The world is a global market - those businesses who don’t believe this, or embrace it, will go by the wayside.  In 2002 I was an independent manufacturer’s rep and one of my customers said that I should look at [...]]]> I originally posted this article on my International Online Magazine Speak Without Interruption http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/ on September 22, 2010

The world is a global market - those businesses who don’t believe this, or embrace it, will go by the wayside.  In 2002 I was an independent manufacturer’s rep and one of my customers said that I should look at branching out – representing products “outside” of the U.S.  I thought this was good advice so I first started looking in Europe.  For many reasons – after trying many companies and products – I decided that Europe was not for me.  I then looked and visited Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China.  I settled on China because I felt that was a country that could best provide me with the products I needed to succeed.  Once I settled on a product category I then knew that I needed one key person, inside of China, to make it all come together and become successful.  It took me a year to find that person and his name is David.  Without David I would not be where I am today and I am forever indebted to this young man.

David and I had some very productive years together.  Then like most things that are successful – there was a down turn.  This was do to the world economy and actions taken by both the Chinese and U.S. Governments.  Through no fault of our own our business died; however, David has stuck with me and I with him.  We are now working on new projects that we both hope – and feel – will get us back some of the volume we have realised in the past.

I never had a son and David became that son to me.  He and his family have also adopted me as part of their own.  It saddens me when I read statements about China and its people that just are not true.  I can only testify to my own experiences and connections inside China but I would not trade the relationships I have made for anything.  David and his family are a key part of my life and forever will be – regardless of what the governments of our respective countries might say and do.

For various reasons – my business in China declined, a little over two years ago, and I have not had occasion to visit there during that time period.  A lot has happened – both within the U.S. and China – [...]]]> I originally posted this article on my International Online Magazine Speak Without Interruption http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/ on April 16, 2010

For various reasons – my business in China declined, a little over two years ago, and I have not had occasion to visit there during that time period.  A lot has happened – both within the U.S. and China – since my business went south.  I do miss China – its people – its culture – its smell.  This might seem like an irrational statement – since China is suppose to be one of the most polluted countries in the world – but it is not the smell of pollution that sticks in my memory.  Our China office was located in Guangdong Province which is located in the southern part of China – near Hong Kong.  Traveling around that province I always remember the fresh scents of flowers, rain, trees, grass, and meals being prepared for daily consumption.  I tended to visit factories that were in outlying areas – their conference rooms, factories, reception rooms, and gardens all had a smell that I grew to welcome during each of my visits.  As I made trips – and visits – to other parts of China I felt they each had their own unique smells and aromas that I have not found any other place in the world that I have traveled.

I have written other posts regarding my feelings about the Chinese people – those have not changed.  I am not certain that I will ever have occasion to visit China again but the smells, and memories, of that country and its people will remain with me forever.

About any time, day or night, in major Chinese cities you can see any type of vehicle – transporting all imaginable products – on the roads.  There are trucks carrying ocean containers and Mercedes carrying people.  I have traveled to [...]]]> I originally posted this article on my International Online Magazine Speak Without Interruption http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/ on February 19, 2010

About any time, day or night, in major Chinese cities you can see any type of vehicle – transporting all imaginable products – on the roads.  There are trucks carrying ocean containers and Mercedes carrying people.  I have traveled to England, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, and China.  I would not call myself a “world traveler” but, of all the countries in which I have traveled, I found China to be the most diverse in terms of the types of vehicles that transported goods on their roads.

Regardless of where my travels took me in China – rural or city – there were always a lot of people transporting goods in any type of vehicle that could move or its own, by animal,  or under human power.  The fact that people were busy – working – was not of particular note.  It was the diversity of their means of transportation – within a single view – that was of interest to me.  Also, they all seemed to move with purpose – whether carrying large or small items.  I suppose that is really not so different than any other parts of the world – for some reason it just struck me as another admirable quality of the Chinese people.

Most of the smaller commercial trucks are blue – I have no idea why?  I asked a couple of times but really did not receive an answer.  Maybe there was a sale on blue paint?  I am certain there is a reason, but since I don’t know it, I can’t share it with you – rather just make reference to it.

