Do Your Planning and Research Before Landing in China

China is a large country and a powerhouse for companies. Many businesses from North America outsource products to be manufactured in China as it is less expensive. As a result, business meetings, trade shows, and conferences must all take place overseas. Here are a few tips to prepare for such meetings.

1. Ensure you study the culture. China places a lot of importance on culture and manners. The last thing you want to do is insult someone without realizing it.
2. Research what websites can and cannot be viewed while in China. If you want to show clients or partners a particular website as an example, you want to make sure that they will actually have access to it. If not, save screen shots of it in your home country to show while in China. The reason this is important, is that some sites are blocked by the government.
3. Book your China computer rentals (computers, laptops, audio visual equipment, etc) ahead of time. You wan to ensure that the company you use is reputable and that the equipment is delivered on time. First impressions are everything.
4. Read books ahead of time that recommend places to eat. In China, they eat a lot of rather unique food items. You want to make sure you know what you are eating.