Import/export and Global Sourcing

Your first encounter with China business for global sourcing and import and export initiative may be a bit too confusing over how to build relationships there. Remember, your first visit may not be your last interaction with your counterpart; no matter whether you are setting up China business there or looking for import/export opportunities as a part of your global sourcing endeavor.

-Presenting Business Cards Holds the Key

In China business, how you present your business card is regarded with seriousness. Many US import/export managers unaware of this do it in a casual way like they do back home. In order to strike cords with your import & export or global sourcing partner and have a successful deal in global sourcing, have your card's critical areas like your name, company name and contact details translated to Chinese and present it with both your hands with Mandarin side facing your China business partner. On the other hand, when you are offered a card by your global sourcing counterpart, don't stuff it to your pocket without studying it for a while, which is disrespectful.

-Guanxi and the Art of Promoting Your Import & Export Business

Guanxi stands for relationship, relation, concern, to have to do with and much more. Remember, Shanghai and Guanxi are two inseparable companions for aspiring global sourcing and import/export managers. To develop relationship with your China business counterparts, networking means a lot. Unlike olden days when networking meant first socializing then promoting China business, business relations are built on strong fundamentals as a number of present day foreign investor companies have different approaches.

-China Business, Relationships, Global Sourcing and Import/Export

Networking with government officials, import and export partners for licensing or permits for setting up your China business or global sourcing initiative is a time consuming exercise that needs to be carefully built. However, establishing relationship with manufacturers, import/export operators isn't going to be difficult and it can be based on pragmatic basis in China business.

-Maintaining the Relationship to Promote China Business

No doubt, relationships are critical for China business development. More than that, it is the right kind of relationships that help and make you relish when maintained. For some global sourcing agencies, developing connections with the local community or government officials can help seal deals, while others think differently. But everyone agrees that type of relationship and maintaining it is a matter dependent on your business model. Both large and SME import/export and global sourcing companies maintain person to person relationships which is the foundation of China business.