ATLANTA, April 21, 2009 - Softscribe Inc., a technology Internet public relations firm that drives sales for companies targeting the green tourism and hospitality, green government and related markets, today announced it has formed a joint venture with LEAP Integrated Marketing Solutions, with a presence in Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, to provide reciprocal public relations and marketing services that support the international growth of both firms’ clients.

“We believe that centrally created marketing strategies are more effective when executed locally, particularly in Asian markets and EMEA,” said Michael Squires, president and CEO of Softscribe Inc. “Experts predict the strongest geographies in 2009 will be in Asian markets, the Middle East, and the non-U.S. Americas, so this joint venture is a natural step in the value our 10-year-old firm delivers to our clients. After a thorough search, we found a partner who shares our culture of results-oriented professional excellence. LEAP Integrated Marketing Solutions is the best in its class.”

Michael Squires, president of Softscribe Inc.,
talks about the five distinct Asian markets.

More information: China, from Spaces to Places

Based in Singapore with affiliations in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, LEAP Integrated Marketing Solutions will enable Softscribe’s clients to expand to Asian markets, while Softscribe will provide support for LEAP clients who wish to extend their footprint to North America. The partners’ first shared client is The Rainmaker Group, a world leader in automated profit optimization software and services for gaming hospitality and multifamily housing. Rainmaker recently opened a regional office in Singapore as part of its expansion into the Greater Chinese and South East Asia markets.

Growth is all about relationships and managing face value or “mianzi”

The Softscribe/LEAP partnership provides valuable counsel and execution to clients like Rainmaker on the best way to do business in multiple Asian markets. Wye Leng Wong, LEAP’s founding co-director, offers these tips:
  • Realize each market in Asia is unique. The culture, tradition, mentality, business practice, and consumer behavior differ from country to country and even city to city. Observe and understand these differences and adapt your business model to the locale. A one-size-fits-all approach does not necessarily work.
  • Observe the importance of face value or “mianzi”. Mianzi is the Chinese term for prestige, dignity, respect — a vital ingredient in all relationships, especially when dealing with Asians including seniors, experts and business veterans. All across Asia, “giving face” refers to having esteem for your business associates and showing it through the utmost courtesy and regard. Maintaining your own “mianzi” or reputation is equally important.
  • Control the financial aspect at all times. When venturing into business with foreign partners or in any business dealings, establish firm control of the financial side from the outset.

“LEAP is indeed very excited with this collaboration,” said Lynn Yeow, also a founding co-director of the firm. We believe that there is a great synergy between the two teams to provide an integrated service and broader network to our clients.”

Ms. Wong created Chinese names for Michael Squires and Julie Keyser-Squires, CFO of Softscribe Inc.:

  • Michael Squires: 施任洋 (pronounced Shi Ren Yang, which translates roughly as ‘man with confidence of blue ocean.’)
  • Julie Keyser-Squires: 施悦俐 (pronounced Shi Yue Li, which could translate as “joyful, strong woman with beautiful connection skills.”)

About LEAP Integrated Marketing Solutions | LEAP Integrated Marketing Solutions is a consultancy providing highly effective publicity and marketing strategies for premium lifestyle brands and the hospitality / tourism industry. Covering Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore and other cities in Asia Pacific, we offer comprehensive, cost-effective single-source solutions to meet all your marketing communications needs. Our esteemed clients include The Rainmaker AP, Pacific Coast Feather Company AP, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Hotel Mulia – Senayan, Jakarta, and The WaterHouse at South Bund, Shanghai opening in 2009. For more information, please visit .

About Softscribe® Inc. | Softscribe Inc. leverages ten years of proven experience, deep domain expertise, and fresh client-tailored Internet public relations and marketing programs to help companies targeting the green tourism + hospitality, green government and related markets drive sales and reach their business goals. We do this with an emphasis on relationships and a customized blend of social media + traditional public relations + technology-based solutions. We are proud of our best-in-class clients, which include Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., Gold Key Solutions, Flyte Systems, Hawaiian Mahogany, hotelSystemsPro, JDA Software, NORTHWIND Maestro-PMS, The Rainmaker Group, SRA International, TravelCLICK and many other leading technology and service companies. We would love to help you, too. For more information please visit .

Julie Keyser-Squires
CEO
+1-404-256-5512
Softscribe