Much ado about B-cards!!!

Business practices in China - A few important things I found out in a recent meeting with a Chinese Business Partner (Yeah - I have a Business Partner now)

• The exchanging of business cards in customary in Chinese business culture. One side should be printed in English and one in Chinese. You should present your card with both hands and with the Chinese side facing up. When accepting your colleague's card study it carefully before placing it on the table, never in the back pocket, as this is extremely disrespectful.

• During negotiations, humbleness and patience is the key to success. The Chinese sense of time means that they use it knowingly and there is always enough.

• In most cases, initial meetings may be more of a social opportunity as oppose to a negotiation discussion.

• An important element before commencing a business meeting in China is to engage in small talk. Be prepared, as this may include quite personal questions.