‘Top Ten’ List

10 tips for business relationships in a different country

1. Introduction

Business card should be presented with two hands and accepted with a slight bow. As a sign of respect, place the card in a business card holder, or your wallet.

NEVER toss a card into your back pocket!

NEVER toss a card into your bag!

2. Attending and Leading Meetings

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DO NOT be late!

Be aware of who the boss in the room is and address them by their title. Shake hands, but don’t maintain a strong grip. A long handshake is normal. Don’t feel the urge to pull away too soon. Smile and give a slight bow. Easiest way to remember, is by doing what they do.

3. Dining

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This is an opportunity to get to know your host, and their team. Personal relationships are highly important to Chinese business. If a seat isn’t assigned to you sit next to someone you’d like to get to know, rather then sitting comfortable next to a colleague.

4. Refusing Food

Nereida P.

Unless you have a dietary restriction, it is seen as disrespect to refuse the food. It is encouraged to try a little bit of everything and seen as a sign of politeness. Also, it’s important that you eat, after the host has begun to eat. Remember your manners. It never fails that someone on my team forgets their manners and starts to complain about the food in front of our guests. Don’t act like a 5 year old at the table.

*Im usually the adventurous one that try’s their specialty dishes. I also like to ask them about what the dishes are, as a sign of curiosity and interest.

5. Drinking ‘Bottoms Up!’

Nereida P.

Drinking at dinner is a sign of comfort and friendship.

Our Chinese business partners love to enjoy their meals with alcohol. Unless there is a medical reason or personal reasons, you are encouraged to participate.

Bottoms up is a typical toast said multiple times around the table. The glasses are usually small, so pace yourself.

Note: dinners are typically conducted after working all day together and ending the night late. Everyone will be at work the next morning, bright an early. NO excused for hangovers or worse, not showing up to work. ..

6. KTV Chinese Karaoke

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Our Chinese business partners LOVE karaoke.

There are certain ones that only allow men, but since I’m a female, they will take us to KTV’s where women are allowed.

Note: that these clubs host ‘female escorts’ to serve the host and guest their snacks and drinks. More commonly, these women are not asked to stay when Female colleagues are invited. EVERYONE sings and drinks and has a great time.

Again, this is a sign of friendship and sincere connection with your partners.

7. Paying the Bill

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The host pays. If you are hosting a meal do not show money infant of your guests. Have someone slip out and handle the tab or wait until your guest have left before paying.

8. Interacting with Locals

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When exploring the city without your Chinese business patterns, locals will stare. It’s important to remember that the majority of people in China, have not seen many foreigners in person. They will stop, and they will stare. Again, don’t be rude. Smile and be cordial. If you’re blonde, it is VERY likely they will take a picture of you, or ask to take a picture with you.

9. Transportation

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Carry the business card/address of the destination you’d like to be driven to a taxi driver. If your car service hasn’t been arranged it’s very likely your driver doesn’t speak english.

10. Restrooms

Nereida P.

Eastern Toilets vs Western Toilets

Don’t be alarmed when you walk into a stall and don’t see your traditional porcelain toilet awaiting you. In China, you will traditionally use a ‘squatter’. Larger cities do have western style toilets, but it is common to use a public bathroom with a squatter.