This past weekend, we celebrated Chinese New Year.  In fact, the festivities last 15 days, each day has different meaning to the tradition and a specific task.  On the surface looks like we Chinese are complicated, historically and politically maybe, but when it comes down to trust in business, we are pretty simple.

While eating Hot Pot (A less effort Chinese New Year tradition), a long time friend mentioned he was very frustrated because he thinks his business contacts was not being sincere or serious about working with him.  Here is the tidbit of the frustration:

Friend : “I did you 3 favours in the last 6 weeks, why can’t you help once me when I ask you?”

His contact: “Sorry, it’s your choice.  I didn’t ask you to.”

There is no right or wrong to this, it’s just different.  Being in Canada over 10 years I certainly experience the culture difference first hand, and how Easterners handle business differently than Westerners.

Chinese starts with trust then builds up relationship with the belief that favours received will be definitely returned, lots of business deals are signed during entertainment occasions, contracts or agreement come after.  Hard work is in our blood we just don’t say it, and we trust people we work with are the same.

Where most Westerners, I believe, would first prefer to have some kind formal arrangement or relationship in place before pursuit further; systematic and process-driven.

Twitter may be the game changer in this, if the language is available.  Social media is able to bridge the gap of trust as people who are successful on Twitter are usually generous givers.

If possible, please don’t use the auto translation services on the internet, it can only get you so far but chances are you will get lost in the translation