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Thibaut Desmons

..enrol in the course now to join this growing community.

Make The Most Of Your “China Experience” With All The Practical Tips Included In China 101.

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..enrol in the course now to join this growing community.

Make The Most Of Your “China Experience” With All The Practical Tips Included In China 101.

  • Learn practical knowledge based on my 6 years of experience living in China
  • Know how to approach Chinese people and gain their trust
  • Overcome culture shock and avoid cultural mistakes
  • Build strong business relationships with Chinese partners
  • Discover the rules of Chinese social and business etiquette
  • Get practical solutions to common problems you’ll encounter in China
  • Find out the best places to visit in China
  • Get the tools to start understanding Chinese language

All the secrets of China revealed.

Whether you live in or outside of China, it is very likely that you will have (or already have) Chinese suppliers, distributors or investors. Understanding their way of thinking and being familiar with their customs and habits will help you a lot to succeed in any project related to China that you might be involved in.

Four years later, based on the solid network of relations (guanxi) that I had managed to build, I started my own company and became one of the few foreign entrepreneurs able to succeed in China. Now I’ve put together all the things that I’ve learned and created this course to share this knowledge let others benefit from my experience. I’ve tried to include as many examples as possible and all are based on real life situations that I came across.

Altogether I’m sure you’ll find this information useful and that it will help you optimize your chances of success in China.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the ways of thinking and cultural habits of chinese people
  • Apply the knowledge to real-life situations in china such as: social events, eating out, business meetings, etc.
  • Be familiar with different points of interest in the country, as well as many tips and tricks to have a great time traveling in china.
  • Know the dos and donts and the steps to follow in order to successfully close deals with chinese business partners.

Syllabus

DOs and DONTs for your second meeting with Chinese partners

Principles to follow for successful negotiations

T.I.C - This Is China
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I’ll introduce myself and go over the broad topics we’ll cover in the course. I’ll also touch on why the course will help students, and what they’ll get out of it once they’ve completed it.

A few key-numbers to illustrate the scale and complexity of China

Core values influenced by the 3 main religious ideologies:
-
Confucianism
-
Daoism
- Buddhism

Test your knowledge regarding the content of the two previous lectures.

- Greeting
-
Using names
- Small talk
- Body language
- General attitude

Chinese cuisines and dining etiquette.

Main holidays and festivals celebrated in China:
- Spring festival
- Mid-autumn festival
- Dragon boat festival
-
Tomb sweeping festival
- National holiday

- Characters
- Grammar
- Tones
- Pinyin

Test your knowledge of Chinese culture and social etiquette.

My top five places to visit in China.

Pros and cons of different means of transportation in China.

Test your knowledge about traveling in China!

Why China is different and complex

Requirements for a good preparation.

DOs and DONTs for your first meeting with Chinese partners

What you must do after you closed your first deal with Chinese partners

Comparing main trends in both countries in terms of:

  • Decision process
  • Confidence
  • Focus
  • Contracts
  • Business meals
  • Eye contact
  • New ideas
  • Motivation
  • Traffic lights

    Read about what's good
    what should give you pause
    and possible dealbreakers
    Explores cultural nuances and etiquette, which are essential for building strong relationships with Chinese partners and succeeding in business ventures
    Offers practical tips and insights for navigating China, which can enhance travel experiences and help avoid common cultural misunderstandings
    Covers negotiation principles and strategies, which are useful for closing deals and establishing long-term collaborations with Chinese counterparts
    Introduces basic elements of the Chinese language, including characters, grammar, tones, and pinyin, which provides a foundation for further language study
    Highlights key holidays and festivals, such as the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, which enriches cultural immersion and understanding
    Examines core values influenced by Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, which provides a deeper understanding of Chinese society and its traditions

