China once started as a developing country, slowly climbing its way toward the world’s top trading nation. This number represents China’s rapid growth, which eventually led to its strong position in the global economy. Started approximately 4 decades ago, China’s strong presence is proven by its increasingly growing GDP paired with reduction in poverty numbers. Given this remarkable transformation and its influence in international markets, better Chinese—especially Business Mandarin—has become an essential skill for working professionals aiming to build strong relationships in global markets. Chances are, you will most likely encounter Chinese businessmen while working as a professional in the industry.

In this article, we will delve through how to work effectively and efficiently as a professional. 

Given how frequently Chinese businessmen engage in international business, it’s essential for working professionals to understand the cultural expectations and customs that encourage successful interactions in Chinese corporate settings. Making a strong impression is utmost important to build trust and relationships with Chinese businessmen. Here are a few practical tips to apply when you’re trying to leave a great impression to Chinese businessmen!

1. Respect Hierarchy
   China is known to be very sensitive toward hierarchical positions. Superior positions are often treated very respectfully, even in business settings. These respectful actions usually include habits such as seating position during business meetings and dinner etiquette.
2. Maintain Self Image
   Self image is another important thing you need to remember while interacting with Chinese businessmen. Maintaining a good self image can help you build relationships easier with other parties. To avoid leaving a bad self image, avoid sensitive topics that can be disrespectful toward China and its tradition.
3. Knowing Gift Habits
   Gift giving has always been crucial yet tricky in business settings, especially if you’re a working professional. Expensive gifts can easily be seen as a bribe while cheaper gifts can reflect disrespect toward the other party. Therefore, it is important to prioritize meaningful gifts rather than extravagant ones. Avoid offensive gifts such as watches, clocks, chrysanthemums, and sharp objects while considering a gift for your Chinese business partners.
4. Learn Language, Traditions, Customs
   Chinese businessmen are usually very proud of their country and traditions. Showing curiosity and willingness to learn will leave a great impression, which indicates your openness and flexibility as a working professional.

The ability to speak in Chinese can help you build a great relationship with Chinese businessmen. Apart from leaving impressions, conversational skills as a working professional can provide you with benefits such as missing understanding and offering a clearer context. To begin your business Chinese learning journey, here are some common Chinese vocabulary words that you can start with. 

Achieving better Chinese isn’t just about fluency. You have to master the tone, vocabulary, and etiquette that can help you achieve your goal in professional settings. Whether you’re handling negotiations, networking, or drafting emails, speaking better Chinese makes sure your message is both accurate and culturally respectful. 

Although learning basic Chinese is highly recommended as a starting point, it is also important to note that having constant improvement is much needed for working professionals. With how rapidly the global market is shifting, you will most likely encounter Chinese business partners more frequently. 

1. Immersion – The act of immersing yourself in Chinese media has been one of the most effective ways suggested by language learners if your aim is to be able to master a language within a short period of time. Immersion means you will attempt to use Chinese in any given opportunity, such as speaking, listening, and even reading. A practical example is by following recent news in Chinese language. 
2. Involvement in community – Actively participating in communities with native speakers can help you further develop your language skills. Apart from that, joining a community can help you have an in-depth understanding of the field you are currently interested in. 
3. Constant practice – Constant practice is highly beneficial, especially for conversational skills. To enhance your ability to speak, try interacting with native speakers and ask for feedback. 
4. Attend advanced courses – Advanced courses are meant to help you understand Business Chinese for specific fields. These advanced courses offer a more effective way of learning since it will be tailored specifically to your needs. 
5. Practice shadowing – Shadowing is an effective way to learn business Chinese. You can conduct this technique by listening to native speakers and try to repeat their words and tone as closely as possible. 

As mentioned in the previous section, advanced courses are a great start to improve your Business Chinese effectively and efficiently as a working professional. If you’re looking for an advanced course, it is highly recommended to seek specific lessons depending on your working fields. This consideration is an essential part in finding the best courses for the following reasons:

1. Each working field usually has different terms that are commonly used. Therefore, working professionals will usually need to understand vocabulary that can help communicate with business partners. 
2. Different tones are usually needed for specific fields. For example, an average worker will usually use a respectful and formal tone while presenting meetings. On the other hand, marketers who are interacting with clients will need to maintain an engaging tone to attract impressions. 
3. Advanced courses will usually be taught by qualified trainers that are used to teach on a specific set of working fields. Therefore, they will not only help you speak in Chinese better, but also provide real life examples and provide feedback depending on the working environment you are in. 
4. Specific advanced lessons are suitable for those who prefer to understand more in a relatively short period of time. With a focus solely on things that will be used by your working professional, these courses will avoid repetitive and unrelated topics from your learning.