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Steve Crane
Helping international companies to enter and build business in the Japanese market.
Professional Background
Steve Crane OBE is a distinguished entrepreneur and business strategist renowned for his expertise in assisting international companies in successfully navigating the complexities of the Japanese market. With over 20 years of dedicated experience, Steve has built a robust reputation for his results-oriented approach that has benefited more than 70 companies from Europe, the USA, and Canada. Through his comprehensive services in sales, marketing, technical, and engineering support, Steve has played a pivotal role in transforming the business outcomes for numerous organizations entering Japan's competitive landscape.
As the CEO and Founder of Business Link Japan, Steve leads a dynamic team committed to empowering clients with tailored strategies that maximize their success. His experience includes collaboration with high-profile clients, ranging from CEOs and Senior Vice Presidents to influential government officials, including ambassadors from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Steve's unique insights have often stemmed from his versatile exposure to various industries, enabling him to develop and implement methodologies that align with the best practices of successful global companies operating in Japan.
In addition to overseeing Business Link Japan, Steve has held several significant roles that underscore his commitment to international business development. His previous positions have included Strategic Investment Advisor at JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Executive Board Member at the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ), and leadership roles in multiple companies focused on exports and market entry strategies.
Steve's extensive background not only highlights his business acumen but also reflects his dedication to fostering strong bilateral business relationships and promoting international trade between Japan and other countries.
Education and Achievements
Steve's academic credentials underscore his foundation in business and marketing principles. His education includes studies at Bayside Academy in Yokohama, South Bank University in London, and further professional development at the Chartered Institute of Marketing. These experiences have provided him with a solid grounding in marketing strategies, which he applies to his role in helping organizations bolster their presence in the Japanese market.
Over the years, Steve's work has earned him numerous accolades, celebrating his contributions to the international business community. Among these are various awards recognizing his deep commitment to fostering business relations between Japan and the broader international marketplace. His reputation as a knowledgeable and innovative leader continues to flourish, making him a sought-after figure in the field of international business development.
Notable Achievements
Among his many accomplishments, Steve founded the Japan Special Interest Group at Cambridge Wireless Ltd, demonstrating his commitment to advancing Japan-related technology and collaboration efforts. As co-founder of Business Link Japan, Steve has driven significant growth for numerous clients, helping them establish sustainable operations and competitive advantages within Japan.
In his role at Teamstudio, he contributed to the company's expansion into international markets, serving as both the Vice President of International Operations and the CEO, where he played a crucial role in shaping their strategic direction and outreach. Steve has also actively contributed to the development of the business community in Japan, advocating for a more robust investment climate and supportive infrastructure for international businesses.
Steve's journey in the world of international business is marked by his commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. He prides himself on staying attuned to the evolving market dynamics in Japan, leveraging his insights to benefit clients while fostering a culture of collaboration among his team members. The profound respect he holds for his colleagues and clients alike is a testament to his leadership style, which emphasizes teamwork and mutual growth.
Thanks to Steve's unwavering dedication and innovative strategies, many businesses have optimized their operational strategies and cultivated lasting profitability. His passion for bridging cultural differences while enhancing business opportunities has made a significant impact on the international business landscape in Japan.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
Clay offers several powerful features including:
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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