With the popularity soaring with Twitter everyone has come onto the band wagon and created 100's of different applications to help you get the most out of Twitter. Below are my favourite ones which I use and best of all they are all free!
The biggest problem with the standard Twitter web application is that you have to keep an eagle eye on your replies and Direct Messages as you only see the main Tweetstream on the screen. It is also limited in that it only displays about the last 20 tweets, so if you want to see older ones, you have to keep going back pages. So how can you make it more user friendly?
I recommend you download Tweetdeck (which I use and is a godsend, especially if you have a large following!).
Tweetdeck is brilliant in that it displays the Tweetstream, your replies and your direct messages all on the one screen. The message columns allow for 500 tweets as a default, so scrolling down allows you to go back a fair way or search for tweets you may want to refer back to. You can also automatically send your tweets on Facebook and Myspace if choose too.
The screen has a continuous right hand scroll, so you can set up different groups and their tweets will appear in that column. You might have a group called best friends and another for gardeners for instance. That way you don't miss important tweets from people who are more important to you than others. At the time of writing, Tweetdeck is probably the most widely used application for Twitter and I would highly recommend it to you.
Twellow is another great way of finding people to interact with. People here are categorized into all different areas and you can search for those with similar interests to your own.
The main page shows you all the categories, which then have sub categories as well. You just click on a category and the list of people in that area are displayed. You don't have to be registered with Twellow to be displayed, but at the time of writing there were nearly two million people showing on the site, so you will have plenty to choose from. By all means though, register yourself and set up a profile so others can find you.
When you click on a category, Twellow displays a list of people in that category and they are ordered by the number of followers they have. If you are already logged into Twitter via the web, (not Tweetdeck) you will be able to follow people directly from the screens where the profiles are displayed.
I would also recommend taking the time to set up your Twitter background so that it doesn't just look like the default Twitter page. You need to distinguish yourself from the crowd and that attracts more followers, or at the very least impresses people with your professionalism.
If you're a bit of a Photoshop whiz, then you can do your own background, full of bells and whistles and load it up to your Twitter profile. But if you're not, or you just want to save time, then there are some sites out there that will do them for you automatically. My personal favourite is Twitbacs where you can get some great backgrounds.
However, that said, if you want to do your own fiddling in Photoshop, you can get some great layouts in PSD format from Twitterbacks.
I hope the above tips helps you; Twitter really is a great application that should be used as part of your marketing strategy and best of luck to you
Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
13 April 2010
10 Random Facts And Advice About Flipping Properties
Investors who earn money through flipping properties are considered as one of the biggest money makers in the field of real estate. However, there are still some misconceptions and false details about them that most people are still talking about. Here are some points that clarify these misconceptions and enforce the truth behind the business of flipping real estate.
A lot of people still think that flipping houses are illegal. Many real estate investors can attest to the fact that flipping is a perfectly legitimate practice. There only unscrupulous investors who take advantage of other people practices such as weasel clauses and mortgage fraud.
A buyer's list is one requirement for every real estate investor who wants to flip properties. Therefore, people who want to close deals faster should start building one early in their career.
In the early days of flipping homes, people rely on one source: the multiple listing service or MLS. Today, the MLS is still a trusty source for many investors. In addition to the MLS, there are many online property listing sites that have a large collection of listings nationwide. An example of this kind of website is RehabList.com.
There are times that real estate investing websites and property listings are not enough to find potential deals. Sometimes the old-fashioned way of driving around the neighborhood still works when searching for deals.
Patience is the most important thing to have when flipping properties. Sometimes the best deal is just lurking around the corner. Investors just have to wait and work hard enough just to get it.
Real estate investors should remember that they need to work with a great team in order to make their business goals possible. Having a wonderful working relationship with fellow real estate professionals makes things easier and smoother for everyone who is involved in the deal.
Learning never stops for investors who flip houses for a living. Therefore, they should be updated with all the trends and happenings in the industry by browsing the Internet or through resources such as videos, books, and podcasts.
Curb appeal is another secret weapon that investors use when flipping homes. Attracting buyers to go see the property for themselves is definitely a sure-fire way of closing a deal.
Every real estate investor who wants to pursue flipping as a career must know that that time is as valuable as money. They must remember to close deals quickly and know when to walk away from a potential deal that has gone sour.
Lastly, another thing that some investors neglect to learn is the art of finding motivated sellers. Finding motivated sellers is the key to finding great deals aside from all of the elements that were mentioned. Asking the right questions and having the right timing is needed when learning this skill.
A lot of people still think that flipping houses are illegal. Many real estate investors can attest to the fact that flipping is a perfectly legitimate practice. There only unscrupulous investors who take advantage of other people practices such as weasel clauses and mortgage fraud.
A buyer's list is one requirement for every real estate investor who wants to flip properties. Therefore, people who want to close deals faster should start building one early in their career.
In the early days of flipping homes, people rely on one source: the multiple listing service or MLS. Today, the MLS is still a trusty source for many investors. In addition to the MLS, there are many online property listing sites that have a large collection of listings nationwide. An example of this kind of website is RehabList.com.
