DiligenceChina

The flight was delayed by 3+ hours, with no sign of a customer service rep or company official in site. The departures board just said “DELAYED” leaving all the passengers milling around wondering what the hell we should be doing. There was one person from the company behind the counter, but he was on the phone discussing his clipboard – studiously ignoring the passengers. The reason for the delayed flight? We were never sure – it seemed to change from moment to moment. Bad weather, no pilot, mechanical difficulties, angry spirits… take your pick.

We finally got on board – 3 hours late – and arrived at our destination at 2:30 AM!!!! No one from the company was on hand to explain the situation or help us get to our final destinations.

Just another big night in China, right? Nope. This was United Airlines flight 863 from O’Hare (Chicago) to LaGuardia (NY).

—————

Power outages lasting over a week in a densely populated working class neighborhood. Temperatures in the 80s. Businesses losing millions. Children and elderly people facing severe health threats. One week into the crisis, the administrators of the monopoly power company issued an official apology — but no explanation and no solution.

Yet another example of industrial China growing faster than the capacity of its infrastructure? Nope. New York City and Con Ed.

—————-

International business in China can be frustrating and inefficient, but so can international business everywhere. Be careful what metrics you choose, and don’t base business plans on headlines. Stay the course, and remain focused on your business plan. There will be plenty of bumps in the road on the way to success in China – but the ride ain’t exactly smooth anywhere else, either.