We’ve discussed the value of guanxi when starting up in China, but there is another cultural phenomenon: “giving face” (给面子, gei mianzi). This can be one of the most difficult pills to swallow for foreigners starting up in China but can prove to be an extremely valuable asset for those that can pull it off well. This episode dives into how to mitigate your frustrations over some of China’s systems and bureaucracy, and where to look for opportunities instead.
Jared has demonstrated the “cowboy attitude” perfectly in his path to China, leaving behind a great corporate offer post-MBA, liquidating his assets, and bringing his wife and two kids to China on a whim of interest in the Middle Kingdom. Now a family of 6(!), Jared is growing his newest baby, Cinnaswirl, into one of Shanghai’s hottest brick-and-mortar startups.
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China Startup Pulse is a weekly podcast designed to give startup enthusiasts around the world a behind the scenes and on-the-ground understanding of what’s happening in China’s startup ecosystem. Founded and hosted by Ryan Shuken and Todd Embley, and produced by Qi Liu, China Startup Pulse is sponsored by Chinaccelerator, People Squared, and TechNode.
TechNode does not endorse any commentary made in the program.