I’ve heard this from a number of American businessmen over the years. Then when you start sharing “China stories” they are as shocked as the folks around the table who’ve never left the USA. “What do you mean you’ve never eaten pig’s stomach noodle soup at a road side stand in the pouring rain? How […]
I get this all the time from the folks I meet. My response? “No, you don’t. You might want to go to China, but you don’t want to go with me.” Don’t get me wrong, I think China is great in many ways. It is no exaggeration that I love China, even when I hate […]
Business books aplenty have been written on the importance of guanxi or relationships in China. And most of them are boring, so I won’t add to the pile. From my personal experiences over the last 15 years in Asia, as a round-eye you build relationships by eating anything put in front of you and drinking […]
I had a late dinner Monday night with an old friend/classmate/colleague/client who was passing through town. We had a nice time watching the Colts defeat the Dolphins, despite despite only having the ball for 14:53 (amazing), while reviewing his exciting new product, eating way too many hot wings and reminiscing about the start up days […]
I’ve been an expat several times in my life, from studies in the UK to stints in Singapore, Taiwan and China. All were relatively short, so my sense of excitement and wonder never wore off. For that I am grateful. I’ve known expats who stayed away for 15 years or more, and many were counting […]
I had a late dinner Monday night with an old friend/classmate/colleague/client who was passing through town. We had a nice time watching the Colts defeat the Dolphins, despite despite only having the ball for 14:53 (amazing), while reviewing his exciting new product, eating way too many hot wings and reminiscing about the start up days […]
I saw this piece today that asked when GM could have turned it around. It is just a short blog post, but I read it and the comments with great interest. I’ve owned at least 10 GM cars in my life (I drive one now and think it’s fine but not great), and most bring […]
I love to read. It is really my only hobby; I never go a minute without a source of new information to occupy my attention. I’m known for taking books to my kids’ soccer games. When they are not playing, I’m reading. This makes a great impression with the other parents. Try it sometime. So […]
One of my favorite things to do is take my family to the circus. I like them all, but my favorite is Cole Brothers under the big top, the way a circus should be. I love circuses because you can’t fake it. Everything is live, and it all depends on the elegant combination of individual […]
Random thoughts at the end of a great week, one where long-delayed projects resumed, new customers signed on, and some HUGE potential clients visited our facilities in Shenzhen and Buji: While I don’t think for a minute the recession is over, I am amazed at the resilience of the entrepreneurs we meet in this business. […]
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