Hi Everyone/大家好!
My name is Vicki Offland and I have just arrived back in China from UK to work in the Zhuhai InternChina office for the next 6 months. This is my fourth visit to Mainland China (it’s great to be back!), but my first time in this beautiful city! I’m really looking forward to immersing myself in this fantastic culture again, improving my Mandarin skills and exploring new parts of China that I’ve yet to uncover. I have studied, travelled and taught English in China before, but this is my first time interning here, so my first blog is going look at five reasons why you should come carry out an internship in China.
- Enhance your CV
You will not only gain valuable work experience, but you will gain this experience in an international environment. You will be able to fill up your CV with new hard skills (Photoshop etc.), and your soft skills (teamwork, communication, independence) will develop more than you can imagine. Experience working abroad shows employers that you’re flexible and adaptable, you have the ability to network and work with people from all corners of the globe, and you’re capable of challenging yourself and taking risks in a foreign working environment. Doing business in China can be quite different, so working in a company in China will expose you to Chinese business etiquette and culture. Discussing your China adventures and experiences is a great talking point at interview!
InternChina-Enhance your CV- Networking
In this day and age, networking is so important in business, especially in China where it is known as Guānxì (关系), it’s not always what you know, it’s who you know. Networking can be quite a difficult skill to master, so your internship will give you the chance to meet many people, sometimes in quite senior positions, from within the industry you’re working in and outside of it, giving you the opportunity to develop these skills. By the end of your internship you will hopefully have built a good network of professional relationships, and you never know when these contacts and business cards might come in handy in the future!
InternChina-Networking- Learn a new language
Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world (and also one of the hardest!), so being able to hold the most basic conversation in Chinese is a great asset and hugely impressive. Languages are hugely important in the global business environment and being able to speak, read or write Chinese will make you stand out. Whilst your internship might be in English you will be introduced to the language by your Chinese colleagues, friends and strangers on the street. You will be using your Chinese in day-to-day situations and you will be surprised at how quickly you can pick it up. After-all, they say the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it!
InternChina-Learn a New Language- New Culture & Travel
One of the best parts of coming to China for an internship is that you get to experience a fascinating new culture, and learn things that you may not have the opportunity to at home. At first, it can be quite a culture-shock but once this is overcome it is so rewarding! You get the chance to learn and take part in things that you may never otherwise get the chance to back home (KungFu, Taiji, Calligraphy). China is home to some of the most beautiful and famous places and landscapes in the world; the Great Wall of China and Terracotta Warriors to name but a few. Local food in China is delicious (and nothing like you have ever tasted back home); there may even be the chance to learn to make some of your favourite dishes such as dumplings (饺子-jiǎozi). In China you will never be bored, there are always new things so see and do!
InternChina- New Culture & Travel- Broaden your horizons & create memories
Travelling overseas, particularly to somewhere as far flung as China, you will meet, see, hear things that you have never experienced before; it can be an eye-opening experience! You will see daily-life, work-life and family-life from a first-hand perspective and realise how and why it differs so much from what we may otherwise be accustomed to.
I can assure you that you will return home from China with many stories, memories and a new outlook to share with everyone back home! I myself am still telling friends and family of “In China, this happened…” or “In China, they do this…”
InternChina-Broaden your Horizons & Create Memories
If these reasons were enough to convince you to venture to China for an internship, then apply here
Im letzten Blog habe ich euch erklärt, worauf man in China beim Networking besonders achten muss. (Wer den letzten Beitrag nicht gelesen hat, sollte das schleunigst nachholen!) Heute zeige ich euch, wie man das Beste bei einem Networking Event herausholt.
Dieser Beitrag richtet sich vor allem an die Schüchternen und Unsicheren unter euch, daher scheinen einige der folgenden Tipps auf den ersten Blick selbstverständlich oder trivial zu sein, doch nicht jeder achtet darauf und ist sich der einzelnen Punkte bewusst. Es sind vor allem die kleinen Details, die häufig den Unterschied machen und die einem helfen im Gedächtnis eurer neuen Bekanntschaften zu bleiben.
Vor dem Networking:
Stellt sicher, dass ihr schnell und einfach eure Visitenkarte zücken könnt. Es sieht nicht besonders professionell aus, wenn ihr ewig in eurer Tasche kramen müsst. Andererseits solltet ihr euren Stapel auch nicht die ganze Zeit in der Hand halten. Das wiederum wirkt, als ob ihr mit euren Karten nur so um euch schmeißt und sie jedem Zweiten wahllos in die Hand drückt. Besser ist es, einen kleinen(!), nicht ausbeulenden Stapel in eine Seitentasche eurer Handtasche zu haben, die einfach und vor allem schnell zu öffnen ist. So vermeidet ihr peinliches herumfummeln in eurer Tasche und eure Karten sind vor Knicken geschützt. Seid ihr ein Mann, so empfehle ich die Brusttasche eures Hemdes, in der ihr wieder einen kleinen Stapel griffbereit habt. Noch besser ist es, wenn die Karten von Anfang an richtig herum bereitliegen. So könnt ihr sie sofort hervorholen und in einem Zug übergeben, ohne noch einmal darauf schauen zu müssen. Das sieht besonders nice aus und macht einen selbstbewussten Eindruck.
