If you want to establish good business relations with Chinese people, the first thing you need to do is be careful not to offend them. Things that can give offence are: – looking your Chinese colleague in the eye, gesturing with your hands while you talk, placing his business card in your pocket without reading it first, referring to “The Republic of China” instead of “Taiwan”, being late to the meeting, wearing skirts above the knee, saying “no”. You should say instead, “I’ll look into that.”
Suits should be dark and conservative. Bright colours are totally inappropriate for business. Jewellery can be worn so long as it is good quality and not ostentatious. Gift giving is not expected, but if you bring gifts, make sure they are not expensive and that there is one for each member of the meeting. Make sure it is obvious that the gifts are not personal, but from the company. Give the most important person his gift first.
Never wrap gifts in white or black as these are the colours of death. Red is considered an appropriate colour, but it is better to have them wrapped by the hotel staff after you arrive, since customs will probably open them.
Always use the most polite form of address, e.g. using the correct title and surname, have your own business card edged in gold and give a short, light handshake. Small talk before the meeting begins is considered good manners, as are pauses in the dialogue.
By: Melanie C
Posts Tagged ‘Suits’
Basic Chinese Business Etiquette
February 22nd, 2010Researching A Business Opportunity
January 17th, 2010
When researching a business opportunity, it is essential to make sure that the business opportunity complies with the business opportunity statutes of the state in which you are doing the transaction. Also, check to see if it is registered. If the business opportunity comes under the FTC rule that it is mandated to disclose specific information regarding the business, ask if they are offering a prospectus to potential buyers.
How To Research A Business Opportunity
It is necessary to study the history of the parent company, to determine if it is a successful company.
It is necessary to be very sure that it is the right opportunity that suits your skills and one that you are capable of handling.
Determine whether it will indeed be a better business opportunity for you than the present business you are engaged in, or if it will compliment the current business you are engaged in.
Make sure that the price asked for is acceptable and determine if there is a scope for negotiating with the seller to reduce the rate somehow.
It is necessary to be familiar and know how to run the business; otherwise, you may require training. Determine whether the parent company will provide you with the necessary training and coach you or provide you with a detailed operational manual.
Do market research and determine if there is a current market for the product or service that the business opportunity provides.
Conduct a thorough competitive analysis.
Seek the competitor’s opinion about the company, as it may give you insight about the company.
Ask for reference of other buyers and evaluate their success. Check with them about the seller.
Ask them about any problems they face and how they solve it.
Check out the parent company’s policies and plans to see if they are compatible with your policies and plans.
Analyze if the business will have good ROI.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have received any complaints against the company.
Seek guidance from an attorney as well as an accountant. It will help to have the accountant check the financial statements of the parent company. Check its credit status.
Make sure you understand the details of the agreement before signing the deal.
Make sure you are getting value for money and that it will be a genuine chance to help you achieve success.
These are a few guidelines that can be followed to help in researching a business opportunity. Hard work, business acumen and determination can help any business opportunity to succeed.
By: Alexander Gordon
