Awhile back I was going through some old files on my computer and ran across something that a Chinese friend gave me years and years ago. It is a list of 12 so-called "golden rules" of doing any kind of business in China.
I don’t remember who gave it to me, or where she got it; but I did get a good chuckle out of it and I’m guessing you will too.
I’ve also been involved in enough negotiations in China to appreciate the ring of truth to them!
- Everything is possible.
- Nothing is easy.
- Western business logic does not apply.
- It is a fun project if there is no deadline.
- You must persist—things will come your way eventually.
- Patience is the essence of success.
- “You don’t know China” means they disagree.
- “New regulation” means they found a new way of avoiding something.
- “Internal regulation” means they are mad at you.
- “Basically no problem” means BIG problem.
- When you are optimistic, think about rule #2.
- When you are pessimistic, think about rule #1.
Raise your hand if you’ve been hit with the dreaded “there’s a new regulation.”
Image credit: by Wendy, via Flickr