1 – Bei solchen Veranstaltungen gibt es normalerweise auch immer etwas zu essen. Macht nicht den Fehler und schlagt euch den Bauch voll. Mit vollem Mund redet es sich nicht gut und ihr werdet dann entweder zu viel Zeit mit dem Essen an sich verschwenden, anstatt mit Leuten anzubandeln, oder ihr wirkt unprofessionell und schlingt alles hinunter, als ob ihr nur für das Essen gekommen seid. Ein Bissen hier und da ist völlig in Ordnung, übertreibt es nur nicht.
2 – Ebenso unvorteilhaft ist es, wenn ihr mit zwei vollen Händen dasteht. Wenn ihr in der einen Hand z.B. ein Glas und in der anderen eure Visitenkarten oder etwas zu Essen habt, habt ihr keine mehr frei, um anderer Leute Hände zu schütteln oder eure Visitenkarte ordentlich zu übergeben.
3 – Seht euch nach alleine stehenden Menschen um. Die meisten Leute gehen zu solchen Veranstaltungen alleine und sind genau wie ihr auf der Suche nach Gesprächspartnern. Sie werden euch dankbar sein einen netten Gesprächspartner gefunden zu haben und sich euch gegenüber schnell öffnen.
4 – Wenn ihr zu einer Gruppe hinzustoßen möchtet, springt nicht gleich dazwischen. Schleicht euch erst einmal heran und stellt Augenkontakt mit einigen in der Gruppe her und wartet darauf, dass sich die Gruppe für euch öffnet. Quasi der umgekehrte Fall von Punkt neun. Öffnen sie sich nicht und bietet euch auch sonst nicht die Gelegenheit am Gespräch teilzunehmen, zieht weiter. Es hat keinen Sinn seine kostbare Zeit wartend zu vergeuden, wenn sie in einem Gespräch vertieft sind und euch gar nicht wahrnehmen oder euch vielleicht gar nicht teilnehmen lassen wollen und ihr gerade stört.
Während des Networkings:
5 – Stellt fragen. Dabei aber nicht direkt mit der Tür ins Haus fallen, sondern elegant erst einmal allgemeinere Fragen stellen; meinetwegen auch über das Wetter. Was euch eben gerade einfällt. Es geht bei solchen Veranstaltungen nicht darum euch oder euer Unternehmen zu verkaufen, sondern darum einen Kontakt herzustellen. Das Geschäft kommt erst viel später. Dafür könnt ihr euch noch einmal separat treffen und ein Meeting ausmachen. Redet daher nicht die ganze Zeit über euch und euer Unternehmen, sondern hört dem anderen zu und lasst ihn reden. Kommt eine Pause, dann stellt weiterführende Fragen und redet erst über euch, wenn ihr selbst gefragt werdet. So gewinnt ihr viele Sympathiepunkte, denn Leute lieben es einfach von sich selbst zu erzählen. Versucht dabei Standartfragen wie „Und, was machst du hier?“ zu vermeiden. Ein bisschen Smalltalk am Anfang bringt einen viel weiter und klingt weniger plump. Gute Beispiele sind:
- Wie ist das Essen denn?
- Können Sie etwas von den Speisen empfehlen?
- Kennen Sie viele Leute hier? Ich bin neu.
Mit etwas Glück nimmt sich derjenige eurer an und sagt euch, wer ein potenziell guter Partner für euch wäre und wen man in der Runde besser meiden sollte.
6 – Verschränkt niemals die Arme. Dadurch wirkt ihr nicht nur, als ob ihr euch nicht wohlfühlt, sondern vor allem wirkt ihr verschlossen und ihr wollt ja offen und zum Gespräch einladend wirken.
7 – Setzt und stellt euch aufrecht hin; Bauch rein, Brust raus. Ihr fühlt euch nicht nur sofort selbstbewusster, sondern strahlt dies auch aus.
8 – Nickt ab und zu zu dem, was euer Gegenüber sagt. Damit signalisiert ihr, dass ihr auch zuhört und an dem, was er sagt wirklich interessiert seid.
9 – Stellt Augenkontakt her und schaut nicht zu oft herunter. Ähnlich wie im sechsten Punkt zeigt es, dass ihr aufmerksam zuhört. Aber auch wenn ihr gerade nicht im Gespräch seid, so schaut nicht ständig auf den Boden. Das lässt euch ebenfalls abwesend wirken und so, als ob ihr gerade lieber ganz woanders sein würdet.
10 – Vergesst auch eure Füße nicht. Diese sollten möglichst immer zu eurem Gesprächspartner zeigen, aus dem selben Grund wie die vorherigen Punkte.
11 – Möchtet ihr weitere Personen in das Gespräch einladen, dreht einen Fuß, sodass er nach außer zeigt. Damit „öffnet“ ihr euch und heißt den neuen Gesprächspartner willkommen.
12 – Möchtet ihr das Gespräch beenden, so macht das nicht völlig abrupt, sondern lasst es langsam ausklingen. Ist euer Gesprächspartner zu hartnäckig, könnt ihr ihn einfach loswerden, indem ihr mal kurz auf die Toilette müsst oder sagt ihr holt euch etwas zu essen und ausversehen vergesst zurückzukommen 😉
Die meisten Leute machen viele der Körpersprachentipps bereits intuitiv, doch eben nicht alle, besonders die Unsicheren unter euch. Diese Tipps helfen euch auch unheimlich im Alltag. Übt sie einfach ab und an einmal und ihr werdet sehen, was für Wunder sie bewirken können.
