In the Chinese language, China translated into Middle Kingdom – or middle land – and while Westerners feel Chinese are developing into the modern world, I believe Chinese feel they are the original race, and all people came from China at one point – so in essence it is the Chinese that are now allowing themselves to engage with the …
American Companies Don’t Feel Welcome in China anymore?
Also while watching CNN in hong kong today….they discussed a poll about more and more american companies frustrated doing business in china….the numbers were almost 30percent as of feb 2010 I can admit….i have always had trouble but in a way i believe / feel it is also because the cultural differences….not a positive or a negative feeling, just that …
Is Google Leaving China April 10?
Man……Seems the news is all over the place, and google.cn may be turning off as early as mid april. What will this mean for all those workers? The google workforce is probably one of the top of the line workers, so I am sure Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, and all the other Chinese internet companies will be scrambling to grab as …
Dealing With Various International Cultures…..being flexible…
Every day I struggle to be sensitive to so many different cultures (ok ok, so maybe not really sensitive, but at least aware!) Being an American, I can say I grew up DUMB to international cultures….even though I spent time in a university with Indians, Chinese, and others, as well as almost 5 years living in New York City – …
My Friend Rosemary’s Book Debute
My friend Rosemary Coates released a book 42 Rules for Sourcing and Manufacturing in China and I want to support her in this exciting moment for her. I can only hope one day I am as fortunate as her to publish my own book. Her and I have met on her travels in Shenzhen and she has great experiences in …
Upcoming Travels in China + Southeast Asia
writing this on my mobile phone, it amazes me how open the world has become with the internet. My assistant jojo has prepared my travels for the next month, until the end of april, and this is what i have lined up: Now until march 25 – stay in shenzhen / hong kong taking care of business operations, financial cashflow …
Can Google Save Face In China?
I have personally been wondering what is going on with the Google vs. China government. My friends are asking me the latest, but its really quiet….there was tons of news on it, back and forth with the Chinese government, news press releases, and other crazy news….then it got quiet. Google Buzz came out, and seems to have just let people …
If Chinese Scientists Lose Google, Its Like Going Blind
Had to post this…..its amazing……will Google really leave China ? The news I’ve been reading it is highly unlikely. But the news loves hearing about the battle between Chinese government and Google. Almost wondering – is it a PR stunt to get attention to Google from China? Or is it a USA political match to twist Chinese officials to open …
As China Office is empty- USA is busier then ever
This longggggg China New Year holiday drives me insane – as I’m sure a lot of other business owners (chinese and foreign) – it still amazes me how a country of such size and current global influence can completely shut down – so many of my favorite restaurants are still closed. Things should start opening up again friday and the …
3rd Chinese New Years while living in China
So strange, having 2 new years holiday each year…..since I moved to China in the end of 2007, I have been involved with 3 chinese new years now. There was the year of the RAT (mouse), last year was BULL, and now we’re in the year of the Tiger! Well, last New Years (into the Bull!) I was in Amsterdam …
will google buzz fizzle in china?
Google has just released google buzz, a twitter like platform that is integrated into your gmail account – so your “buzz” from friends and followers comes through as a folder in your email box. This is all cool stuff, but from the matter of the current state of “google leaving china”….this is another step towards leaving. Its reported the government …
Firing People in China – Watch your Back
Have to share this greatttttttttt email I received today, makes me sleep well at night. Unreal people out there like this. But I want to share, some of the after effects of firing someone. The guy lost me customers, was lazy, and did his own work during company hours. Anyway, received the below email (exact copy / paste) from a …
Stupid Foreigner Paying Chinese New Year Bonus
Update Feb 2016: Get lots of requests on Chinese New Year bonus, 6 years later I wrote a much more detailed and professional post on my business blog: How Much Bonus Should I Pay on Chinese New Year?, check it out! Again, I am reminded how little I know about the Chinese culture. I try to be observant, ask around …
Apartment Moving in China – Fun Never Stops
I recently ended a contract with a residential apartment, the owner is 27 years old, and he works in a department store. The people tell me he is a “duck boy” married or dating a rich chinese woman. her name is on the ownership documents, but he has a subcontract for it. I have a contract with him. Now i …
So many changes, holding on as best I can
Hey, this is my personal blog, and it seems people here like reading about the real life story of my experiences….so here goes…hope it doesnt seem too much like complaining… Obviously being a small business owner, boot strapped and always under cash flow pressure – I am faced with daily pressure to deliver. Guess overall I like the pressure, even …