| I have traveled to a number of countries around | | | | Entering the Asian market without at least some |
| the world, without a doubt China and India offer | | | | experienced people behind you does put you at a |
| an excellent opportunity for new business | | | | greater risk of failure or at the very least, |
| start-ups. BUT, those who travel to Asia without | | | | lowering your profit substantially. |
| doing serious homework on business ideology and | | | | Seek the assistance of an experienced foreign |
| cultural relationships will find themselves at a great | | | | business when ever possible. |
| disadvantage. To be successful, you will need to | | | | Relying on media to give you a clear insight to the |
| 're-learn' almost everything you thought you knew | | | | issues you will face while in Asia, will never be as |
| about business. | | | | useful as a visit in person. There are many |
| The old saying "When in Rome, do as the | | | | success stories out there, but there are even for |
| Romans" is very true in Asia. The only real | | | | stories of failure. |
| advantage you have is the fact that there are | | | | Most are a result of poor planning and a lack of |
| more sellers today than buyers. This gives you | | | | knowledge about the people you plan to do |
| some room to negotiate price, but very little on | | | | business with. |
| terms. The few 'bad apples' found in both buyers | | | | So think carefully, seek advice from those who |
| and sellers, has built up a level of distrust on both | | | | have been both successful and those who have |
| sides. | | | | failed, and seek help while you are there. |