InternChina – Körpersprache
Nach dem Networking:
13 – Schreibt Notizen zu der Person, die ihr gerade kennengelernt habt auf seine Visitenkarte (natürlich erst nach dem Gespräch). Dadurch merkt ihr euch besser wer wer ist.
14 – Vergesst nicht eure neuen Bekanntschaften zu kontaktieren. Allgemein gilt man hat 72 Stunden Zeit, ehe man eine Person vergisst. Also schreibt die Person innerhalb dieser Zeit an, um im Gedächtnis zu bleiben.
Ich hoffe dieser kleine Leitfaden hilft euch. Der Blogeintrag ist sehr allgemein gehalten und daher auch nicht nur in China, sondern eigentlich auf der ganzen Welt anwendbar.
Probiert die Tipps doch bei nächster Gelegenheit einmal aus, denn es macht wahnsinnig Spaß neue Leute kennenzulernen, wenn man weiß wie!
Um euer erlerntes Wissen über Networking direkt anzuwenden, bewerbt euch hier bei InternChina um ein Praktikum!
Herzlich Willkommen zu meinem Blog über die do’s und don’ts des Networkings in China!
Diese Tipps sind nur für Praktikanten und Geschäftsleute gedacht, die für eine Firma in China „networken“ wollen und richtet sich nicht an Menschen, die versuchen eine Anstellung zu finden.
Zu allererst muss man einmal den Begriff des sog. „Networkings“ verstehen. Das Wort kommt aus dem Englischen und bedeutet soviel wie sich selbst mit anderen vernetzen, um dabei ein Gewebe an Beziehungen aufzubauen, die eines Tages einmal von gegenseitigem (oder auch einseitigem) Nutzen sind.
Networking in China und Networking in Europa sind eigentlich sehr ähnlich, doch der Teufel liegt bekanntlich im Detail. Deshalb gibt es nicht nur einen, sondern ganze zwei Blogs von mir zu diesem Thema.
Der erste Teil behandelt die kulturelle Seite des Networkings. In Teil 2 folgen die wichtigsten Tipps, um das Beste aus einem Networking Event herauszuholen.
Guanxi
Guanxi (关系) ist ein Wort, welches man vielleicht schon einmal hier und da aufgeschnappt hat, aber von dem man nie die wahre Bedeutung richtig verstanden hat. Es ist ein wenig mit „eine Hand wäscht die andere“ vergleichbar, aber weniger negativ belastet und man bekommt bzw. gibt selten sofort etwas für seine Hilfe zurück. Manchmal ist es auch nur eine Einbahnstraße und der Eine bekommt nichts zurück, während der Andere ständig am helfen ist. Des Weiteren ist guanxi im Gegensatz zur westlichen Welt einfach ständig und überall in ganz China zu finden. Ohne Kontakte ist es um ein Vielfaches schwerer in China zurechtzukommen, und damit meine ich nicht einfach ein wenig mehr auf eigene Faust recherchieren, sondern man muss sich wirklich durchbeißen und eine Menge Geduld aufbringen.
Bei uns machen Kontakte das Leben einfacher, in China macht es das Leben wiederum um ein Vielfaches schwerer, wenn man keine Kontakte hat.
Die Bedeutung von guanxi geht in China auch wesentlich tiefer und ist um Längen essenzieller als „eine Hand wäscht die andere“ bei uns.
InternChina – Netzwerk an Kontakten (Quelle)Mianzi
Mianzi (面子) ist der Begriff, der „Gesicht-geben“ sowie alles was damit zu tun hat mitbeschreibt. Das wichtigste Ziel eines jeden Chinesens ist es nicht das „Gesicht zu verlieren“. Das Zweitwichtigste Ziel ist „Gesicht zu bekommen“.
Wenn ihr also gerade am networken seid und euer Gegenüber euch zum Abendessen einlädt, ihr aber keine Zeit und noch weniger Lust dazu habt, dann solltet ihr auf gar keinen Fall ganz direkt „nein“ sagen, denn das führt dazu, dass er sein Gesicht vor euch verliert. Besser ist es eine Floskel à la „Das wäre toll. Ich schaue in meinem Terminkalender nach und sage dir dann Bescheid“ anzuwenden. Euer Gesprächspartner weiß dann schon Bescheid, ohne von euch bloßgestellt zu werden.
InternChina – Mianzi (Quelle)Chinesische Visitenkartenetikette
Visitenkarten sind etwas sehr Spezielles in China. Jeder, egal wie unwichtig die Person innerhalb der Firma ist, hat seine eigene. Man zeigt damit mianzi und gibt mianzi. Deshalb gibt es auch bestimmte Regeln während der Visitenkartenübergabe:
- Gebt und nehmt Visitenkarten immer mit zwei Händen entgegen, die Daumen sind dabei in den jeweiligen Ecken der Karte
- Das Geschriebene zeigt dabei zu dem, der die Karte erhalten soll
- Sobald ihr eine Karte erhalten habt, lest sie kurz durch oder tut zumindest so und zeigt Interesse. Ihr wollt ja schließlich auch, dass der Andere weiß, was auf eurer eigenen steht.
- Steckt die Karte nicht gleich in eure Tasche oder euer Portemonnaie und erst recht nicht in eure Hosentasche (ihr sitzt dann auf seinem „Gesicht“). Legt sie vor euch auf den Tisch, wenn ihr gerade sitzt, damit zeigt ihr wieder Respekt. Geht das nicht, tut’s auch eure Anzug- bzw. Kostümtasche. Geht das auch nicht, dann eure Hemd- bzw. Blusentasche. Geht das ebenfalls nicht, geht es eben nicht und ihr verursacht, dass euer Gegenüber sein Gesicht vor euch verliert.
