PROBLEM DEFINITION A global pharmaceutical business specializing in the manufacture of generic medications and medical devices is aiming to expand its operations in China. They needed detailed information from several purchasing divisions in China's pharmaceutical industry to make informed business decisions. This data was critical in allowing them to adjust their products and services to the specific needs of the Chinese market. However, they encountered a huge stumbling block: a lack of contacts within these departments. They needed the assistance of a bilingual company with skilled linguists in both English and Chinese to perform significant secondary research, followed by a successful 45-minute survey to collect essential information. The client was eager to gather vital information from various purchasing departments within the pharmaceutical industry in China to inform their strategic decisions and market expansion plans. However, they did not have existing contacts within the purchasing departments of pharmaceutical companies in China, making it challenging to initiate the research process. Moreover, the majority of purchasing professionals in China primarily spoke Chinese, while the pharmaceutical company was an English-speaking company. This language barrier hindered their ability to conduct effective market research. So they required assistance from a multilingual company with proficient linguists in both English and Chinese for extensive secondary research and subsequent telephone surveys. The company needed detailed and accurate information, including market trends, supplier preferences, regulatory updates, and procurement processes. The company decided to collaborate with a multilingual research support service, PIE Multilingual Company, to overcome these challenges and conduct the necessary market research in China. We specialize in providing research solutions for businesses looking to enter new markets, and we have a team of experienced linguists proficient in both English and Chinese. Our company began by conducting extensive secondary research to identify potential contacts within the purchasing departments of pharmaceutical companies in China. We scoured industry reports, databases, and publicly available information on LinkedIn to compile a list of key decision-makers and relevant contacts. Moreover, we assigned a team of multilingual linguists who were fluent in both English and Chinese. These linguists were responsible for communicating with potential survey participants, both in writing and over the phone. The linguists initiated contact with the identified individuals in the purchasing departments through email and phone calls. They introduced our client and explained the purpose of the survey. We maintained consistent communication with potential contacts, building relationships and trust over time. This process involved exchanging emails, engaging in LinkedIn discussions, and offering relevant insights and information. After establishing a connection with the potential contacts, our team initiated phone calls and engaged in a 45-minute conversation with each contact, discussing the importance of the pharmaceutical survey and how their input could shape the industry. These conversations were conducted in Chinese to ensure clear communication. Our company analyzed the collected data and prepared detailed reports for the client. These reports included insights, recommendations, and market trends that would help them make informed decisions about their market entry strategy.