Just came across a really good, really easy to read guidebook on China. The guide is the third edition of the China Business Guide and it is put out by The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC). Not only is it good, but it is a free download. It is about 100 pages and it touches on the following:
- INTRODUCTION — Why China?
- About the China Business Guide
- RESEARCHING THE MARKET — Where to begin
- How we can help you
- MARKET ENTRY — Choosing the right location
- Wider opportunities in greater China
- Establishing a presence
- GETTING STARTED — Finding a customer or partner
- Due diligence
- Employing staff
- Language
- Marketing
- Branding
- Day-to-day communications
- Interpreters
- BUSINESS ISSUES AND Introduction
- CONSIDERATIONS Intellectual property rights (IPR)
- Certification and standards
- Getting paid and financial issues
- Insurance
- Management, control and quality assurance
- Bribery and corruption
- Scams: how to avoid them
- BUSINESS CULTURE — Relationship building
- Getting started
- Guanxi
- The role of the state
- Making conversation
- Entertainment
- Gifts
- Meetings
- Presentations
- Deal making
- Negotiating techniques
It does not discuss anything in much depth, but it does an amazing job of briefly covering just about everything. It really makes for a great introduction to China and I highly recommend it. In fact, this guidebook, along with China in the 21st Century: What Everyone Needs to Know (see my post on that book here), make for a perfect combination for those just beginning with China.
What do you think?