There are times that real estate investing websites and property listings are not enough to find potential deals. Sometimes the old-fashioned way of driving around the neighborhood still works when searching for deals.
Patience is the most important thing to have when flipping properties. Sometimes the best deal is just lurking around the corner. Investors just have to wait and work hard enough just to get it.
Real estate investors should remember that they need to work with a great team in order to make their business goals possible. Having a wonderful working relationship with fellow real estate professionals makes things easier and smoother for everyone who is involved in the deal.
Learning never stops for investors who flip houses for a living. Therefore, they should be updated with all the trends and happenings in the industry by browsing the Internet or through resources such as videos, books, and podcasts.
Curb appeal is another secret weapon that investors use when flipping homes. Attracting buyers to go see the property for themselves is definitely a sure-fire way of closing a deal.
Every real estate investor who wants to pursue flipping as a career must know that that time is as valuable as money. They must remember to close deals quickly and know when to walk away from a potential deal that has gone sour.
Lastly, another thing that some investors neglect to learn is the art of finding motivated sellers. Finding motivated sellers is the key to finding great deals aside from all of the elements that were mentioned. Asking the right questions and having the right timing is needed when learning this skill.
3 Ways To Improve Your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence describes the ability, capacity, skill or self-perceived ability, to identify, assess and manage the emotions of one's self, of others and groups.[1] Emotional Intelligence skills have found its importance in the present state of globalized economies, hierarchical organizations and demanding relationships. This article describes 3 methods that you can adopt to improve your emotional intelligence, namely:
Stress busting
Becoming aware of your own emotions
Lending an effective ear
1. Stress busting:
The most important factor that differentiates a person with high Emotional Intelligence is the time taken by him/her to calm down in a stressful situation. The degree of personal resilience differs in individuals. In other words, emotional intelligence is what will help you to stay balanced, focused and in control of whatever situation you are faced with.
For adequate stress busting, it is important that you realize:
a) When you are stressed – What is it that stresses you out? The answer to this question will help you to achieving the first step in busting stress
b) How you react to stress – the best way to reduce stress is to understand how you react to a stressful situation
c) Which technique works best for you – Being more self aware will enable you to understand which technique gives you the desired positive results.
2. Becoming aware of your own emotions:
Emotional awareness is the key to understanding oneself and others. Many times, people fail to acknowledge their own emotions. They either suppress them, or vent them out in a manner that is negative and useless (drinking, drugs, etc). It is important to realize that although feelings can be suppressed, they can never be eliminated. Constant suppressing of emotions is dangerous, and will lead to what is known as emotional outbursts.
Make it a practice to start and end your day with a personal moment-to-moment awareness of your emotions and how they influence your actions and thoughts. This will help you to reconnect to your core emotions, understand and accept them, and become comfortable while dealing with them. When done regularly, it will help you get into the mode of automatically being tuned to your emotions when you are faced with overwhelming situations.
3. Lending an effective ear:
One of the most important indicators of a person with high EQ (Emotional Quotient) is their ability to lend a ear – to listen when it is required. This includes being empathetic, being silent when the other person talks, and consciously indicating to the other person that they are being respected. Showing compassion and refraining from interruptions add to active listening. Your emotional intelligence improves as a result, since you learn more than what the other person verbally says. By lending a silent ear, you sense the trapped or suppressed emotions of the other person.
Being emotionally intelligent may not seem to affect our daily lives as much, but the fact is that it does. It forms the basis of your interactions with other people, helps you to take control of the situation and makes success more predictable in what you undertake. By working to improve our emotional intelligence in a constant and conscious manner, we can strengthen relationships and lead better lives.
Stress busting
Becoming aware of your own emotions
Lending an effective ear
1. Stress busting:
The most important factor that differentiates a person with high Emotional Intelligence is the time taken by him/her to calm down in a stressful situation. The degree of personal resilience differs in individuals. In other words, emotional intelligence is what will help you to stay balanced, focused and in control of whatever situation you are faced with.
For adequate stress busting, it is important that you realize:
a) When you are stressed – What is it that stresses you out? The answer to this question will help you to achieving the first step in busting stress
b) How you react to stress – the best way to reduce stress is to understand how you react to a stressful situation
c) Which technique works best for you – Being more self aware will enable you to understand which technique gives you the desired positive results.
2. Becoming aware of your own emotions:
Emotional awareness is the key to understanding oneself and others. Many times, people fail to acknowledge their own emotions. They either suppress them, or vent them out in a manner that is negative and useless (drinking, drugs, etc). It is important to realize that although feelings can be suppressed, they can never be eliminated. Constant suppressing of emotions is dangerous, and will lead to what is known as emotional outbursts.
Make it a practice to start and end your day with a personal moment-to-moment awareness of your emotions and how they influence your actions and thoughts. This will help you to reconnect to your core emotions, understand and accept them, and become comfortable while dealing with them. When done regularly, it will help you get into the mode of automatically being tuned to your emotions when you are faced with overwhelming situations.
