Doing Business in China for Dummies

Doing Business in China for Dummies is an excellent addition to anyone's "Dummies" collection wanting to gain insight on the inner workings of the Chinese marketplace. It doesn't matter who you are, this book is great for anyone from business people to travelers going to China; it'll help you along your way in an informational step-by-step approach. What are the most crucial things to remember when dealing with other customs? Body language, entertaining, politeness and negotiating are among the few topics dealt with in this book; a few things which are very important when dealing with Chinese business people. Even though business is very important there are many more things which one should know when in China. Other than dealing with business, it gave good insight to a few of the large cities and how to get around from the airport upon arrival; tips on transportation; lodging; and what happens if you run into problems. Comprehensive, intelligent, fast paced and easy to read, doesn't even begin to describe this book by the Collins/Block duo. Two highly qualified individuals in the field of Chinese business having either lived there or knowing the Mandarin language. This is a book which you won't want to skip if dealing with anything relating to deals or business in China.

I originally purchased this book in advance of a business trip to China and found it to be highly informative and clearly presented. Especially useful and entertaining were the sections on Guan Xi, Business Etiquette and Managing Risks. Since thenm having loaned my copy on several occasions to friends visting China for the first time, many commented that it was more useful than their "tour" books. Concise whilst simultaneously engaging, this book serves as a very practical resource for professionals or anyone interested China.

I highly recommend this "Dummies" book for its easy to follow format of navigating the business community in China. A great insight to how Chinese business people negotiate and basically, how things are done. It will save you from making costly mistakes whether you are starting your own business in China or dealing with Chinese business to get your product manufactured. I highly recommend the chapter on "Managing Risks in China." This chapter explains the importance of understanding the Chinese legal system (or lack there of); combating bribery and corruption; government relationships; and (my personal favorite) protecting intellectual property in China. This chapter is worth the price of the whole book (though the entire book has valuable advice).

China is a commercial enigma: it attracts the most adventurous entrepreneurs in the world, but it remains highly regulated and steeped in customs that pose huge challenges for newcomers. You can find great fortune in the Middle Kingdom -- but only if you are wise to its many pitfalls and peculiarities. This new addition to the For Dummies series is in fact written for those who are smart enough to plan carefully. In a structured and readable format, it describes the political, legal, and regulatory environment, as well as the cultural norms to which the foreign businessperson must adapt. It provides practical advice on how to start up a business, build beneficial relationships, manage for success -- and repatriate your profits. Though it is an introductory book, it is remarkably thorough in its pointers on dealing with suppliers, managing employees, and above all connecting with consumers and business partners. Even seasoned China readers will find this to be a useful reference, for instance on cutting through red tape and mitigating financial and legal risks. Every chapter reflects the deep experience of the authors. Both are expats who had to learn China the hard way, and who want to make the adventure more manageable for the next generation of businesspeople. They have created a guide that is both comprehensive and easy to use. Their book is always objective and culturally sensitive, and is written with a touch of humor that makes it engaging and fun to read. There are many practical guides on various aspects of doing business in China, and this book is certainly not the last word. It is, however, the very best place to start.

The Collins/Block team hits all the right notes in this engaging, comprehensive and often amusing primer on doing business in China. It is intended for a person who knows business, hopefully knows something about international business, but wants to plunge into the China market. That plunge should not be taken lightly or without some expert guidance. "Doing Business in China for Dummies" is a good start. The opportunities and challenges of operating in China are succintly described without viewing the country through rose-colored glasses. The most promising industries are listed (e.g. health care, environmental products, and agribusiness). It covers how to work within the still pervasive Chinese bureaucracy, scout locations, and staff operations (hire some experts but put a long-term trusted company employee in charge.) Currency, remitting profits, and financing are explained as well as the many social aspects of doing business in China. As a former expatriate banker in Beijing I have seen how much China's cities have changed. This book tells me that doing buiness there has changed much less. It's still difficult to get in touch with Chinese business men and government officials and the banquet scene still features too much mao-tai. (I developed a tolerance for it over way too many banquets but this is not recommended). If you are thinking of doing business in China - read this book, think deeply, and then move forward with careful planning and lots of patience.