Entrepreneur Insight

How to Find Success in the Year of the Dog

Kick off Lunar New Year with advice from business leaders on reaching your goals in 2018.

Lunar New Year starts on February 16 this year—it’s the biggest holiday in China and is celebrated for more than two weeks across Asia. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2018 is the year of the dog. People born in the year of dog are said to be loyal, amiable and sensible.

The holiday is also known as the Spring Festival. It marks the end of the coldest days of the season and signals the dawning of a new cycle of renewal. This is a time where millions of people are preparing for new beginnings and fresh starts. For families, part of the ritual before the New Year is to thoroughly clean the house and sweep the dust away, letting go of unneeded things. For businesses, it’s time to try to clear the books, reconcile all accounts and debts with suppliers and vendors. Many business partners meet around this time to settle any outstanding issues and clean the slate.

We talked with entrepreneurs and business leaders from some of our most popular stories about what advice they would give to other entrepreneurs and young professionals to achieve success in the New Year.

Shallom and Jilla Berkman, founders of Urth Caffe. Click to read more

“There is nothing more important than intention, purpose and relationships in creating a successful new business. Entrepreneurs are known for their ability to take risks—with intention and purpose, you can envision and create your success. Your strong relationships will be there to back you up, mitigate risk, and ensure long term success.”

– Shallom and Jilla Berkman, founders of Urth Caffe

"Plan your steps carefully. Then march with confidence.”

– John Mekpongsatorn, founder of Noodle World

John Mekpongsatorn, founder of Noodle World. Click to read more

Wei Zhang, president of Alibaba Pictures. Click to read more

“Be persistent when you run into difficulties. Giving up is the easiest decision, to erase some pain at the moment, but sticking through it really pays off. Don’t make any emotional decisions at the moment. Let it sit and simmer a little bit. Sometimes time can really change how you see it.”

- Wei Zhang, president of Alibaba Pictures

“The most important thing is how you interact with clients—my advice is to personalize, localize, and expand your communications.”

- Bobak Kalhor, founder of Apex Photo Studios

Bobak Kalhor, founder of Apex Photo Studios. Click to read more

Tim Hollingsworth, chef/owner of Otium Restaurant. Click to watch video

“Inspiration comes from everywhere, as long as you have an open mind. I always have my notepad with me and I take notes so I can go back and think about it later.”

- Tim Hollingsworth, chef/owner of Otium Restaurant