What is Guanxi? Your Business Depends on It

Anyone in business has likely heard the phrase “it’s not what you know, but who you know” – this phrase takes on a much deeper meaning within China. Many Chinese businessmen rely almost exclusively on their personal relationships when doing business, and protect their networks with a level of devotion rarely seen in the Western countries. Every businessman knows connections and relationships are important, but why exactly are they so important in China? Continue reading →

The Importance of Giving Gifts in China

Many Western businessmen new to China are advised of the importance of gift giving to Chinese culture, business or otherwise. But why is this so important to Chinese people? How does one give a gift? And how is this different from corruption or bribery? Continue reading →

Mianzi – How to Make & Keep ‘Face’ in China

Almost anyone who has done business with China, or is planning to, has heard the term “face.” Western businessmen coming to China for the first time often hear about how important face is to the Chinese, and are advised to avoid offending a Chinese person’s face – but what does “face” really mean? Continue reading →

China’s bird flu mystery

CNN has a good piece on this fast-emerging story, scary stuff. We’ll refresh as more details become available! Continue reading →

5 Things You Need to Know About Air Pollution in China

By Justin Shuttleworth Beijing’s record-breaking pollution levels over the past winter and spring have made headlines worldwide, casting new-found scrutiny on China’s long-standing air quality issues.  If you are currently living in China or travel there frequently for business, then this phenomenon can shift from being from an abstract news item to a very personal health concern in a short … Continue reading →

Closing Deals in China: A Study in Relativity

By Justin Shuttleworth “Time eases all things.” –Sophocles I spent four years as a sales manager in mainland China, doing business in some of the largest cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Those four years seemed to sail by very quickly. My company’s primary product was a world-class air purifier and business was good, … Continue reading →

“chinEASE” – Make Sense of Chinese Characters for Your Next Business Trip

Learn the basics of Chinese characters en route to your next business meeting

By Aaron Posehn

If you’re someone who’s been to China on a business trip or tour, or even if you’re someone who has been to your local Chinatown, you surely have had your senses bombarded with signs and papers and menus all written in Chinese characters. It can get confusing, not to mention tiring (at least that’s how I used to feel). You feel like you’re in a strange new world that needs navigation, and there’s is no way for it to be done. Continue reading →