- Bonustipp: Es ist wirklich von Vorteil euren chinesischen Namen auf der Visitenkarte zu haben. Habt ihr keinen, dann denkt euch einen aus. Es gibt nichts unangenehmeres als zu sehen, wie ein Chinese versucht euren ausländischen Namen auszusprechen und dabei sein Gesicht verliert. Mein vietnamesischer Name ist Thị Hồng Nhung Trần, also weder annähernd englisch, noch chinesisch. Und während es bei uns weniger schlimm ist, wenn jemand meinen Namen nicht richtig aussprechen kann und ich es bereits gewohnt bin und für mich selbst daher auch nicht weiter schlimm ist, ist es doch sehr peinlich für den Chinesen. Dieser denkt dann, dass er bei euch einen Gesichtsverlust verursacht, was wiederum einen Gesichtsverlust für ihn bedeutet, was er ja tunlichst vermeiden will. Es ist kompliziert. Schreibt einfach euren chinesischen Namen drauf.
InternChina – VisitenkarteNamen
Mein chinesischer Name ist Chen Niuniu (陈妞妞). Mein Nachname Trần wird ähnlich ausgesprochen und Niuniu klingt ein bisschen wie Nhung und ist außerdem süß. Die meisten suchen entweder nach Zeichen, die ähnlich klingen, etwas ähnliches bedeuten oder Zeichen, die einfach etwas bedeuten, was einem gefällt. Ihr müsst euch auch nicht wegen des Namens zu sehr verkrampfen. Ich habe meinen 3 Mal geändert.
Eigenen Namen ausdenken
Wenn ihr euch nun euren eigenen Namen ausdenkt, müsst ihr folgendes beachten:
- Der Nachname kommt dabei vor den Vornamen
- Er sollte entweder aus 2 oder 3 Silben bestehen. Dazu nehmt z.B. die Anfangssilben eures echten Namens
- Euer Name kann aber auch nur aus eurem Vor- oder nur eurem Nachnamen bestehen. A-Mi-Er (啊米儿) für „Amir“ Mustermann oder Li-Gen (里根) für Max „Reagan“
Anrede
- Wenn ihr jemanden ansprecht, dann immer mit dem vollen Namen und niemals nur dem Vornamen, auch wenn ihr noch so gut befreundet seid. Es ist einfach unvollständig und ergibt auf chinesisch keinen Sinn.
- Ihr könnt jemanden jedoch mit seinem Titel ansprechen. Wenn jemand z.B. Sun Yuji (孙玉洁) heißt, dann wäre das Frau Sun oder auch Sun Jingli (Sun Manager).
- Ihr könnt sie auch als Lao Sun bzw. Xiao Sun ansprechen. Lao bedeutet in dem Fall älter/eng. Senior und Xiao soviel wie jünger/eng. Junior. Altershierarchie ist sehr wichtig in China. Die Älteren werden respektiert und um die Jüngeren wird sich gekümmert.
- Des Weiteren kann man weibliche Namen oftmals schwer von männlichen unterscheiden, weshalb man sie besonders häufig mit einer Anrede versieht:
- Furen (夫人) = Ehefrau
- Nüshi (女士) = Dame
- Xiaojie (小姐) = Fräulein
- Meinü (美女) = hübsches Mädchen (Das ist in China nicht als Anmache zu verstehen, sondern nett und freundlich gemeint, sollte jedoch nicht in einem geschäftlichen Zusammenhang verwendet werden)
Persönliche Fragen
Wenn ihr mit einem Chinesen ein Gespräch angefangen habt, seid nicht überrascht, wenn ihr schnell Fragen bekommt, die bei uns als zu persönlich eingestuft werden, wie in etwa „Wieviel verdienst du denn?“, „Bist du verheiratet und hast Kinder?“, „Was denkst du über die Flüchtlingspolitik von Frau Merkel?“, „Hast du ein Sparbuch bei der Bank, wenn ja wieviel ist darauf?“, „Magst du die Spice Girls?“ und so weiter und so fort…
Das ist in China vollkommen normal und hat nichts mit Unverschämtheit oder der Gleichen zu tun. Antwortet einfach ehrlich oder leitet die Frage um, indem ihr direkt zurückfragt und anschließend vom Thema ablenkt. Auf keinen Fall aber sollte man sich angegriffen fühlen und direkt „nein, das beantworte ich nicht“ sagen, denn das – ihr ahnt es schon – würde einen Gesichtsverlust bei eurem Gegenüber verursachen.
InternChina – Persönliche FragenJetzt kennt ihr also die groben Grundlagen im Umgang mit Chinesen wenn es ums Geschäft geht. Im zweiten Teil erzähle ich euch die wichtigsten Tipps und Tricks um das Beste aus einem Business Meeting herauszuholen!
Um euer erlerntes Wissen über Networking direkt anzuwenden, bewerbt euch hier bei InternChina um ein Praktikum!
Okay, so today we are looking at how to attack a networking event. In my last blog we saw the cultural importance when dealing with Chinese people in a networking/business situation… if you missed it, catch up here! In this blog, we will look at some general tips on how to work a room at a general networking event and how to make some new business acquaintances.
Some of these points are obvious but worth mentioning because of their importance..