    Save this course

    Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
    Save

    Reviews summary

    Practical guide to succeed in china

    According to students, this course offers a practical and insightful guide (positive) for anyone interacting with China, especially for business (positive). Learners appreciate the instructor's real-world experience (positive) and the focus on cultural nuances and etiquette (positive). The course provides a solid foundation (positive) for understanding Chinese ways of thinking and navigating common situations. Some mention it's particularly good for beginners or those with limited prior knowledge (neutral). While it covers various aspects, its strength lies in offering applicable tips for social and business interactions (positive). The pace and clarity are generally well-received.
    Touches upon culture, business, language, and travel.
    "I liked that it covered not just business but also travel tips and basic language pointers."
    "It gives a broad overview of different areas you need to be aware of when engaging with China."
    "The course touches on multiple aspects making it a useful starting point."
    Well-suited for those new to China.
    "As someone with no prior experience in China, I found this course to be a fantastic introduction."
    "It gives a really solid overview for beginners who want to understand the basics of navigating China."
    "The course is comprehensive enough for someone just starting to learn about Chinese culture and business."
    Builds a strong understanding of key aspects.
    "This course provides a solid foundation for anyone needing to interact with China for personal or professional reasons."
    "It lays out the fundamental principles clearly and concisely."
    "I now have a much better baseline understanding of the key cultural drivers."
    Deep dives into culture, etiquette, and social norms.
    "Understanding the cultural background and etiquette was crucial. This course explains the 'why' behind customs like 'guanxi'."
    "The sections on dining etiquette, gift-giving, and general social interactions were eye-opening and very informative."
    "It really helped me grasp the nuances of Chinese culture that are important for building trust."
    Provides actionable insights for business relations.
    "If you are planning to do business with Chinese partners, this course is a must. The negotiation and relationship-building advice is invaluable."
    "Learned essential DOs and DONTs for business meetings that I can apply immediately."
    "The insights into the Chinese way of thinking in business helped me prepare better for deals."
    Offers practical tips based on instructor's experience.
    "This course provides a wealth of practical information derived from the instructor's firsthand experience living and working in China."
    "I found the practical tips for business meetings and social etiquette extremely useful. It's not just theory, but how things actually work."
    "The examples based on real-life situations were very helpful in understanding the concepts."

    Activities

    Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in China 101: All you need to succeed in the Middle Kingdom with these activities:
    Review Core Chinese Values
    Refresh your understanding of the core values influenced by Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism to better grasp the Chinese mindset.
    Browse courses on Confucianism
    Show steps
    • Read summaries of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism.
    • Identify key tenets of each philosophy.
    • Reflect on how these values might influence behavior.
    Practice Basic Mandarin Greetings
    Reinforce your understanding of basic Mandarin greetings through repetitive practice.
    Show steps
    • Review the Mandarin greetings covered in the course.
    • Practice pronunciation using online resources.
    • Role-play greeting scenarios with a friend or language partner.
    Read 'The Chinese Mind: Understanding Traditional Chinese Beliefs and Values'
    Gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture by reading a book that explores traditional beliefs and values.
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of 'The Chinese Mind'.
    • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
    • Reflect on how these concepts relate to business and social interactions.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Create a Cheat Sheet on Chinese Dining Etiquette
    Solidify your knowledge of Chinese dining etiquette by creating a concise cheat sheet for quick reference.
    Show steps
    • Review the course materials on Chinese dining etiquette.
    • Summarize the key dos and don'ts.
    • Design a visually appealing and easy-to-read cheat sheet.
    Read 'When Doing Business in China, Don't Forget About Guanxi!'
    Deepen your understanding of 'guanxi' by reading a book dedicated to building and leveraging relationships in China.
    Show steps
    • Obtain a copy of 'When Doing Business in China, Don't Forget About Guanxi!'.
    • Read the book, focusing on practical strategies.
    • Consider how to apply these strategies in your own business dealings.
    Research a Chinese Festival and its Cultural Significance
    Expand your knowledge of Chinese culture by researching a specific festival and presenting its cultural significance.
    Show steps
    • Choose a Chinese festival (e.g., Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival).
    • Research the festival's history, traditions, and customs.
    • Prepare a presentation or report summarizing your findings.
    Develop a Presentation on Business Negotiation Strategies in China
    Apply your knowledge of Chinese business culture by creating a presentation outlining effective negotiation strategies.
    Show steps
    • Review the course materials on business negotiations.
    • Research additional resources on negotiation strategies in China.
    • Develop a presentation with key strategies and examples.

