Many people are now viewing China as the next big opportunity, and starting a new business in the country can be relatively painless. However there are a few details you should be aware of the make the best of your investment. Here are 3 tips for getting it right.
Language
There are two major Chinese languages, Mandarin and Cantonese. If you're aiming to start up in the North of the country then Mandarin is the only one that you need to spend time learning. If you're looking at the South, particularly Guangdong province you'll want to get acquainted with both. The exception to this rule is Shenzhen where the city's status as an immigrant town means that Mandarin is dominant.
Why do you need to learn the language? Because English speakers are a rarity in China, finding someone who is a proficient translator/interpreter is a half-way step, if you really want to know what's going on, you need to learn to talk to people.
Culture
The "face" culture is something that is often completely unfamiliar to overseas investors, it's particularly confusing to find that while as a foreigner you have no "face". You can take and give "face" to others far more effectively than a local.
What this means in practice is that no-one wants to appear wrong, or ask questions, or give answers that may be shameful particularly in front of you. This can make it very difficult to run an effective business in China.
Spending some time getting to grips with the culture can pay huge dividends in the long run, when it comes to quality and delivery. The Best interpreter in Shenzhen
