉 First up – Cross Border Summit So many of you have been excited for the fifth annual Cross Border Summit for 2020 – asking when and where it will be. Save the date – we are moving it out of China. Both because I don’t live there anymore but … Read More

Christmas Bugs in China [+ Life Calculator Motivation]

Dear Readers, Many of you have been concerned if I successfully made it to China. I’m here! Thank you for your concern and I wish you all a very happy holiday season. Upon arrival, my wife’s family had prepared dinner- the normal northern Chinese dumplings – but also some sort of bug larva. My son was so nervous to even … Read More

Preparing for Ice World [Plus Year End Survey]

Dear Readers, It is a bit chilly here in Chiang Mai, Thailand – typing up the newsletter here with a light sweatshirt on. This will be nothing compared to the frigid cold I will be entering on Friday going to Dong Bei (East North) China. Will have a v-log later next on MikesBlog for those curious. So I will be … Read More

The Passing Of The China Expert Baton [podcast & feedback from last week]

Dear Readers, One of my favorite updates in 2019 was turning this newsletter from a list of news in the industry to a more focused personal “letter” to you each week. Last week I received quite a bit of replies and insights about my fear and loss of sleep on re-entering Mainland China for Christmas – here’s some who allowed … Read More

Going To China For The Holidays [Honestly Nervous]

Dear Readers, It will be a White Christmas for me this year – in snowy and cold Shenyang city – up north past Beijing in the North East region (aka Dong Bei) of the country. Why, you ask? My wife’s immediate family is under unusual health circumstances, and she wants us to spend time with them. And hey, its her … Read More

Is it OK to Get Personal? [Video]

Dear Readers, Greetings from Taipei! Huh, Taiwan? Was invited to take a trip here to host a workshop with the MOX accelerator and share about content marketing. With literally so many things happening – people have not been able to keep up. So what’s up with today’s email meaning let’s get personal? Just a quick note and reminder for those … Read More