China is the most populous country on earth, with around 1.3 billion inhabitants, though they are also an ageing population. It is a vast country which offers plenty of opportunities, but these can only come to fruition with good research and planning. The biggest hurdles to trading successfully in China are the language and cultural barriers.
Doing business with China, and being successful, is all about making the right connections, reciprocating favours and building enduring business relationships. In business, the Chinese will often 'save face' so to maintain this respect you should allow them to speak in English and praise them on their offices and homes as well as politely asking about their families.
When you meet and greet in China be smart, well dressed and on time. The most senior person will probably be introduced to you first and you will need to exchange business cards with two hands as a sign of respect.
Patience is a virtue when dealing with the Chinese; they are tough and highly skilled negotiators and often think more 'longer-term' than we do so ensure you are well prepared for meetings, with your key points firmly in your mind.
The official language in China is Mandarin, though in Guangdong, the South and Hong Kong, Cantonese is spoken. Written Chinese is based on a system of characters.
In China they believe that those who attempt to speak some Chinese are showing their admiration and respect for China, so even having a few basic phrases under your belt will go a long way towards building a good business relationship.
If you are attending important negotiations in China you are advised to use a professional interpreter to get the most out of the meeting and avoid embarrassing mistakes. Once you have found an interpreter, make sure that they are fully aware of your goals and objectives before they begin the assignment. Let interpreters have copies of speeches and presentations in advance. Be aware that interpretations may take much longer than the original speech. Speak slowly, clearly and pause regularly. Avoid long complex sentences and jargon.
Written documentation should, likewise, be professionally translated to ensure that potential clients grasp the nature of your business and also to demonstrate respect towards your hosts' language and culture.
Doing business with China, and being successful, is all about making the right connections, reciprocating favours and building enduring business relationships. In business, the Chinese will often 'save face' so to maintain this respect you should allow them to speak in English and praise them on their offices and homes as well as politely asking about their families.
When you meet and greet in China be smart, well dressed and on time. The most senior person will probably be introduced to you first and you will need to exchange business cards with two hands as a sign of respect.
Patience is a virtue when dealing with the Chinese; they are tough and highly skilled negotiators and often think more 'longer-term' than we do so ensure you are well prepared for meetings, with your key points firmly in your mind.
The official language in China is Mandarin, though in Guangdong, the South and Hong Kong, Cantonese is spoken. Written Chinese is based on a system of characters.
In China they believe that those who attempt to speak some Chinese are showing their admiration and respect for China, so even having a few basic phrases under your belt will go a long way towards building a good business relationship.
If you are attending important negotiations in China you are advised to use a professional interpreter to get the most out of the meeting and avoid embarrassing mistakes. Once you have found an interpreter, make sure that they are fully aware of your goals and objectives before they begin the assignment. Let interpreters have copies of speeches and presentations in advance. Be aware that interpretations may take much longer than the original speech. Speak slowly, clearly and pause regularly. Avoid long complex sentences and jargon.
Written documentation should, likewise, be professionally translated to ensure that potential clients grasp the nature of your business and also to demonstrate respect towards your hosts' language and culture.
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