Networking and Building Relationships in Chinese Business Culture

Cultural Insights, Useful Introductory Phrases & That Dreaded Mandarin Small Talk: We’ve Got You Covered! 💼

Networking in China goes far beyond simply connecting on LinkedIn and exchanging emails.

You might have encountered business people in China previously and wondered why it didn’t go as you expected or how you’re used to.

Well, time to drop all expectations. You must understand the cultural nuances to show respect and develop long-term connections with the local Chinese and that’s exactly what we’ll teach you today.

In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to insider tips for networking in China and essential phrases to build relationships in Chinese business culture👍🏻

Networking and Building Relationships || Techniques for Networking in China

Networking and Building Relationships || Vocabulary for Introducing Yourself

Networking and Building Relationships || Phrases for Discussing Topics of Interest

Networking and Building Relationships || Making Small Talk in a Business Context

Networking and Building Relationships || FAQs

Networking and Building Relationships || Techniques for Networking in China

✅ Relationships – Guanxi

It’s like the saying in the West, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’ It captures the essence of Play 关系 (guān xì) in China.

Building Guanxi in China is about nurturing your connections over time.

👉 You gradually build trust and personal connections through the exchange of favours and delivering promised results.

Without the right relationships and introductions, it is extremely hard to meet with decision-makers.

Ultimately, Chinese people prefer to do business with people they know and have deeper trust with.

In typical business culture, relationships are also essential for getting a job and succeeding in business negotiations.

Want more information about 关系 (guān xì)? Check out our post below!

Chinese Business Etiquette and Cultural Norms: Do’s and Don’ts

Gain a Deeper Understanding of Business Culture and Build Strong Business Relationships in China 💼 Cultural elements (and differences!) play a vital role in business. This is especially true if you come from a Western culture and want to develop…

✅ Face Culture

Face culture represents your reputation and social status in Chinese networking.

It is important to give and save others’ faces when you meet with them, whether for the first time or even when you’re close.

You could compliment a member in front of their boss, dress up nicely for a meeting to show respect, or host an elegant dinner. These are all effective ways to give Face and maintain good Guanxi.

You must also be mindful to avoid direct confrontation and address the senior’s titles and dignity, especially in a formal setting. There is no room for mistakes. If Chinese locals feel like their faces are lost in public, your hard-built relationships will be like a broken mirror.

✅ Formal Introduction

Having mutual contact with a decision-maker is super helpful for networking on this land. The higher the status of the middleman, the better.

Always remember to research the hierarchical structures and address people by their titles. Ensure that you know exactly who you are meeting with.

This process can take time but can save you a lot of effort in building relationships with the locals and reaching agreements in later negotiations.

✅ Banquet – Fanju

Play 饭局 (fàn jú) is typically a dinner involving a group of people in China. Having meals together plays an important role in socializing in Chinese culture.

These dinners are often hosted to introduce people and build new relationships. The host is expected to give a speech. During the dinner, people often toast with each other as a casual networking gesture.

You could potentially meet with people who can introduce you to key decision-makers. So, it will become extremely important to know who you are meeting with beforehand. It will be nice to have a planned strategy for greeting these people at the table.

BONUS || Still struggling with food names in Chinese? Here’s our guide on How to Read a Menu in Chinese

🎁 Gift Giving

Giving each other gifts is also a very nice gesture after an official business conversation. You can choose something casual and avoid anything that’s too expensive, as it may be considered bribery.

When you present the gifts, offer with both hands to show your respect. This is a gesture to give people Face as well in public.

However, you should be very well aware of the big taboo of giving a clock or a watch. These are considered very unlucky, and local Chinese will get quite offended when you gift them those.

To stay on the safe side, follow our Chinese Gift Giving Guide’s advice.

Networking and Building Relationships || Vocabulary for Introducing Yourself

These phrases are effective in introducing yourself and leaving a good first impression. They sound polite and cover the necessary information from the etiquette perspective.

Play 我来自…

wǒ lái zì…

I come from…

Besides names, it’s also important to let others know your background and professional details. It’s an essential etiquette in a business setting. Because people will know what you’re offering and how they will help.

These phrases are helpful in establishing your sincerity and showing respect. Definitely ensure to remember them, especially when meeting at the first time.

30+ Basic Business Chinese Vocabulary: Business Essentials

Do Business Like a Local || Commonly Used Business Chinese Vocabulary So, you have decided to do business in China. That’s great! However, you should be prepared to deal with locals who don’t speak English.  If you want to develop…

Networking and Building Relationships || Phrases for Discussing Topics of Interest

These phrases are helpful to initiate the conversation. Be mindful to show your genuine interest.

These phrases sound very modest. In Chinese business etiquette, it’s important to put yourself in a lower position to ask for the other side’s suggestions. It gives others credibility and give them Face as well.

Be sure to remember these phrases. It will help you a lot in building Guanxi with the locals.

Networking and Building Relationships || Making Small Talk in a Business Context

Small talks can also help foster great relationships in Chinese business culture. People appreciate getting to know each other personally. Talking about food and hometown are great icebreakers.

Play 您喜欢这里的食物吗?

nín xǐ huān zhè lǐ de shí wù ma?

Do you like the food here?

Play 您有什么推荐的好吃的？
nín yǒu shén me tuī jiàn de hǎo chī de?

Do you have any recommendations to eat?

Play 您家乡在哪里?
nín jiā xiāng zài nǎ lǐ?

Where is your hometown?

Asking people how they are also shows you care about them. Chinese people think being busy means good business. So you can always use this particular phrase.

Play 您最近忙什么呢?

nín zuì jìn máng shén me ne?

What have you been busy with recently?

Sports and traveling have also become a more popular topic for networking. People like to share a positive lifestyle as it will add credibility to their business success as well. Show strong curiosity and compliment their lifestyle.

You will give them a lot of Face in this way.

Small Talk Vocab Bank

So you’ve made it to the 饭局 (banquet) and you’re ready to build some 关系 (relationships). Here’s some vocabulary guides to help you on your way:

• Hobbies in Chinese 🎨
• Sports in Chinese ⚾
• Alcohol in Chinese 🍻

Now you’re almost there in advanced mode doing business in China.

Take your time learning these phrases during your business networking in China. Be patient and you’ll build great Guangxi with the Chinese.

Play 加油!

You got this!

Want more articles about business Chinese? Suggest a topic here!

Networking and Building Relationships || FAQs

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