Dan Harris over on the China Law Blog (one of my must read blogs) has an outstanding post regarding the issue of why so many Chinese companies have been disappointed in their ability to achieve success in the west(Dan’s list is towards the bottom of the post). Dan’s post is so good that I won’t editorialize beyond just saying that he nailed it and that I’ve run into every one of these in working with Chinese companies.

“…a good list of why Chinese companies are having so much difficulty making it in the United States. Here’s that list:

1. Chinese companies focus on a Chinese consumer, not an American one.

2. Chinese companies fail to realize that one reputation damaging mistake in the United States could doom them forever here.

3. Chinese companies fail to realize it will take time for them to make an impact in the United States and they are unwilling to spend the time and money necessary to do so.

4. Chinese companies focus too much on the end result (making money), and by doing so, they sacrifice the professionalism that would allow them to achieve long term success.

5. Chinese companies tell users what they want instead of listening to users.

6. Chinese companies focus too much making money in the short term, rather than on building the quality necessary to sustain themselves in the long term.

7. Chinese companies fail to understand how beauty and design might distinguish their product from that of their competitors.

8. Chinese companies rely too much on phone calls and face to face meetings instead of email.

9. Chinese companies fail to use “simple and elegant designs.”

10. Chinese companies fail to realize their need to hire MBAs and those with local knowledge.”

If you’re interested in doing business in China you really should follow the China Law Blog!

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