– Make sure you have easy access to your business cards… nothing more embarrassing than fumbling around trying to prize one out of your battered wallet!
Best practice would be to keep a stack in your breast pocket positioned so that when you produce one, it will be face up and writing towards the receiver. Slick.
– Usually these events have nice spreads of food but limited tables… don’t be tempted to pile up a plate of sushi in the one hand and a big glass wine in the other…. Why? Because you wont have any hands free to shake or take business cards! AND because you’ll have to nuzzle your food off your plate using just your mouth. I know its free but have some dignity!
Best practise would be to eat a huge dinner before you go. Problem solved.
– Body language: NEVER cross your arms, try to maintain good amounts of eye contact, nod at what people say (a good bit of head tilting never goes amiss either). Don’t forget your feet either… the feet always subconsciously point where we want to go so plant them firmly facing your new friend. When you want to end the conversation, ‘open up’ the chat by placing a leg facing out, this will invite others to join in.
Best practice would be to give them your full attention, don’t be peeking over their shoulder to scout the room! When you want to leave, have a good excuse… my favourite is to suggest going to get food, then they always ‘get lost’ at the buffet.
– Have a pen handy, its always useful in case you need to jot down a number or tit bit..
Best practice is to jot down a couple of quick notes about the person you just met on the back of their card so that you know who’s who when you come to write to them in the future.
– Follow up! Its said that you have a 72 hour window from when you meet a person until they forget about you. So in this time you need to send them a quick follow up email just saying it was nice to meet them and how you’re looking forward to meeting them again etc etc.
– Target loners… most people go to networking events alone and most of them are just like you.. craving to chat to someone! Find someone on their own (even if they are ‘texting’ on their phone) and talk to them. They will be grateful and will open up to you for noticing them.
Best practice is not to leave them on their own when you want to move on, make sure someone else has joined the conversation first then slip away 😉
– If you would like to join a group of people, DON’T just jump in.. hover nearby and make eye contact with everyone in the group first, then wait for the group to open. (body language)
You CAN join two people who are talking but you need to wait for them to ‘invite’ you in first. If they are facing each other (feet too!) with lots of animated chatter then move along.
– ASK QUESTIONS! Only talk about yourself if someone asks. People love to chat about themselves, they will purr if you ask them questions. Try to steer clear of the clichés for the opening questions though, be original! (Not ‘So, what do you do?)
Try; + What brings you here?
+ Do you know many people here?
+ Hows the food?
+ Tell them you’re new then they may give you a breakdown of the people in the room and tell you the local wierdos to avoid 😉
Best practice, don’t try to sell anything or yourself to the other person. You’re only making a connection today, business can come later!
I hope this guide helps you, networking is nothing to be scared of, everyone is in the same awkward boat.. just some people have been floating around longer!
The only way to get better at networking is to follow this guide and practice, practice and…. don’t get drunk off the free booze!
Try networking in China and make contacts from all over the world. Apply now for a great adventure in Chengdu, Zhuhai or Qingdao
Hi and welcome to my patented jumble of networking tips and ‘don’ts’ of networking (in general and specifically for China).
This guide is mainly written for Interns and business people who are doing networking FOR THEIR COMPANY, in China. This is not aimed at people who are networking to find a job at a careers event.
Networking in China is very similar to networking in the West with a few key cultural differences. Lets explore the cultural side first (part one) then move onto the strategies of working a room (part 2).
Guanxi – you may have heard this word before but weren’t quite sure what it meant… well its basically the concept of ‘who you know’, we know of this in the West but its ten times more prominent in China and should not be ignored… With a good network of contacts in China you can accomplish anything, without Guanxi you will fight against the tide.
So, now you know why networking is important in China.
I will write another blog about Guanxi in the near future so stay tuned if you’re interested!
Mianzi – This is the notion of ‘face’ in China. Every Chinese person’s main goal is not to lose face.. every Chinese persons second main goal is looking for ways to gain face.
When networking, if your new Chinese acquaintance invites you to a dinner or an event then an outright refusal would cause loss of face. If you really can’t attend then I suggest a neutral phrase like ‘Sounds awesome…I’ll check my schedule and get back to you’.
Again, I will write a blog about this concept of ‘face’ very soon and go into the finer points because it is very important when you are trying to form new relationships (business or otherwise) with the Chinese.
Chinese business card etiquette;
– Always give and receive business cards with two hands, thumbs holding the corners
– Make sure the writing is facing the receiver
– When you receive a card, study it for a few minutes and show interest.. pretend you’re off American Psycho and compliment the paper quality and off white colouring.
– Don’t immediately put the card in you front pocket or bag and certainly not in your back pocket (akin to sitting on their face). Ideally, if you were seated, you would place it on the table infront of you in an aligned fashion to show respect. Failing that, your suit jacket pocket, failing that, your shirt pocket, failing that, fail.
– BONUS TIP – its vital to have your Chinese name on your business card.. if you don’t have a Chinese name, get one! There is nothing worse than seeing a Chinese person lose face trying to pronounce your awkward foreign name.. trust me, with a name like Jack Graham Fairhead, I know!
To save face I have acknowledged my name to be a whole range of synonyms:
Jake Greem Fire Head
Jackie Gra Ham Fair Heed
Jack Grrr Farrr <- Promising start but crashed and burned
Names – I hope you have a clear mind going into this section because you will come out betwixt.