I will say that – with all those vehicles on the road – it did add to the air pollution.  In most states – in the U.S. – vehicles have to pass safety inspections before they can be licensed.  I am not certain this is a rule in China – if it can move it is road ready.

In my travels, inside China, for business I found the Chinese to be very capitalistic in nature – certainly contrary to how I viewed the Chinese people prior to me actually visiting the country.  The diversity – in the means of transporting their goods – is just one example of this fact at least in my mind.

As I write about my personal experiences in China I again want to note that they are strictly that – my “personal” experiences.  I am certain there are people – who have visited China – who could contradict everything [...]]]> I originally posted this article on my International Online Magazine Speak Without Interruption http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/ on February 15, 2010

As I write about my personal experiences in China I again want to note that they are strictly that – my “personal” experiences.  I am certain there are people – who have visited China – who could contradict everything that I have, or will, write.  The products I imported perhaps did not lend themselves to the typical “Sweat Shop” stereotype in terms of the factories that produced them?  However, I never saw – or visited – any factory that, in my mind, would fit that definition.

If the factories were not what I would call “modern” – they werecertainly clean.  The employees (factory workers) wore uniforms at most places I visited.  They seemed proficient in their work and the products produced, and for the most part, were without quality problems – certainly no different than products produced in other countries.  Most of the factories tended to be in an Industrial Parks and quite large.  Usually, the factories were a “small city” into themselves.  There was housing provided for the employees on the factory grounds along with areas for recreation.  I don’t suppose there was another way of doing it – but I saw a lot of laundry hanging from outside the housing units plus commercial apartments buildings I saw throughout China.

Most factories had certifications that were either the same – or similar – to those held by US factories.  I saw elaborate R&D sections in most of the factories I visited.  The office space was usually as modern – and pleasant – as any I had visited in the US.  A ritual that I truly enjoyed was at every meeting hot tea was served – sometimes the owner, or general manager, had tea to make in their office and other times it was brought in.  However, I can’t recall a meeting where tea was not offered.

Being a non-smoker another ritual I did not enjoy was in almost every meeting I attending – most of the parties present – smoked.  I heard a figure once that 85% of Chinese men smoked – I can attest that this is probably a good estimate.  Once inside the office – or meeting room – the smoke became quite thick and uncomfortable for me; however, I was their guest and felt I could put up with the discomfort in the course of conducting my business affairs.

I have fond memories of my factory visits and discussions – I think the fact that I came to China, and met with the factory personnel, aided my business immensely versus doing business in name only.

When I first started going to China I was warned not to fly on Chinese domestic airlines.  I was told they were old cast off planes – or old military planes – and that people were crammed into each [...]]]> I originally posted this article on my International Online Magazine Speak Without Interruption http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/ on February 10, 2010

When I first started going to China I was warned not to fly on Chinese domestic airlines.  I was told they were old cast off planes – or old military planes – and that people were crammed into each plane with barn yard and other animals.  Before I felt daring – and took a domestic flight one day – I was under the influence of yet another case of Chinese stereotyping.

In all honesty – over the years – I have not had an uncomfortable or unpleasant flight anywhere inside of China.  To get to our meetings we had to fly quite a bit.  We went, mainly, to cities up and down the western coast; however, we did fly – occasionally – to inland locations.  Some flights were long – some were short – all were without mishap.

I found the service provided – once inside the plane – to be exceptional.  I was always greeted in English even if I was the only non-Chinese on the flight which occurred many times.  I was even handed Chinese newspapers – in English. The flight attendants were quite efficient – on most flights we received drinks, a snack, more beverages, a hot Chinese meal (which was always good), and then a last set of beverages.  I never paid extra for my checked luggage – the snacks – drinks – meals – or great service.

I was also impressed with the screening, security, and overall terminal experience.  There “are” a lot of people in China – most seemed to be flying on the same days that I flew.  However, in going through the document check (passport for me – identity cards for my Chinese associates) and then the security check which is similar to the security checks I have been through in other countries including the US – I found the process to be quite efficient.  I am an “early get to the airport” type of guy – my Chinese associates are not.  They gave me much concern – on numerous occasions – when we would arrive at the airport a half hour before our plane departed.  Fortunately, we never missed our flight and never really had to run to catch it – we went through all stations in such an efficient manner that I should not have bothered to worry (but I always did).

