I used to be an investment banker in China. I once represented my team
to meet with a couple of potential clients. Over dinner they offered
me bai-jiu (Chinese hard liquor). I politely declined, thinking that I
should keep a clear head to talk about business, or hide how much of a lightweight I am from these heavy drinking Chinese partners. Much to
my surprise, my counterparts became very irritated and the atmosphere
suddenly got a bit hostile. Sensing the tension, I also became upset
over their disregard for my decision. Before long the deal was called
off.
–Jackson Yang, co-founder of ChinaBusinessEtiquette
Are the small things like not knowing the Chinese drinking culture
preventing you from achieving your full business potential? Well,
fret no more! ChinaBusinessEtiquette is here to help you think and act
like a local.
Some discussion points we address include:
What to do
–at a meal
–in meetings
–at a non-business related event
–when visiting your business partner
–at the negotiation table
Protocol on gift-giving
How to dress
Acceptable small talk/jokes
Some travel essentials everyone should know
In addition to this site, please visit our group on Linked In for more discussions, polls, and surveys. We want to hear about your experiences and questions about doing business in China.