So, when a Chinese person introduces themselves to you they will state their last name first and their first name last, which may be 2 syllables.
Lets say a Wang Jianguo introduced himself to you, his family name is Wang and his given name is Jianguo.
You should never call someone only by their last name.. also don’t call them by their first name… you can address them by their title then surname i.e Mr Wang, or Wang XianSheng, or Wang Jing li (manager Wang) or as their full name Wang Jianguo.
You may also see Chinese people referring to each other as ‘Lao’ Wang or ‘Xiao’ Wang, where Lao means senior/old and Xiao means junior. Seniority is commonplace in Chinese culture.
Their culture places emphasis on showing respect to seniors and care for juniors.
Women’s names can rarely be distinguished from men’s and so it is polite to use a courtesy title along with their name;
Furen = Madam
Nushi = Ms
Xiaojie = Miss
Mei nu = pretty lady (not to be used in a business context!)
Personal Questions -If you have struck up a conversation with a new Chinese friend then don’t be alarmed if, within minutes, they start to ask you questions which we deem to be personal in the West. Such as ‘how much money do you earn?’, ‘Are you married with Children?’, ‘Do you have a house?’, ‘Which Spice girl is your favourite?’ and so on.
Just answer honestly or deflect their questions by asking them the same question right back!
So now you know the basic cultural standards of dealing with the Chinese in a business/networking context the next part of this blog will be a savvy guide on how to approach a room full of people at a networking event. Stay Tuned!
To put networking into practice, apply now for an internship in China.
If you get the chance to attend a business event in China, you may find that it is quite different from what we’re used to back home. As most Chinese traditions revolve around food, many business meetings are also held at lunches or dinners, varying from small meals to extravagant banquets. A few of our InternChina Chengdu team had the pleasure of attending one of our partner companies’ events this week.
Not really knowing what to expect, Trainee office manager Paul, Chengdu office intern Helen, and myself, made our way to the venue in the South of Chengdu. We were greeted at the reception with our name tags and were asked to leave behind a name card. Then we were presented with a little gift-bag each (small presents from the host are not uncommon in China) and shown to our table. The venue was impressive – large round tables crowded the room, with screens along the walls and a stage at one end. The theme was ‘Russian-Chinese New Year Party’, and Russian folk music was straining the speakers.
Throughout the meal (which was exquisite) there were speeches, short performances and presenting of awards.
Even one of the interns who we had placed with the company, performed a short sketch in Chinese!
Our name cards were used to select the winner for an ‘apple note book’ – 苹果牌笔记本 pingguo pai bijiben – but what they actually received was an apple, a pack of cards and a paper note book!*
To our pleasant surprise, Paul was also called on stage to receive an award for ‘Best Strategic Partner 2013’! It was an honour to receive an award from our partner company, especially as we have only been in Chengdu for less than a year. We look forward to a continued successful partnership with them and we will strive to send more interns there in the future!
It was a very enjoyable gathering, with fantastic networking opportunities and just overall a lot of fun!
Apply for an internship now and experience a business event for yourself!
*苹果牌笔记本 actually means Apple Notebook, however 牌, which means brand, is also the word for ‘cards’, hence when one separates the words you get apple, cards, and notebook.
Hi Everyone,
My name is Philippe Touzin and I am the Marketing and Graduate Recruitment manager for InternChina, and my blog today is about the importance of Networking in China and some tips for when you do it.
First of all I had a small dilemma whilst writing this article, should I use formal vocabulary or non-formal. I chose non-formal as this is the “language” your brains will be thinking in whilst your moving around the events and this is the brain I’m writing to!- just make sure you don’t say :” Wassup buddy” to a German CEO, you all know to talk formerly and appropriately (I’ll repeat that point later just to be sure )- just in case – you’re supposed to say: “ Good evening Sir/Madam/Miss” to a another networker…
InternChina – Networking Event(source: wikipidia): Business networking is a socioeconomic business activity by which groups of like-minded business people recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities
Why is it important to Network and attend those events with all the business professionals, politicians, tag-alongs and media who are gorging on the free canapés and wine?
1. It’s usually a pretty cool experience.
2. You will get good contacts and guanxi (see blog: http://internchina.com/guanxi-a-two-way-street/)
3. Business development and getting your brand name out there!
This is when the decision-makers, the power brokers and the influencers are outside their offices, not surrounded by gate keepers (security guards, receptionists, middle manager,…), and when you, a young professional, can approach and talk directly with a GM, CEO, Executive, Politicians, or Journalists!!
These events are created for the single purpose of Networking. This means people expect you to walk around and start a conversation with random people so as to introduce your company and ask them about theirs.
Funnily enough, it’s the only time I know when it is ok to say: “ Ok was nice to meet you, I’m going to keep walking now and talk with some other people. Keep in touch.” …and it is not rude. It is expected that you move around and meet people. The person you talk to may find you very interesting (or not) but will still want to move on and try to grab the opportunity to meet as many people as possible.
A few tips on approaching people:
• Be confident. It doesn’t matter that you’re scared, stressed out and don’t know anyone. Doesn’t matter at all.
• Keep these steps in mind and you will be fine when you approach someone:
– Bring 30+ name cards and business attire- dress to impress
– Smile
– State your name, position, company you work for and hand out your name card (to all of the people you are talking to) in one fluid motion.
