Nobody likes to be reminded of death — especially during dinner. Take Chinese as an example, they don’t leave chopsticks pointing upward in a bowl of rice, because it resembles incense sticks burned at funerals. people who know this and concept of “face” will likely make a good first impression. But closing a deal takes more than avoiding offensive gestures. It requires fostering informal relationships.

So how to do business with Chinese? “People in China do not communicate or do business in a direct manner.” Most of the people will agree on this point of view. And indeed it is the true. In China, restaurants can be a good place for casual discussions. But how to endear yourself? Do a night of karaoke following the meal would be a good choice. Although Most of the westerners won’t do that, it is really welcomed in China.

And another important point is that relationships in China are person-to-person. If the person leaves, those relationships don’t stay with the company. In the meantime, Sharing enjoyable times with Chinese partners helps form relationships.

When it comes time to dissolve a Chinese partnership, blame must not be assigned, and the possibility for future deals should remain open. That ensures everyone saves face. This approach may lack closure by western standards, but for the Chinese it’s perfectly normal.