Checklist for your business visit to China
At XYZ Communications, we recommend a three-stage process surrounding your visit:
Preparation:
- Learn the regulations and market sector
- Allocate resources and finance for China market development
- Have a long term company strategy and management commitment
- Produce business cards and literature in Chinese.
- Research prospective business partners
- Source some small corporate gifts ahead of your first meeting, to add a personal touch and help build future relationship.
In-market:
- Work with your interpreters
- Enjoy banquets - but beware of 'Baijiu', a strong drink!
- Agree follow-up steps and points of contact with your counterparts
Post Visit:
- Take follow-up actions quickly before relaitonships go cold
- Learn about your selected partner’s business background and credit status
- Send a thank-you letter to keep you in the frame, even if you are not in a position to do business yet
- Plan your next visit to China or your contact's return visit to the UK. Frequent personal meetings are the key to a strong relationship
- Remember that in China, the signing of a contract is only the start of a continuous cultivation and negotiation