Hello everyone! To all business consultants out there, and to those foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Japan, how are you doing? Today, I want to share a real-life example of an Italian business owner who started from scratch in Japan and secured three clients in just two months. His experience will surely be a great hint for foreign entrepreneurs struggling with business development in Japan.

An Italian Business Owner Who Started as President in Tokyo

Two months ago, I had the opportunity to exchange ideas with an Italian business consultant who had just launched his company in Tokyo. He had previously worked for a major global consulting firm, but this was his first time in Japan, starting fresh as a company president in Tokyo. For him, finding clients in Japan meant starting from zero.

Secured Three SME Clients in Just Two Months!

However, to my surprise, he landed three clients in just two months. What’s more, all of these clients were Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). How did he manage to build trust and close deals in such a short period?

The Secret to His Success: “Specialization” and “Communication”

His success can be attributed to two main points: Service Specialization for SMEs: His consulting service specifically focused on human resource development, tailored to the needs of Japanese SMEs. While many consultants target large corporations, he differentiated himself by clearly defining his target market and area of expertise. SMEs often have unique challenges that larger companies don’t, and they were likely looking for a consultant with his kind of specialization. Proactive Information Dissemination and Networking: To make his services widely known, he gave a presentation at an event hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce. Such events are excellent opportunities for business networking. By clearly communicating his expertise and value proposition, he was able to directly approach the audience present and create touchpoints with potential clients. Through his presentation, he specifically showed how his services could solve certain problems, which helped him attract attendees’ interest and gain their trust.

Summary: Tips for Finding Clients in Japan

From this Italian business owner’s case, we can glean important tips for finding clients in Japan: Define your target: Clearly specify who you want to provide value to and what that value is. This allows for a more effective approach. Refine your expertise: In a competitive market, clearly defining your strengths and specialized areas will help you stand out from others. Actively share information: Efforts to make your services widely known, such as presentations at events or hosting seminars, are essential. Value networking: Actively building connections with business professionals through events like Chamber of Commerce gatherings and industry meetups can lead to new business opportunities.   Starting a business in Japan can present various challenges, including language and cultural differences. However, with a clear strategy and proactive drive, you can steadily pave your way to success.