Frequently Asked Questions
Your first impression will either instill trust or inspire doubt. Let Chinese Intercultural, LLC., help you prepare for that first meeting.
+ What do you do? Is Chinese Intercultural, LLC., a third-party liaison?
We are not a brokerage business. Chinese Intercultural, LLC., provides body language training, cultural etiquette, and awareness of non-verbal cues for executives of companies who are exploring business opportunities with East Asian countries.
+ My company is sending me to China for a few days. Besides my standard documents and company presentation, what else do I need? ?
These documents are survival documents, the bare minimum for American business executives to travel to and return safely from China. However, the company hasn’t given you the essential skills you need to make a good impression and build a relationship. You need to be prepared for common misunderstandings that occur cross-culturally.
+ What else should I do before sending my employee abroad? ?
The US Department of Commerce advises that American businesses invest in cultural sensitivity training. Cultural sensitivity involves being respectful of other cultures and avoiding serious faux pas. Understanding and knowing about different cultures means more than mirroring or following the other’s lead. Chinese Intercultural, LLC., is in the business of communicating and commanding respect which will give you a competitive edge. At this time, Chinese Intercultural, LLC, does not accompany travels to East Asia.
+ My company is willing to spend money on Mandarin language training. Is that enough?
The first two minutes of Chinese business contact will be based more on body language than what is said. Many Chinese business people already speak English very well. However, the structure of their social interaction with you will be based on Chinese culture. Spending four hours of training on Chinese body language, non-verbal cues, and etiquette will get you much further than 100 hours of Chinese language learning.
+ Why do I need a workshop in Chinese business communication?
Chinese business executives that I have worked with are generously forgiving when working with Westerners. They often describe Americans as “carefree”, “uninhibited”. A great deal of communication is HOW something was said, rather than WHAT was said. If you know the body language to avoid, you will make a better first impression.
+ I have read on-line lists of taboos and do’s and don’ts. Isn’t that enough to know?
On-line lists of Chinese cultural taboos and do’s and don’ts are a great way to get started. However, learning body language and etiquette via standard videos is often insufficient for coaching real-time, split-second impressions. Moreover, learning non-verbal cues isn’t just seeing someone else complete the task. You need instant feedback to know you have understood the non-verbal cue. For more, read my blog, How firm is your handshake?
+ I want to explore and reach more East Asian customers and clients. How can you help?
There are many miscommunications in our daily interactions. According to Pew Research Center studies, many East Asian Americans are homeowners, demonstrate high employment and high education attainment. They are a part of a hidden customer base. Many American businesses are extending across multicultural customers within the US. Make sure that you are making the impression you want to give. Your business will gain a more international branding and appeal by seeking out professional reviews and practices. There are many affordable, culturally appropriate ways to reach your customers and clients. Contact us for a one-hour free consultation.