by anon1984

Created on: April 23, 2008

I am doing my agriculture business with people from China and even though we come from the same region, Asia, we found there are several interesting differences that both of us try to learn and understand. Doing business in China actually is same with other countries where there are taboos or prohibit. It is a challenge for businessmen who want to expand their business internationally, because have to have well appreciative about others. I have my own list that should be considered when I am doing my business with people in China:

1). Preparation
a. Learn simple Chinese conversation and important business words. Please think about which part of China you will do your business, because there are some differences within China mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
b. Always print your business card with both languages, English and Chinese. So, every side of your business card has different languages.
c. Find a present or gift. This is one of the important things that should be considered, because a gift represents deep appreciation and need to establish a relationship. Do not need to pay an expensive gift, but something beautiful and meaningful will get more appreciation. For my business partners in China, I always prepare for special traditional drinks or snacks that put in handicraft basket from my country. After several meetings, I realize my business partner loves to eat fried nuts, and so I always prepare for him from my country.
d. Prepare a polite dress, conservative and simple. Use a calm color, avoid white which mean sadness and do not use bright color which is inappropriate.
e. As I never used high heels and prefer to use flat shoes, actually this good when you have business with people in China, because if you looks too tall as a women, than they will feel intimidate especially when your business partner a man who shorter than you
f. Read some literatures that give you knowledge about taboos in Chinese culture

2).Etiquette
a.First impression is important. Always attend the meeting earlier, never gets late and use formal greetings sentence. Do not be too friendly and warm. Just simple and formal.
Please be careful when you want to give your business card. Hand it with two hands and standing during introductions
b. As other Asian people, we love to talk about daily, current issues or some interests. Actually, before we go through the business negotiation, we love to know about their personal such as family, education, marital status, et cetera. This will make use closer

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