DiligenceChina

Due Diligence in China

Part 1: 3 Basic Rules for China Business

Go Slow — the China-market isn’t going away any time soon.
Build a network of professional service providers first — do business after.
Have a Plan –and a Plan B

Part 2: Pitfalls, Troubles and Traps to avoid

Fraud and Theft
Incompetence and Inexperience
Inappropriate Standards and Quality
Differing Agendas
Irrelevant Experience

Part 3: Due Diligence Questions

A few questions that will help you decide if your potential consultant or service provider is right for you.

Part 4: Checking References

Most seasoned professionals know to ask for referrals before hiring a service provider or consultant. But like everything else, getting referrals in China is slightly different from referrals back home.

Part 5: Managing your team of Consultants and Suppliers

There are two basic approaches to handling a group of consultants and service suppliers.

1) You manage them as though they were your own team
2) Appoint a “lead consultant” or partner who acts as the project manager

Part 6: Global Service Firms

Well known global service firms are either here or chomping at the bit to get in. They have the most high-powered staffs, the nicest offices, prettiest receptionists and biggest bills. Do you need or want this kind of firepower — even if you can afford it? Know a little about the situation before you schedule that meeting.

Part 7: Boutique Expat Service Firms

One of the more interesting developments in the Chinese business environment over the last few years is the emergence of expat-run consultancies catering to the international market. These are usually small boutique shops that specialize in helping other expats or small-medium sized international firms perform specific business functions in China .

Part 8: Local Chinese Service Firms

One of the trickiest parts about doing due diligence on consultants or individuals in China is trying to figure out who is who and where they are from. There was a time when someone born in China was Chinese and someone born in the US was American, but those clear-cut distinctions are relics of a simpler, pre-China-boom era.

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When you work with reliable Partners, Consultants and Service Providers, you dramatically improve the chances of success at your China business.

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