I am in Hong Kong and just finished attending the 10th Annual Hong Kong Forum.  It is a chance for all of the Hong Kong Associations from around the world to get together and learn from one another.  HK Associations have the role of being ambassadors to their respective cities to promote Hong Kong and connect businesses.

One topic that came up during the forum was “Guanxi.”  Guanxi is what is referred to as the necessary relationships for doing business within China.  Very little can be accomplished in business in China without the right relationships.

What I found was interesting was that one of the speakers had a different take on Guanxi than what I have heard in the past.  This particular speaker made the following statement:

“The key to Guanxi is performance.  Always keep your promise.”

He went on to say that he didn’t particularly like spending time with businesspeople for the purpose of concentrating on relationships.  The key was doing what you say you will do.  A solid reputation can have just as much of a role as spending hours building relationships.

 

 Guanxi [1:08m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download