When visiting other countries, it can often be difficult to know how to act in a business meeting. When it comes to Chinese Business Culture facts, it is important to know several before leaving home. For, while some etiquette is the same as other countries, there are differences when it comes to China. First, it is important to restrain any feelings of excitement or appreciation. In almost all cases, it is important to keep calm and maintain composure. Being polite, using kind words and showing a faint smile is often the best greeting.

It is also important that when attending a meeting or providing a presentation the individual be extremely prepared. If delivering a proposal, it is important to have enough handouts for all attendee. In addition, it is important that only black and white ink be used whether in presentation slides or handouts.

Most often, small talk at the beginning of a meeting is enjoyable and appreciated. While this is the case, it is important that all cell phones be silenced during presentations and that no talking take place. For, unlike talking in church, school or work in other locations, there can be stiff penalties while doing so is also less than professional.

While working with China, delays are common and need be expected. For, most often when working against deadlines, the country will request an extension. For, the Chinese feel in doing so the country gains an advantage and has some control over the process.

Since Chinese people enter the room in hierarchical order, it is important that others attending a meeting do the same. Otherwise, it can often be assumed that the wrong individuals have the most power. As such, that individual will most likely get the most attention and respect in the meeting and throughout the process, which at times can create a great deal of confusion on behalf of attendees.

While there are business meetings year round, the most favorable time for these events is between April and June and September and October. For, these are the least busiest times of year for the Chinese. As such, it is often best to schedule meetings during this time of year. In China, operating hours are from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening on weekdays, often with a two hour break from noon to 2 in the afternoon. At which time everything shuts down from telephones to elevators.

Handshakes are an acceptable form of greeting. While this is the case, there are some people whom dislike this type of contact. As such, it is always appropriate to allow the Chinese to make the first gesture when it comes to handshakes or contact of any manner.

In most cases, individuals desire to be referred to by a business title and first name. While comrade may be used in some instances, when an outsider uses the term it tends to indicate the person is committed to communism. As such, it is often best to avoid using this and other military terms.

Whether at the beginning, during or at the end, speaking a few words in Chinese is often a nice gesture. At the same time, if an individual is going to use the Chinese language, it is important to understand the meaning behind the words. For, if not careful, it can be easy to misspeak in ways which can often cause tension among attendees throughout the course of the meeting.