Again, as with my other posts regarding China – I can only speak to my own experiences.  I am certain other travelers have horror stories about flying domestically within China.  My main reason for offering this insight is – for me – it was just another example of incorrect information when it came to China, its people, and it’s functioning.

When I first traveled to China I was warned about the food from many well meaning people – some who had traveled to China and some who had not.  I was told that I would starve if I did [...]]]> I originally posted this article on my International Online Magazine Speak Without Interruption http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/ on February 9, 2010

When I first traveled to China I was warned about the food from many well meaning people – some who had traveled to China and some who had not.  I was told that I would starve if I did not take food in my suitcase – so I did.  I took trail mix and hard candy – nearly overloading my suitcase with them.  It was just one of the stereotypes – of China – that I had heard, and believed, before I experienced true Chinese food for myself.  For that first trip – I ended up throwing away most of the food that I had brought because I did not want to lug it back to the U.S.

I will admit that the food is different from what I normally eat – to be honest – it is definitely healthier.  I found there to be a lot of vegetables, fish, and chicken – I never ate Dog or Cat at least to my knowledge.  I ate at restaurants and I ate in factories.  I ate what was put in front of me and I stayed in places where my associates stayed.  I had customers who went to China on their own – for other products.  They would not stay in anything but “Western Style” hotels and would not eat anything but “Western Style” food – there are places, in the larger cities, which have both.  Some of them would even go as far as to not eat during the day with their hosts – rather waiting until they returned to their hotels for their “Western Style” food.  I always felt that was rather rude – to say the least – and a bit disrespectful. 

As for the food itself – I found it to be, for the most part, rather tasty.  I took my hosts advice and did not drink the tap water.  I drank bottled water, their very excellent hot tea, and a lot of their extremely appealing Chinese beer.  The food was normally brought out as it was prepared and put on a Lazy Susan.  Everyone turned it until the food they wanted was in front of them and then put it on their plates or ate it over, or on, a bowl of steamed white rice.  We ate a lot – in restaurants – in private rooms which I truly enjoyed.  There was no outside noise and the atmosphere was more personal.  When I ate in factories it was what the employees ate and in their dining area – each experience was unique and enjoyable.  I learned to use Chopsticks – at least enough to get food from the plate to my mouth.  Although people keep bringing me utensils – I stuck with the Chopsticks while in country.  I “never” got sick from anything that I ate or drank in China which is more than I can say for my normal diet.

The food is just one of the misconceptions of China and its people.  I believed what I was told until I experienced it myself – not unlike other things in my life that I have been told by others only to be dispelled once I experienced it personally.

One of our US government officials reportedly made a comment with the word “retarded” in it.  There was also an attempt to make a joke using “Special Olympics” on a TV show in the past.  Why do people say [...]]]> I originally posted this article on my International Online Magazine Speak Without Interruption http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/ on February 8, 2010

One of our US government officials reportedly made a comment with the word “retarded” in it.  There was also an attempt to make a joke using “Special Olympics” on a TV show in the past.  Why do people say the things they do?  Why have I said some of things I have said?  When I have made comments at the expense of others – I either thought it was funny or it made me feel important in some perverse way.  As I have gotten older experience has taught me to think before I speak – at least a little more than I did in my younger years.  What someone says as a casual statement – or an attempt to make a joke – can offend others on a multitude of levels.

There are a little over 1.3 billion people in China from the figures I have seen.  I have had people say to me, “With that many people – how do you tell them apart?  They all look alike.”  After having an association with specific Chinese people – since 1998 – I take great offense when someone says something like this to my face or within earshot.  To me – they do not all look alike.  They may all have similar physical features but I see each person I have met – in my business dealings – as a singular, and unique, individual just as I would feel about anyone I met throughout the world.  As you meet people – speak with them – get to know them – I think everyone has personal features, mannerisms, personalities that make them different from other people in the world.