    Career center

    Learners who complete China 101: All you need to succeed in the Middle Kingdom will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
    International Sales Representative
    An International Sales Representative sells products or services to customers in foreign markets, requiring a deep understanding of local cultures and business practices. This role demands strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to navigate different business environments. This course may be extremely helpful for an International Sales Representative working with China. The course includes essential practical information about social and business etiquette, tips for building strong relationships with Chinese partners, and real life examples that can help one avoid cultural mistakes. This course may help improve the impact of your sales approach and effectiveness in closing deals.
    Cross-Cultural Consultant
    A Cross Cultural Consultant advises organizations on how to improve communication and collaboration across cultures. This role requires a deep understanding of cultural values, communication styles, and techniques for managing intercultural differences. This course may be helpful for Cross Cultural Consultants focusing on China, providing them with a detailed understanding of Chinese culture, and how to engage with Chinese partners. The focus on real life situations, as well as DOs and DONTs, can be extremely helpful for the practice of Cross Cultural consulting.
    Expatriate Coach
    An Expatriate Coach assists individuals and families relocating to a new country, helping them adjust to a different culture and way of life. This role requires cultural sensitivity, coaching skills, and knowledge of the specific challenges faced by expatriates. This course is particularly helpful for an Expatriate Coach supporting people moving to China. It covers essential topics such as cultural norms, etiquette, and common business practices, providing the coach with practical knowledge that can help prepare their clients for their new lives in China. The course's advice for avoiding culture shock can also be very helpful here.
    Global Project Manager
    A Global Project Manager oversees projects that span multiple countries, often involving cross-cultural teams and stakeholders. This role requires excellent communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate diverse business environments. This course is very helpful for a Global Project Manager working with teams or projects involving China. The course's focus on understanding Chinese ways of thinking, building successful business relationships, and avoiding cultural mishaps may help project managers to lead teams effectively and ensure smooth project execution in the Chinese context.
    Import Manager
    An Import Manager is responsible for coordinating the purchase and shipment of goods from foreign countries. This role involves navigating international regulations, logistics, and cultural nuances of various supplier nations. This course is particularly helpful for an Import Manager dealing with Chinese suppliers, offering insights into Chinese business etiquette, relationship building, and negotiation strategies. The course's practical knowledge of Chinese culture may help you establish trust and build strong relationships, crucial for smooth import operations.
    Supply Chain Specialist
    A Supply Chain Specialist optimizes the flow of goods from manufacturers to customers, often working with international suppliers and distributors. This role requires understanding cultural practices and business etiquette, especially when dealing with overseas partners. This course may be useful for a Supply Chain Specialist who manages relationships with Chinese suppliers or distributors. The course's focus on building trust, navigating negotiations, and understanding Chinese business culture may help them foster strong relationships, manage supply chains, and reduce inefficiencies in the supply process.
    Export Manager
    An Export Manager oversees the sale and shipment of goods to foreign countries. This role requires navigating different regulatory environments, cultural norms, and business practices. This course may be useful for an Export Manager focusing on China, as it offers practical knowledge about building business relationships with Chinese partners, the rules of engagement for social and business etiquette, and strategies for successful negotiations. The course provides a solid foundation for those looking to expand their exports into China, and the course's information about avoiding cultural mistakes may help reduce the chance of misunderstandings.
    Multicultural Trainer
    A Multicultural Trainer develops and delivers training programs to enhance cultural competence in individuals or organizations. This role requires strong knowledge of diverse cultures and the ability to facilitate effective cross-cultural communication. This course may be useful for aspiring Multicultural Trainers, as it provides practical knowledge of Chinese culture, including social etiquette, business norms, and common cultural differences. The insights from the course into common challenges faced when interacting with people from China may be used by a trainer to create relevant training modules.
    Global Marketing Specialist
