Bill Belew has raised 2 bi-cultural kids, now 34 and 30. And he and his wife are now parenting a 3rd, Mia, who is 8.

Chinese Market

There are three major areas that are targeted in China – Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Multinationals are also reaching into second and even third tier cities in order to strengthen their presence and, of course, increase revenues.

www.theage.com.au reports that there are still some 12,000 MORE cities and towns beyond that.

A survey conducted by an Australian company revealed some interesting facts about these cities.

Though poor by international standards, they do still have disposable income. Some 35 million households have an average income of about 3800 yuan.

1.  This group favors catalog shopping and shopping from TV programs.

2.  They respond well to door-to-door sales people.

3.  55% of the people are 18-34 years old

4.  They have weaker family values – success does NOT mean family happiness

5.  Very Brand conscious

6.  Fashion trends are important – 59% compared to 50% in the big cities

7.  More people own cell phones, have internet access and want an air conditioner than their urban counterparts

But are they reachable?

Amway has achieved annual revenues of nearly $3 billion in China by deploying 130,000 door-to-door sales people across hill and dale.

The countryside, no doubt, is likely to be slow going…but it’s there for the reaching to the company with the diligence to build a salesforce and the patience to see it through.

What do you think?

Talk to Bill and others about their experiences raising bi-cultural Japanese-American kids.