In terms of my feelings for China, and its people, it is only based on those who I have met personally.  As I view it there are values, I have found, that all of these Chinese possess – the reverence of family and respect for their elders.  I wish these values were more evident in the US.  With 1.3 million people milling around China how can they have these values when there are so many of them?  I once worked with a product that was to replace the toxic cleaner Nitric Acid.  In most instances the shipping tanks – in the ocean liners – have to be cleaned out after they are emptied.  They send “Chinese People” into these tanks to spray them out.  One contact actually said, “There are so many Chinese that when one dies from being exposed to the Nitric Acid there are a million more to take their place.”  It was all I could do to keep my hands from going around his neck or punching his lights out – being older at the time I felt he was not worth the hassle.

I believe the respect for family, and elders, in China is not something just confined to my small group of acquaintances there.  I think this is something that is country wide and I feel this is a virtue beyond description.  During one of my visits – my friend, and primary associate, invited me to a party to honor his new young son.  We held this event in a large private room within a very nice restaurant.  There were many people there – and as I have written regarding other situations – I was again the only non-Chinese in the room.  I felt completely at ease and extremely honored he would invite me to such an important “family event.”  The photo above shows me with my associate, his wife, his mother, and his new young son – I did, and still do, feel part of their family.  To me they remain friends – family – associates and they “certainly” do not all look alike to me!

I have been traveling to China since 1998.  I would not consider myself a seasoned traveler to that country – making around 25 visits total.  When I traveled there I usually stayed between one and two weeks – [...]]]> I originally posted this article on my International Online Magazine Speak Without Interruption http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/ on February 6, 2010

I have been traveling to China since 1998.  I would not consider myself a seasoned traveler to that country – making around 25 visits total.  When I traveled there I usually stayed between one and two weeks – never during any of my visits did I ever see, or meet, a “Red” Chinese person.  I saw no one wearing an “I am a Communist” sweatshirt, ball cap, t-shirt, sun glasses, button, or anything else physically labeling them a Communist.  I saw no street banners, bumper stickers, store front displays, mass gatherings, or any other public notice that I was among Communists.  What I was among were just people – regular people.

All of my visits were for business purposes.  I met with business people – only – and traveled to see their factories or offices.  I did not take much time to “sightsee” which was a mistake in retrospect.  With my business I tended to visit locations where I was the “only” non-Chinese person within miles.  I never felt threatened or out of place.  No one ever stared at me or pointed – “Look at that non-Communist person.”  I found “most” of the people with whom I came in contact – both during business meetings and other activities – to be very pleasant, warm, humble, honorable, respectful, and charming.  I will have to admit that I did have some dealings with business people who were other than honest; however, China does not hold a monopoly on those types of business people.  As a rule I found the Chinese people – with whom I had my dealings – to be extremely hard working, dedicated, and honest.

I had no fear going out on my own – in any part of China that I visited – day or night.  I was never threatened or accosted in any manner.  One day I was walking around a city on a Sunday afternoon – alone.  I felt a tug on my shirt sleeve and turned to find two young girls at my side.  One asked me if they could speak with me – in fairly good English.  I did not suspect their reasons for talking with me to be anything other than honorable so I said “sure.”  The girls were students at the university and their English professor had given them an assignment to stop – interview – and take a photo with any “Westerner.”  They said they had been looking for hours and I was the only “Westerner” they had seen.  I was happy to answer their questions – one of the girls took my photo with the other girl – they thanked me, and went on their way.  These were just two young students – with an assignment – and I felt honored that I was able to help them complete it.

Perhaps I am being a bit naive – I was obviously around Communists during my visits to China – but I never felt that I had really “met” one.  I had been fortunate enough to meet people from another country – and culture – and they had accepted me at face value.  I enjoyed each one of my visits to China and care a great deal for China and its people.  I truly believe if people could meet – and work – with other people around the world that a lot of the world’s problems would be solved.  Perhaps this is a bit Pollyanna of me but this is how I see things from my myopic point of view and experiences, with China and its people, and I will stand by them.