Doing Business in China For Dummies®

Tracing the Path to Success

China is certainly not for the fainthearted. Many businesses over the years have tried and failed. Some foreign investors have failed more than once! The good news is that we know of many success stories in China, too. You can find the path to success — you just need to know where to look for it.

What this book can deliver is a great deal of hands-on experience and know-how about doing business in China. You need nerves of steel, the patience of a saint, and the cunning of a fox. But your company can win in China. We’re here to guide you down the right path.

Getting the right knowledge of China under your belt

Before you get started in any new market, you need to get the lay of the land. Finding your way through the maze takes time. China’s certainly like no market that you’ve ever done business in before.

The best way to look at the situation is to consider yourself a really big sponge. Soak up as much as you can find out about the China marketplace. Squeeze as much information out of good sources as possible. With the knowledge of what the business environment is like, how the government gets involved in business, and some of the market challenges you’ll likely face, you’ll be much better prepared for the journey ahead.

Don’t believe just anyone who says he or she is an expert on China. The China market is way too complicated for anybody to be a true expert on business. (And because the market moves so fast, becoming out of date very quickly is easy.) ...