TOPIC:
What do we think about our workplace?
Hear some voices from our ZenPlus division talk about their experience working at ZenGroup.
What are your responsibilities and roles?
Satoki: My main responsibility is domestic sales for ZenPlus. The goal is to increase the number of new stores registering for our cross-border EC mall. I mainly find potential Japanese sellers through local governments, chambers of commerce, and other financial institutions. Besides this, I organize information sessions and seminars to communicate the potential benefits we can offer through our platform.
Makoto: I also handle domestic sales for ZenPlus. My role is to support EC businesses that are selling products with high demand in overseas markets. This usually involves me assisting with online-shop set up and helping boost sales. Additionally, I collaborate with inventory management systems and EC consultants. Inventory management is often a significant challenge for EC businesses, but at ZenPlus, we partner with high-functioning inventory management systems and share these insights to our customers in need.
Mikael: I am the team leader of the ZenPlus marketing team. I guide my team to ensure that everyone works seamlessly rather than moving in separate directions. I also work with other departments to gather information. This could be anything from gathering customer feedback from the customer support team to keeping myself caught up with the newly onboarded businesses on ZenPlus provided from the sales team.
Jessica: I am one of the digital marketers working on our ZenPlus team. Mainly, I focus on influencer marketing, social media management, and advertising. To be more specific, I develop strategies to sell various products overseas. We sell things like anime merch, crafts, and fashion. To successfully promote these Japanese products, it’s important to capture market needs, plan and implement effective strategies, and conduct detailed analysis and inspections.
What is the atmosphere of the team like?
Makoto: The team atmosphere promotes the sharing of opinions and information. We are always actively communicating and aim to share common viewpoints, which allows great teamwork. We kick off the beginning of the week with a sales meeting, and share the week’s tasks and progress. When there are different viewpoints among our Japanese and foreign members, we make sure to understand cultural differences and respect each other’s opinions.
Sometimes opinions clash, but even then we reach a mutual agreement through constructive meetings and reach an agreement. Whenever something uncommon occurs and requires action, we discuss it as a team and respond quickly and flexibly. As a team member of ZenPlus, I strive to perform my duties at a high level and contribute to achieving the team’s overall goals.
Mikael: The atmosphere here is calm, and we have professionals with a lot of knowledge in their respective fields. Despite the extensive knowledge and experience, we are always curious and eager to improve. We also are a team who can calmly resolve problems without panicking. If there are ever any problems, we can always approach it as a team and someone will have the answer.
What are the attractions and rewards of working at ZenPlus?
Makoto: Throughout my experience working at ZenPlus, the biggest reward for me has been contributing to the growth of clients’ businesses through cross-border Ecommerce. When a client reaches their goals and expresses their gratitude with a “thank you,” it makes me happy. ZenPlus gives an exciting opportunity to take on new challenges, contribute to customer growth, and grow in an international setting.
Jessica: Currently, I am working on a new project called “Global Reach” in collaboration with the sales team. It has been easy to make progress on such projects with an international team and a supportive environment, where I can easily ask questions if there is something I do not understand. I also think the variety of products listed on ZenPlus is fascinating and I often come across items I have never seen before. For example, even with something as simple as tea, there are unique kinds of Japanese tea, like roasted green tea, and other regional specialties. Being able to learn more about all the products in Japan and help spread them overseas for customers to experience them is rewarding.
[What is the “Global Reach” project?]
Global Reach is a social media project aimed at expanding product visibility. For stores selling on ZenPlus, we offer a free service to create videos and images for those who wish to promote their products through social media. This content will be showcased on our official Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube accounts.
What is important when working with ZenPlus?
Mikael: The most important thing is to prioritize the customer. Buying Japanese products from a distant country where you don’t understand the language is not easy and comes with its fair share of concerns. I believe it’s essential to “lower the hurdles” for these customers. Unlike shopping domestically, it’s crucial to build a relationship where trust and reliability are established.
Satoki: I want to discover attractive Japanese products, create new value, and convey their appeal to the world through ZenPlus. I focus on uncovering and promoting hidden gems, (particularly local products) by collaborating with local governments and financial institutions.
With that being said, it is important to note that our team consists of both Japanese and international members, and we prioritize mutual respect for our differences. This respect creates unity and supports ZenPlus’s growth.
Message for those considering joining our company
Jessica: At ZenGroup, you can enjoy free amenities like coffee, tea, and Nespresso. And with so many diverse employers, the company considers everyone’s preferences, creating a comfortable work environment. In addition, many foreigners coming to Japan may feel lonely and have trouble making connections. I even found it difficult to make friends. At ZenGroup, 70% of the HQ staff are foreign employees, so with our company events you can create bonds with both foreign and Japanese members. Speaking from a foreigner’s perspective, ZenGroup is a place that respects diversity, promotes growth, and is very welcoming. I think it is the perfect place for those who want to grow in an international environment and take on new challenges. *As of February 2024
Satoki: I’ve been part of ZenGroup’s Day Camp Club for three years now, and we’ve held seven day camps so far. Day camps allow you to interact with employees in the office who you don’t usually work with, promoting and developing relationships. At ZenGroup, which has employees from 31 countries, you can learn different points of view. It’s a great company for those interested in an international exchange and learning about the thoughts of people overseas.
Even for Japanese sellers who have never sold products overseas before, they can get the chance through ZenPlus. Being part of the moment when something goes from zero to one, and hearing a “thank you” from a seller, brings me joy. I hope everyone can find a company where they truly want to work. If fate allows, let’s work together!
