Chinese people are well-renowned for their industriousness and extraordinary minds for business. Cases of our Chinese brothers failing in their ventures are very rare. They have effective principles that have withstood history and tragedy. Chinese traders thrive even in harshest business climate. They have survived wars, depressions, and competition from companies with gigantic resources.

For sure, their success is more than just Feng Shui. And if ever it was, it is highly doubtful that such geomancy is applicable for online enterprises, latter being our primary concern for this discussion.

So what is their secret? Why are Chinese so successful at business at a consistent and remarkable level? How could we apply their business principle to our online endeavors?

The Concept of “Guanxi”

Central in every Chinese business structure is idea of relationships, or “Guanxi.” Chinese people value honor and trust. They deal with persons who are trustworthy, and they strive to be just as dependable to win respect of others. If you do a favor for a Chinese businessman, for example, he would do his best to be ready at all times so that he may be able to repay you when need arises. If you’re dealing with Chinese and you deliver what was agreed upon on or before time you have pegged, they will regard you as reliable and would consider doing business with you again.

“Guanxi” is heart of their organized business. They strive to be good at what they do so that they could build relationships that would aid them in long run. A Chinese business with well established “Guanxi” is susceptible to fewer risks and could easily get best deal at any given time. Also, such Chinese enterprise is assured to have support if ever it encounters some trying times.

With customers, “Guanxi” is more about finding quality ones rather than settling for quantity. The Chinese rely in goodwill they generate with their clients, and they believe that their reputation would eventually spread through word-of-mouth. People tend to believe those they know, hence Chinese would rather pin their marketing strategies through their work rather than spending for costly advertising campaigns.