Chapter 16. Avoiding Potholes on the Road to Success

In This Chapter

  • Getting a feel for possible problems

  • Identifying and avoiding contractual trouble spots

  • Taking action when plans go awry

  • Understanding Indian idiosyncrasies

  • Making preparations to exit business in India

Recently, I was driving an American client down an IT corridor in a major Indian city. He kept gasping, “Wow, look at all the growth!” as we passed sleek glass and steel structures built by Microsoft, Dell, Infosys, Tata, and others. He was amazed. But never once did he say, “Hmmm . . . look at the potholes in this road,” although we were bumping over several. I was delighted, but our trip made me think how important this chapter was going to be. It’s easy to get excited about the success and possibilities in India, but the potholes need to be taken into account, as well.

Doing business in India can be satisfying and very rewarding, but it’s not always just smiles and handshakes and healthy profits. You encounter obstacles, as well, and it’s imperative that you figure out to first guess where the potholes are likely to be on your road to success, and to then negotiate them so they don’t hold you up or stop you in your tracks. In this chapter I point out some of the potential problems on your road to a successful business venture and clue you in on how you can effectively dodge them.

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