Even as I was younger, older men in business that I meet to talk about business seemed to be intimidated by me especially Asian men in general. I know that also happens with men in general born in the 50's and 60's.
I find it interesting that generations of men are different on how they look at young men in business. Even though I was hoping to get a new supplier for me coffee, I learned one important lesson. It was to listen but don't have believe what he tells me. He wanted to know how I do my business and when you do talk to people, you will see who believes in your work and those who want to know why you are in business and try to use their "age" to discourage you. This Korean man worked in the electronics industry for 20+ years and just got into coffee not too long ago. He may have travelled to many countries, have kids, family and business partners but one key question I asked him actually told me more than I needed to know and how I conduct my own business is my own not for his prying curiosity.
This is why it is important to ask questions and talk to people because you will learn right away if they believe and support you. I am grateful he did teach me something but not have to work with him on my projects.
Once people understand that when something that works for you does not work for someone else and they try to tell you that you are wrong, think of the validations of your customers. The people that tried my coffee no matter which roasting technique I do works..period regardless of this Korean man's opinion. He only does this for the money and knows only what his business partners tell him or his opinion. Since my roasting strategy works, I am grateful for it and my friends love it.
I find it interesting that generations of men are different on how they look at young men in business. Even though I was hoping to get a new supplier for me coffee, I learned one important lesson. It was to listen but don't have believe what he tells me. He wanted to know how I do my business and when you do talk to people, you will see who believes in your work and those who want to know why you are in business and try to use their "age" to discourage you. This Korean man worked in the electronics industry for 20+ years and just got into coffee not too long ago. He may have travelled to many countries, have kids, family and business partners but one key question I asked him actually told me more than I needed to know and how I conduct my own business is my own not for his prying curiosity.
This is why it is important to ask questions and talk to people because you will learn right away if they believe and support you. I am grateful he did teach me something but not have to work with him on my projects.
Once people understand that when something that works for you does not work for someone else and they try to tell you that you are wrong, think of the validations of your customers. The people that tried my coffee no matter which roasting technique I do works..period regardless of this Korean man's opinion. He only does this for the money and knows only what his business partners tell him or his opinion. Since my roasting strategy works, I am grateful for it and my friends love it.
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