    A Global Marketing Specialist develops and executes marketing strategies tailored to international markets. This role demands a keen understanding of local cultures and consumer behaviors to ensure effective campaigns. This course may be useful for a Global Marketing Specialist targeting the Chinese market, as it includes insights into Chinese core values, social and business etiquette, and practical ways to build trust with Chinese partners. The course's practical knowledge will help in crafting marketing messages that resonate with the Chinese audience, assisting in the development of culturally relevant marketing strategies.
    International Business Development Manager
    An International Business Development Manager identifies and cultivates new business opportunities in foreign markets. This role requires a deep understanding of cultural nuances, negotiation strategies, and relationship building, particularly when dealing with international partners. This course may be useful for enhancing your understanding of Chinese culture and business practices, helping you build strong relationships with Chinese partners and overcome potential cultural barriers, drawing from the practical knowledge and real-life examples shared in the course. The skills you will learn here will aid in adapting to various social and business situations, greatly benefiting your interactions and maximizing success in the Chinese market.
    Travel Consultant
    A Travel Consultant plans and organizes trips for clients, advising on destinations, accommodations, and travel logistics. This role requires knowledge of various locations and cultures to provide tailored travel advice. A Travel Consultant specializing in China might find this course useful because it offers practical tips on traveling in China, recommends places to visit, and explains transportation options. It can also help the consultant in providing useful recommendations for clients that take into account common etiquette and cultural customs in China.
    Overseas Education Advisor
    An Overseas Education Advisor guides students seeking educational opportunities in foreign countries. This role requires an understanding of international education systems, visa processes, and cultural adaptation. This course, with its focus on cultural practices and daily living in China, may be useful for an Overseas Education Advisor, providing them with a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities students may face while studying in China. The practical knowledge acquired can better prepare the advisor to offer relevant advice to their clients.
    International Relations Specialist
    An International Relations Specialist works in the field of diplomacy or international affairs, focusing on building relationships between countries. This role requires an understanding of different cultures, political systems, and social issues. This course may be useful for an International Relations Specialist focusing on East Asia, offering insight into the cultural and social landscape of China, and highlighting the importance of building trust and understanding with Chinese partners. The detailed and hands-on approach of this course focusing on cultural and social norms can assist in the work of an International Relations Specialist.
    International Trade Analyst
    An International Trade Analyst researches and interprets global trade data, providing insights to organizations involved in international business. This role requires an understanding of the economic and cultural landscapes of various countries. This course provides a foundation for an International Trade Analyst focusing on China, offering insights into Chinese cultural values, business etiquette, and social norms, which can influence trade dynamics and business interactions. The practical tips provided may help the analyst better interpret data and understand the cultural context of trade relations with China.
    Cultural Liaison
    A Cultural Liaison acts as a bridge between different cultures, facilitating understanding and communication. This role often involves educating others about cultural norms and practices to promote smoother interactions, whether for individuals or organizations. A course like this may be useful for those seeking to become Cultural Liaisons, as it offers a practical guide to Chinese culture, covering everything from greeting customs to social etiquette and business interactions. The course's focus on understanding Chinese ways of thinking and practical tips for daily life makes it applicable to roles that require cultural expertise.

    Reading list

    We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in China 101: All you need to succeed in the Middle Kingdom.
    Delves into the concept of 'guanxi' (relationships) and its crucial role in Chinese business culture. It provides practical advice on building, maintaining, and leveraging relationships for success in China. This book adds depth to the course by providing real-world examples and strategies for navigating the complexities of Chinese business relationships. It useful reference tool for anyone planning to conduct business in China.
    Provides a comprehensive overview of traditional Chinese beliefs and values, offering insights into the cultural nuances that shape Chinese behavior. It is particularly useful for understanding the historical and philosophical underpinnings of modern Chinese society. This book serves as valuable background reading, providing context for the practical tips and advice offered in the course. It is commonly used as a reference for those seeking a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.

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