From Chopsticks to Closing Deals: Sales Insights From My Asia Travels

In March, I traveled through South Korea (Seoul), Cambodia (Phnom Penh), and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi)—not just for rest and recharge, but also to visit our friends and celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Being in these beautiful places, I also had the opportunity to reflect on how relationship-based sales and systems show up in real life, in different cultures, and in unexpected moments. Each country offered a unique lens, reminding me that sales isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about guiding with intention, building trust, and showing up as a real human.

Celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary at Yu Yaun at the Four Seasons for a delicious Peking Duck dinner.

Here’s what I learned:

South Korea (Seoul): Beauty is in the (Sales) Process

1. K-Beauty Reminds Us: Ritual Builds Relationship
The K-beauty world isn’t just product—it’s a ritual. One step flows into the next, designed to build anticipation and results. That’s how your sales process should feel: layered, intentional, and nurturing. When each follow-up has a purpose and supports your prospect’s next move, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

2. Calm Systems Build Trust
Seoul is the definition of peaceful precision. Subways are quiet, signage is clear, and everything flows. That same calm should exist in your sales systems. When your process is organized and predictable, clients feel safe to buy. Confusion is a trust-breaker.

3. Curiosity is the First Step in Connection
While in Seoul, we attended Nanta, a globally acclaimed, long-running non-verbal performance with high-energy beats inspired by traditional Korean samul nori music. It's funny, electric, and totally engaging—even without a single word spoken. The takeaway? You don’t always need more words in your sales messaging. You need presence, rhythm, and surprise. Lead with curiosity. Invite attention. Let your energy do the talking before the pitch ever starts.

Nanta was about the chaos of preparing for a last minute wedding. That's why there are a bunch of pots and pans. Patrick was acting like he was playing the drums.

Cambodia (Phnom Penh): Presence Over Perfection

1. Relationships First, Always
In Phnom Penh, connection comes before commerce. Tuk-tuk drivers, market vendors—they greet with eye contact and warmth. They don’t rush. That’s how trust is built. Are you rushing to close, or are you building a relationship that lasts longer than the sale?

2. Don't Over-Automate the Human Parts
Automation is powerful—but not everything should be a zap or a sequence. A personal check-in, a thoughtful referral, or a hand-typed thank-you goes a long way. Your system should create space for human moments, not replace them.

3. Stories Stick—Tell Yours Often
Phnom Penh wears its history proudly, and it pulls you in. Your story should do the same. When prospects understand who you are and why you do what you do, they’re more likely to trust you with their business.

Patrick found The Pavilion Hotel in Phnom Penh that brings a whole new meaning to garden style.

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi): Real Connection is the Ultimate Sales Strategy

Malaysia was a highlight because we met up with friends in Kuala Lumpur—real relationships, rekindled over food and conversation. It reminded me that the strongest sales pipeline is the one rooted in human connection.

1. Your Network is Your Secret Sales Engine
Meeting with friends reminded me: great clients often come from great relationships. Referrals, introductions, collaborations—they're all easier (and more joyful) when your network knows what you do and trusts how you do it.

2. Offer Options That Guide, Not Overwhelm
Malaysian hawker stalls are the perfect sales metaphor. So many delicious options—but well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly priced. Is your offer suite clear and confidence-building, or are you accidentally creating decision fatigue?

3. Tailored Outreach > Mass Messaging
In a country where cultures blend so beautifully, one-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Your CRM should help you tailor follow-ups that feel personal—not robotic.

I feel like I have to explain the stuffed tigers in the background. They are there to scare away the monkeys from steal food from people eating on these patios. They didn't! We experienced a "monkey attack". It was exciting and a tiny bit scary. The monkeys are very tall (4 ft). It is part of being in a tropical environment, so totally worth it!

Final Takeaways from the Journey

• Your Sales Process Should Feel Like a Journey—Not a Chase
  You need a clear destination, but space to enjoy the ride. Sales isn’t about pressuring people into a yes—it’s about making it easy and safe to say yes.

• Systems Create Space for Connection
  The more organized your backend is, the more present you can be in the moment. Systems don’t remove humanity—they make room for it.

• It’s Not About Closing the Deal. It’s About Opening the Relationship.
  This trip reminded me: the best business is built on connection, trust, and intention. Everything else flows from that.

Ready to make your sales system feel like a well-designed journey?

Let’s talk about how to turn sales chaos into clarity—so you can spend more time in the relationship-building zone, where the magic happens. Schedule Here.