– Ask for theirs (they will do it automatically, but it looks better ;))
– Ask them to tell you a bit about their company and what they are doing
– Introduce yours (in 1 min tops)
– If you see any potentials for business/partnerships, SAY SO, and ask if they might be interested
– If the answer is NO: 1st , they won’t say no because that’s just rude. They’ll say a variant of Possibly, perhaps, etc… 2nd no worries!! This is what you’re here for = to find the 2 in 10 that are interested! KEEP CALM AND KEEP NETWORKING
– Again, if they say no, then this doesn’t mean they don’t like you or your business…just that it’s not for them. But this means that maybe in a week, a month or 6 months, someone might ask them: “Hi Jean-Luc do you know anyone who does XYZ Business?” and this is the magic moment where “Jean-Luc” remembers your name and company and that you were a nice and charming person, and says “ Well yes I do!…” = word of mouth = $$$ in your pockets.
– Move on to the next person and plant those seeds…
-How do you pick your targets (fellow event attendees):
– The loners: People like you who have come alone to the event and haven’t yet started to talk to anyone. They’re not by themselves because they like it (or they wouldn’t go to a networking event). Go see them and introduce yourself.
– The groups: Now be careful here, you do not want to intrude on a networker giving their “business spiel” to another networker. So groups with one member actively talking is not a good idea. Aim for the groups which look like it’s a bunch of networkers eating / colleagues that came together to the event, they are chilling together. Go see them and introduce yourself.
Mingle at a Networking EventHowever These are the four MOST important tips for successfully networking:
– ADAPT: recognize what kind of people you are approaching before you have started speaking to them and ADAPT your spiel, tone of voice and demeanor for them.
– ACTIVE: do not get comfortable talking to someone all night and “hide” with them, try and meet everyone and get their name cards. Be energetic, when you get trained in Sales jobs, they tell you to be energetic, because it attracts people on a psychological level – but keep point 1 in mind: Adapt…in case it’s a librarian or something.
– FOLLOW-UP: the following working day take your stack of name cards, and send everyone a short email saying it was nice to meet them, and 2-3 lines on the product/service your selling/ +website and ask them to get in contact if interested and that you look forwards to seeing them next time.
– BUFFET: eat those canapés, snacks and other delicious stuff- if you don’t get any contacts at least you had 5* food! DO NOT drink 5 glasses of wine, drink one or two not more. You’re here for business not to get pissed on free wine: you will look unprofessional, and ruin your first impression for a lot of important people.
The next question is: How do I get myself invited to these events?!
InternChina has very strong affiliations with media groups and chambers of commerce in Qingdao, Chengdu, Zhuhai, but also in Guangzhou, Beijing and the other big and smaller cities.
This means we always get invited to networking events and can bring any Interns or Graduates with us who are interested!
InternChina also has its own networking functions whereas you can take full advantage of our connections and also make your own with the leaders of tomorrow, InternChina Alumni’s!
InternChina – Keep Calm and Carry on NetworkingThis is exclusive to our Alumni’s and if you want to join our groups please go to:
InternChina website: www.internchina.com or write to us info@interchina.com
If you already are in China with InternChina or are a Alumni please visit these groups and request to be added, we will process your application within 3 days.
Linked-In Alumni Group
Facebook Alumni Group
Thank you for reading and Happy Networking,
Philippe Touzin
Ming Pian
No ming pian – no networking in China. Your ming pian is you business card. It usually has two printed sites: One in Chinese and one in English. So everybody will be able to understand your personal information. The information is basically the same as on Western business cards: company name, your position in the company, mobile number, email address and of course your name. If you stay in China for a longer time you should get a Chinese name which will be on your business card as well.
My German name is Mosche, my Chinese name is 摩西 (Mo Xi)
Chengdu
Since Chengdu is rapidly growing (13% growth rate – you can see it every day on the streets) a lot of companies chose Chengdu for their Western China headquarter. Therefore, there is a lot of business going around in Chengdu. With a lot of businesses in town, there are a lot of networking events as well. As I am responsible for the Chengdu Business Development for InternChina, I already went to several networking events.
Networking
Most of the events are organized by different Chambers of Commerce. The British Chamber, the American Chamber, the European Chamber and the German Chamber are holding networking events. Personally, I am really looking forward to the German Oktoberfest next weekend in Chengdu.
Generally these networking events are located in really nice hotels because it is a good opportunity to advertise their hotel to the local businesses. Hence, you always meet in a nice environment which makes networking quite convenient.
While attending these events you meet a lot of interesting people from different industries, especially in Chengdu. A networking event is not only great for finding superb partner companies for InternChina, but also a fantastic opportunity to create your own network in one of China´s fastest growing cities.
Therefore, we always make sure that our interns in Chengdu can attend these events as well. Hence, they may not only spend a very interesting time in Chengdu by doing an internship but also make some lasting connections for their future.
All in all, I can only recommend you to come to this fascinating city, which is a hub of growth in Western China. You won´t regret it!
Would you like to set the fundament of a great career in China? Then join us for an internhip in Chengdu!
Philippe Touzin, the Zhuhai Office Manager has many great tips on how to behave at a Chinese Business Dinner, as he often goes on business dinners himself and has now learnt all of the little tricks on how to conduct yourself well.
- It is important to be extremely respectful. Imagine that this is a dinner that you are having with your very conservative grandparents – you have to be very polite and have good manners.
- If it is a formal dinner then you need to toast your drink with the eldest at the table, as he is the top of the hierarchy. The second priority to toast is the company’s boss.
