Taking the First Steps: What You Can Do Today
Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” That’s good advice for someone exploring the China market for the first time. This section can give you some valuable ideas on how you can get started now.
The right next steps to get you and your company headed in the correct direction aren’t that difficult. Here are three simple steps to assist you in getting started on your journey:
1. | Read. A lot of information on China is in the media and online. You can find some good info from government and official agencies, such as your country’s commercial or trade service and the chamber of commerce. Some countries offer specific China-related resources for businesses thinking about doing business in China. Check out what specific China information and services your home country government may provide. Some of what you read may be of limited value. China is so big and diverse that generalizing about it is almost impossible. Moreover, some writers step off the plane, see modern buildings and new cars, and write about China as though it’s as developed as Luxembourg. A lot of sources don’t give you a realistic picture. Be wary of any literature that seems overly positive or overly negative on China.
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2. | Go there. Take business trips to different parts of China. Consider visits to both large- and medium-sized cities to get a flavor for each. Go to a city in the north and the south. And perhaps visit a city somewhere in between, maybe a place outside of Shanghai. Attend business networking functions while you’re there. Go to some trade shows. Visit factories if you can. Look around, smell the smells, and observe keenly. Most of all, don’t be too wide-eyed — try to scratch the surface and find out what’s underneath. |
3. | Reach out. The best people to meet are people who’re doing something similar to what you want to do. Sometimes, the most informative contacts are only a few months ahead of you on the road. Arrange beforehand to see people you think may be helpful. Follow up with contacts you make while networking — even if they don’t seem to know much more info that can help you (you never know who they know or may meet). By talking with others who have experience, you can start to piece together your plan. Be careful to get a diversity of viewpoints, though — don’t overly rely on a few people for advice. |
If we can leave you with just a couple of themes for the rest of this book and successfully doing business in China, they’re patience, flexibility, and persistence. The more time you take to plan, or find a business site or partner, the better your chances of success. The better you are at quickly adapting to changes in the operating and regulatory environments, the more likely your success will last.