Leblanc - Business Republic of China: Tales from the Front Line of Chinas New Revolution

Below you will find, in no particular order, some of the remarkable people who gave me a chance to make things happen.

First and foremost Id like to thank Xiao Han, my soul mate, partner and wife, who has always stood strong like a rock during lifes storms and sunshine moments. She is always there, unwavering and dedicated to guiding me to the shelters of a sometimes-chaotic lifestyle. Her deep well of patience is an invaluable resource to counter my occasional erratic behaviour. Without her steady support this book would never have seen the light of day.

Alex P., your unbridled friendship and quiet dedication to assisting me with this project, has been and is immeasurable. Most importantly your stern comments were a gust of fresh air, which made sure this book became something of a more friendly read. Indeed, what a barbarian can do to the English language and the art of writing must often have felt painful and hilarious at best. At the same time your massive China insight, your enormous feel for what makes us barbarians love the China we experience every day, was an inspiration. Thank you so much!

Magda, you are a truly good friend. After this experience, I am sure our tribes have come a lot closer to understanding each other. Having an unexpected heap of papers to read through, while juggling your husbands desires, your kids attention and at the same time managing your studies, must have been a struggle. Your attention to detail was phenomenal. You can rest assured I wont complain.

S. Lebon, my very good friend and partner, you are probably much too busy buying properties and selling shares on the stock market to fully realise the impact you have had on my business experience in China. Your selfless generosity during times I needed it most is unforgettable. The nuggets of inside information, the tidbits of legal fodder youve fed this barbarian brain over the years, are diamonds of wisdom twinkling against a stark black heaven of Chinas unknowns.

Sean X., your insights, your wit and lateral thinking on Chinese politics, history and society are fascinating as ever. Whenever our busy schedules allow, I always look forward to a meal of Shanxi food and a good conversation with you.

Also a special 3Q goes out to the Rutgers Beijing and Shanghai EMBA alumni who have always been available to me to tap into their rich resources and to exchange ideas and made doing China business a piece of cake.

My appreciation certainly also goes to Eric A., my talented Beijing-based editor who rummaged through the string of sentences I collected over the years. Watching you turn my crippled and cryptic English into a regular text was magic!

This book was forged on the digital anvil of my dynamic publisher Pete Spurrier. A big thanks for tackling this project head on.

My neighbours Hein and Bea opened a world beyond the limited imagination of a ten-year-old. The road to the outside borders would certainly have been much more difficult without having them share their travel stories.

Finally I also would like to thank my parents Moethi and Tnke who give me a zest for life and adventure. At no time, despite how painful it sometimes must have been for your personal serenity, did you ever try to stop me from experimenting and unearthing the worlds many undiscovered spoils. Only now do I realise the many sleepless nights this must have entailed for both of you. Rest assured your philosophical approach gave me more than is required to successfully conquer the daily obstacles along the way.

My lovely Ceravnjetsky, without your presence and complaints, how could we have made all this happen?

Also Id like to show my appreciation to Max Vuijlvjel, Dania S., Ms. Gao, Wim V., Peter V., Irina, Graeme, Mr Zhu, Li Q., Marianne C., Michael P., Feng B., Kat, J. Lenoir, a flock of Chinese lawyers and my customers for their support, advice, spiritual input or eccentric thoughts.

I hope you enjoyed this book.

Doing business in China is often perceived as a complex puzzle with opaque rules of play that are great fun to read, talk or indeed write about. In reality the puzzle is not that hard to crack. Since the doors were timidly opened several decades ago, China has matured, and the jigsaw pieces have become fewer and much easier to put together.

From a Western perspective, certain steps along the way are indeed taken differently in this part of the world. I learned this the hard way and had to grapple with the fact that cultural sensitivity is the key to lifting the shroud of mystery. Getting rid of our own ethnocentrism, however, is easier said than done. Cross-cultural misperceptions remain the chief catalyst for endangering business success. Starting the blame game can prevent a return on investment or cause you to falter in any new market.

The business basics are identical in China to anywhere else in the world. Its often the way in which the unique local culture is digested by investors that will define success. This is as valid for a Chinese businessman who wants to invest in Spain, Japan or Nigeria.

Soaking up another business culture cannot be done by merely sitting on the sidelines reading books or attending crash courses. Its in the field that youll really be able to grasp, adjust and adapt. Having said that, dont try to be more Chinese than the Chinese always keep in mind that your local counterparts have the home advantage.

With common sense, a good product, a bit of luck, an open mind and a level head, anyone can succeed in China.

All the best with your endeavours and enjoy the ride!

BUSINESS REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Finally, a book that reflects business realities on the ground. This is certainly no boring read about the theoretical dos and donts. This is a unique and hands-on inside view of how investments will go belly-up if no attention is paid to the peculiar market conditions of China.
Rizal Wijono, Regional Director, Deutsche Asset Management (Asia)

Jack Leblanc arrived in Chongqing in 1989 a China virgin. After nearly two decades of trying everything from selling plate glass to engineering dotcom dreams, he now qualifies as a fully fledged China Hand. I enjoyed this book laughed out loud a few times and some good memories of my own disasters and triumphs came back to me.
Paul French, Access Asia Shanghai; author of Carl Crow: A Tough Old China Hand

Jack really gets into the guts of China. These are up-close and personal tales from 19 years of brokering deals, all the way from the western industrial heartlands of Sichuan to across the Taiwan Strait. This book goes beyond regular seminar fare and reveals the real pitfalls posed by the cultural divide. I highly recommend this entertaining and instructive read.
Josh Green, CEO, Europcar Asia Pacific; former Chief Representative, China Britain Business Council

A unique insight into the fast-moving business world of China.
Dr Sean Xiang, President & CEO, Bloombase Group

I have been teaching in China since 1993, and a book about China would have to be pretty darn good to get my attention. This is that book! It has information that only a real veteran can impart. Businesspeople planning a China project will ignore this book at their peril.
Farrokh Langdana, PhD; Director, Rutgers Executive MBA Program

This is not only one of the most readable books about business in China, but also offers the most practical and insightful advice to all executives involved in China marketing.
Harry H. Shi, Chief Representative of China, Emerson Radio Corp.

Jack Leblancs lively tales will resonate with all those who have come from other parts of the world to live and work in China. We are fortunate to witness the unprecedented transformation of the PRC from a socialist to capitalist society, and more so, to deal with the changes in its peoples mindsets. One needs to keep a light heart to survive the daily challenges of doing business in China. Those who have not been to the Middle Kingdom will find the book entertaining and will be amazed by the willpower required of the author to master the business skills necessary in modern China.