Few Do’s and Don’ts When Interacting with Chinese at the China Business Conferen

Posted by Keith Skinner on November 25th, 2020

The system of influential relationships and social networks that facilitate business and other dealings in China is referred to as guanxi. A lot of value is placed when you get to know somebody, both in a business and personal sense. First and foremost, decide the purpose of your visit. If you target a Chinese customer base at the China business conference in London, one of the initial steps is to find a suitable partner that can help with distribution, sales, or after-sales or support. The partner must have a good track record taking an overseas or UK product to the Chinese market. As all the attendees likely have a portfolio of services or products, you also want to make sure that you have the essential information that can truly create a good impression. The perfect way to establish your partnership is to meet them. Your time in London is valuable, so every meeting must be thoroughly qualified. Please talk to the organizers to schedule an appointment and tell them your agenda. The Chinese are extremely cautious not to create any offense, or you may lose the opportunity, so it is essential to read the signs carefully beforehand to make sure the meetings are productive. When interacting with Chinese counterparts, there are a few social do’s and don’ts. Getting familiar with the etiquette will put you a step ahead on your first visit to London and allow you to focus on the task at hand. 

Chinese business cards and WeChat

It is crucial to have some business cards translated into Chinese, and the dual-sided cards will go a long way at the China business conference in London. When you are swapping cards, you must do with both hands and read the other person’s card before putting away. It is essential to keep in touch with others through WeChat, by which you can network with others, pay for services, and others. WeChat is an efficient way to stay in touch with your Chinese contact both when you are in London or China.

VPNs and Getting Around

Everyone has heard the Great Wall of China; what about the Great Firewall? Business people always depend on Google for different services – mail, documents, calendar, CRM, etc. Many people were shocked to know that Google and various sites were blocked in China. So, when you have thought of doing business with some investors that you meet at the conference and planning to visit the Dragon Country, make sure to setup a VPN to avoid any problems.

If you think you have wooed the investors at the China Business Conference in London and the deal is done, you are dead wrong. You need to visit China, and getting around here is not easy due to the language barrier. Either learn Mandarin or contact the company’s representative to help you reach the exact venue. China is the most populous country globally, so take a deep breath and make yourself comfortable when attending the meetings.

Plan China is Westwin's insights sharing event which gives business owners in London the insights on China SEM, WeChat, Weibo, e-commerce, programmatic advertising, and more. To know more, visit https://planchina.co.uk/news/.