China is a country known of it’s unique ceremonies and proper etiquette techniques. Traveling to China can cause culture shock due to the countless social differences of that in the western world.
China will soon surpass the United States as the world’s most dominant business travel market in 2016. According to the Department of Transportation, last year alone a record number of 1.9 million passengers traveled to the country, most for business purposes.
The following are a few tips to help with manners and etiquette to help fit in and seal a deal when doing business in China.
1. Be Punctual. Punctuality is one of the most important business factors in China. Being late is considered a serious insult in their culture, so plan accordingly and always arrive on time.
2. Introductions. Always use two hands and a slight bow when handing out your business card. If you are given a business card in return, take the time to look at it, even if the writing is not in English, as a sign of respect.
3. Be Patient. Business decisions are rarely made during the first meeting. Go into the deal expecting to endure lengthy speeches and several meetings.
4. Don’t Interrupt. It is considered very rude to interrupt a Chinese business professional or try to take over the meeting’s main discussion. The correct thing to do is to listen intently and wait for your opportunity to talk.
5. Send an Email. Within 48 hours after the meeting’s conclusion, you should send an email to the business person in charge, recapping all positive aspects of the meeting and how things can move forward.
5. Meals. If you are invited to dinner by the Chinese business professional, remember that this is considered a time to get better acquainted and not an opportunity to talk about the business at hand. Take the time to learn how to correctly use chopsticks before you travel.
6. Food Sampling. Many foreign countries, including China, consider it rude when visitors don’t sample a small portion of every dish offered. It is also offensive to the host to finish your entire portion, making them feel that they have not provided enough. The proper way to end a meal is to leave a small portion, and never take the last piece of anything, as it can show greed.
7. Use Manners. If everything else is forgotten, the most important thing to remember when doing business in China is to be patient and polite. Show calmness and modesty in speaking, and remember to show respect to your business hosts, as you are on their land.
Using these tips may help you to feel better about your travels to the foreign land – giving you the confidence needed to seal the deal and make your travels in China not only successful but an opportunity to open doors and make new friends in the business world.
