Lessons from Vietnam: Dora Yan Shares Her Sales Insights

When it comes to building business connections, persistence often takes center stage. Dora Yan from MH’s Sales Department 2 recently traveled to Vietnam, a bustling hub of the textile and garment industry, and returned with invaluable insights that every professional can learn from. This blog highlights Dora’s key takeaways—from securing client meetings with determined follow-ups to navigating the dynamics of Vietnam's thriving textile market.

The Art of Persistence in Sales

"Perseverance is the foundation of success when acquiring clients," Dora says. During her trip, she had an encounter that perfectly illustrates this principle.

While reaching out to a client in Ho Chi Minh City, her initial attempts to arrange a meeting fell through due to the client’s busy schedule. Dora didn’t relent. After two declines, her third attempt aligned with a rare opportunity—they both happened to travel to Hanoi for work. This coincidence led to a highly productive in-person discussion, where Dora gained a deeper understanding of the client’s needs and nurtured a foundation for future collaboration.

The lesson? Persistence pays off when coupled with flexibility, careful timing, and unwavering determination. It’s these qualities that transform “not now” into eventual business opportunities.

The Power of Preparation and Communication

For Dora, success in sales is built on preparation and constant communication. Before approaching a client, conducting thorough research is essential. Understanding their business needs and potential pain points allows you to enter conversations with ideas rather than just questions.

“Opportunities often slip away if you’re unprepared,” Dora explains. Being proactive, whether it’s answering an urgent query or offering tailored solutions, demonstrates your expertise and builds trust.

Frequent communication also plays a critical role. Many game-changing insights surface naturally when engaging with clients regularly. It’s in these moments of problem-solving that strong partnerships are forged.

Vietnam’s Textile Industry: Key Insights

Vietnam’s textile and garment industry served as the backdrop for Dora’s memorable trip. The sector is not only a key contributor to the country’s economy but also an area of immense opportunity for businesses involved in textiles. Here’s a snapshot of the industry and its potential:

1. Vietnam’s Leading Role in Global Textile Exports

Vietnam ranks among the world’s top three textile exporters, with major importers including the U.S., European Union, Japan, and South Korea. Employing over 3 million workers, the industry contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, making it one of the economy’s central pillars.

With competitive labor costs and free trade agreements (FTAs) like EVFTA (European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) and CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), Vietnam continues to attract global apparel brands such as Nike, Zara, and Adidas.

2. Navigating Challenges in the Sector

Despite its strengths, Vietnam’s textile industry faces notable hurdles such as reliance on imported raw materials (70% of fabric and fibers are sourced externally) and rising labor costs. Sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations are also frequent challenges, especially as global markets demand transparency and greener supply chains.

For sales professionals targeting Vietnam, understanding its industry's intricacies is vital. Tailoring solutions that address challenges, such as sourcing alternatives or sustainability features, can give your pitch a competitive edge.

3. Vietnam’s Future in Textiles

The industry’s future is shaped by innovation, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. Investments in local fabric production, digital tools like AI-enabled supply chain optimization, and green practices are pushing Vietnam toward a more resilient and advanced textile ecosystem.

For businesses like MH, these advancements present exciting opportunities to collaborate with local players and expand reach.

Takeaway for Business Professionals

Dora’s experiences in Vietnam highlight key strategies for building lasting business relationships:

• Stay Persistent: Persistence, paired with tact and careful timing, opens doors to opportunities even after initial setbacks.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Gain an in-depth understanding of client needs before every interaction to offer valuable solutions.
• Communicate Often: Maintain frequent communication to uncover critical information and nurture trust.

For those involved in the textile industry, Vietnam remains a promising market. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and competitive edge, it’s a hotspot for enterprises looking to collaborate and grow.

Moving Forward with Confidence

If there’s one takeaway Dora wants to share, it’s this—a successful sales approach isn’t just about making a deal; it’s about building trust. Whether it’s understanding a client’s supply chain challenges or offering tailored solutions to meet sustainability goals, long-term partnerships are built on reliability and persistence.

At MH, we understand the intricacies of the global textile landscape. From high-quality threads and zippers to fabrics and ribbons, we’re dedicated to supporting client needs while fostering collaboration in diverse markets like Vietnam. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your business thrive, get in touch with our experts for tailored support.