- If ever you are going to give a speech at the table and need to address the people at the table, make sure that you know their hierarchy so that you address the top of the hierarchy first and make your way down the hierarchy properly. If you are not sure of the order of the hierarchy then you need to address them generally – never try to guess the order! The Chinese are very aware of protocol, and this is the easiest way to offend them and look bad.
- General guidelines to abide by if you are sitting next to the VIP (the boss or eldest at the table)
- If you are sitting to his left, you are considered to be his wingman. It is your job to make sure that he has the best food on his plate, that he has the best pieces of food, and you are the one to put the food in his bowl by using the communal chopsticks that come with the dishes. You need to ensure that his drink is always full and that he has everything he might need/want (i.e. if he needs a napkin for example).
- If the VIP is going to make a speech or stands up to toast, you stop whatever you were doing and not disrupt him – be as respectful as possible. When raising your glass to toast the VIP, the rim of your glass needs to go below the rim of his glass to show respect (basically to show that you are below him).
- Generally taboo/sensitive topics that are not to be mentioned are: Japan/Korea, foreign policy, visas, etc.
- The point of the business meeting is to try and create a relationship with the people you are sitting with. You want to get to know them a bit better personally; you want to build a trust relationship with the party – business is not to be discussed at dinner. Dinner is for getting to know them better on a personal level and for them to get to know you.
- If you do not want to drink alcohol at the dinner, then you have to state this from the beginning and be very adamant about it. Otherwise, they will keep forcing it on you. Once you start drinking and try to pull out they will not let you – it is either full-force drinking or no drinking at all. When they want to toast, you cannot refuse it (even if you are already very drunk, you will have to continue if they want to toast with you).
- If you are the only foreigner, they will try to get you really drunk. One of them will want to toast with you to do a shot, and then the next will also want to toast with you until you go around the table and toast with everyone – so each of them really only had one shot, but you’ve had ten at this point. So be prepared for this!
- The only way to get out of it is if by the third or fourth shot, the rest of the party is already tipsy and having a lot of fun, so you can start messing around with them (in a polite way!) by smiling and being very courtly, but turn it into a toast for everybody (“everybody cheers!”) and they will feel happy because they will see that you are having fun and in turn they will be having fun. You will still be drinking just as much, but at least you won’t be getting drunk all on your own!
- If you are going to pay the bill, then you have to sit facing the door, and this will mean that you are the VIP and you will be paying for the bill. If you are not going to pay the bill then do not sit facing the door!
If you are paying the bill, then when dinner is coming to an end, excuse yourself to go to the bathroom and then secretly go pay the bill. Then when you get back suggest if they are ready to leave and then they will be surprised that you already took care of the bill and they will be very thankful. - Always order more dishes than needed, and bring two bottles of foreign wine/whiskey as a gift. If you go to a Chinese person’s house for dinner, the same rules apply (depending on how well you know the people) and you always need to bring a gift of fruit.
- Bring at least 15 name cards with you. Chinese business people love to hand out their business cards and it is good to have yours in turn to give out. It is also a great way of networking and getting your name out there.
- If you are at a banquet, make sure to go around to each table and toast with them.
- “Ganbei” (干杯) – shot (bottoms up!)
- “Yi kou yi kou” (一口一口) – one mouthful one mouthful (for when you don’t want to drink the whole glass in one shot)
- When paying the bill, even if you have been invited to the dinner and know that you are not going to be paying for the food, it is good to fight over who is paying for the bill. Don’t fight too hard, but show that you want to pay, this is polite. When eventually they pay, make sure to say “thank you” a couple of times!
- In general, if you are not sure what to do, just have a look at what the others are doing around you and just behave as they are. Be as attentive and observant as possible.
Do you want to gain intercultural experience in conducting business meetings in China? Apply directly on our website or send us your application to info@internchina.com
Last week I had my first networking experience.Intern China Qingdao Office Manager Jack Fairhead asked me to go with him to a conference and now I want to pass my newly gained knowledge on to you and explain some things about networking and what to pay attention to.
A good reputation is one of the keys to success for a company’s business but also for yourself as a private person. Being known by customers but also by other companies can be decisive in many ways. There are many means to gain renown and networking is one of them.
For Chinese entrepreneurs, relationships are really important and constitute a basis for business relations. It is always better if you already know meet your partner before doing business. In fact, it often really works like this in China. When foreign companies come to China for a business trip or want to sign a contract, they are being invited out for a big dinner where it is a lot of socializing before even one word about business is lost.
So for our networking meeting, we went to the place where the meeting was organised. Lots of entrepreneurs where there, attending the conference. Networking seems to be very easy but there are a few do’s and don’ts you have to respect, otherwise you will make a bad impression on other people and the companies they are representing.
In the West exchanging business cards is a common act that doesn’t have any special meaning. In China you always have to take the card with two hands and read it carefully in front of your contact. It is a sign of respect! – because Chinese people considers name cards like a part of themselves and will only give it to you when they trust you.
It is also very important not to interrupt talks between people or just go to every single person in the room and introduce yourself. Be patient and polite and people will easily come to you and have a talk. Speaking English for this kind of event is okay. But it would be much more efficient with some basic knowledge of Chinese language, even though it’s only a few words, but the impression you give is a completely different one.
I finally managed to talk with several people, and I received many name cards! I really enjoyed it and I look forward to go to the next networking meeting. 🙂
If you too you want to live a real Chinese business experience, just apply on our website or send us an email at info@internchina.com
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