3. Lending an effective ear:
One of the most important indicators of a person with high EQ (Emotional Quotient) is their ability to lend a ear – to listen when it is required. This includes being empathetic, being silent when the other person talks, and consciously indicating to the other person that they are being respected. Showing compassion and refraining from interruptions add to active listening. Your emotional intelligence improves as a result, since you learn more than what the other person verbally says. By lending a silent ear, you sense the trapped or suppressed emotions of the other person.
Being emotionally intelligent may not seem to affect our daily lives as much, but the fact is that it does. It forms the basis of your interactions with other people, helps you to take control of the situation and makes success more predictable in what you undertake. By working to improve our emotional intelligence in a constant and conscious manner, we can strengthen relationships and lead better lives.
Money As Motivation
However, this is not true. In fact, the vast majority of lawyers and attorneys work incredibly hard to secure clients, forge relationships with other attorneys and often without every receiving a dime.
I can remember when my father was studying for the Bar exam. He spent hours upon hours each night after he would get home from work, studying at the dining room table. Books thicker than I would have ever imagined lay sprawled out all over the table printed in a typeface that I was convinced you would need a magnifying glass in order to read without getting a headache. In the end, he wound up successfully passing the bar exam and now has his own law practice. Sure, money may have been a motivating factor for him, but more importantly, he wanted a career change. He had been making an excellent six-figure salary with the previous corporation he worked for, but it wasn't enough. He wanted to be his own boss.
So often, it is the American dream to be able to work for ourselves. Especially in this day and age, with the economy in a recession, people are finding more creative ways to work from home and be their own supervisor. Granted, there are some of us who benefit greatly from going in to an actual work place with an office because we may lack the discipline to maintain a regular work schedule otherwise. And while money is always a motivating factor for all of us (because, face it-we need money to live), it does not have to define us. In a time where so many people are being laid off from their jobs- jobs and careers that they have held for years- instead of being disappointed or upset, they are happy for the opportunity to have some time to figure out what it is that they really want to be doing with their life.
Sometimes, if you focus too much on money, you tend to lose focus of everything else in your life- or at least the things that once were important (I.e. family, friends, extra curricular activities). While it is important to make sure that you are financially secure, is it so imporant that your entire life becomes centered around earning as much money as you can. Instead, we have to find a balance between work and play. Think of how much happier children are. They are constantly learning and experiencing new things. Then, as soon as they start to get older, they play less- they experience less. Sure, you may travel every now and then or go on vacation, but too often, we don't even enjoy ourselves as we should because we are worrying about how much money we have left or how much dinner is going to cost- or those snorkeling lessons that you signed up for. Re-think how much money it would take for you to be financially secure and then start focusing on how to enjoy life!
I can remember when my father was studying for the Bar exam. He spent hours upon hours each night after he would get home from work, studying at the dining room table. Books thicker than I would have ever imagined lay sprawled out all over the table printed in a typeface that I was convinced you would need a magnifying glass in order to read without getting a headache. In the end, he wound up successfully passing the bar exam and now has his own law practice. Sure, money may have been a motivating factor for him, but more importantly, he wanted a career change. He had been making an excellent six-figure salary with the previous corporation he worked for, but it wasn't enough. He wanted to be his own boss.
So often, it is the American dream to be able to work for ourselves. Especially in this day and age, with the economy in a recession, people are finding more creative ways to work from home and be their own supervisor. Granted, there are some of us who benefit greatly from going in to an actual work place with an office because we may lack the discipline to maintain a regular work schedule otherwise. And while money is always a motivating factor for all of us (because, face it-we need money to live), it does not have to define us. In a time where so many people are being laid off from their jobs- jobs and careers that they have held for years- instead of being disappointed or upset, they are happy for the opportunity to have some time to figure out what it is that they really want to be doing with their life.
Sometimes, if you focus too much on money, you tend to lose focus of everything else in your life- or at least the things that once were important (I.e. family, friends, extra curricular activities). While it is important to make sure that you are financially secure, is it so imporant that your entire life becomes centered around earning as much money as you can. Instead, we have to find a balance between work and play. Think of how much happier children are. They are constantly learning and experiencing new things. Then, as soon as they start to get older, they play less- they experience less. Sure, you may travel every now and then or go on vacation, but too often, we don't even enjoy ourselves as we should because we are worrying about how much money we have left or how much dinner is going to cost- or those snorkeling lessons that you signed up for. Re-think how much money it would take for you to be financially secure and then start focusing on how to enjoy life!
How To Import From China
For more information visit: http://www.chinadirectsourcingservices.com.au
1. Take all the time in the world
Foreign business visitors are often deadline-driven and unwilling to slow down to the Chinese pace when discussing business. But in China the pace can be quick and slow at the same time. Those involved in negotiations know how long they can drag on when the Chinese side is consulting internally or has other reasons for delay. But Chinese negotiators can move with great speed on other occasions. Part of this feeling is subjective. Any chess player knows how long you have to wait for the other player and yet how fast you must move yourself. Nevertheless, Chinese negotiators use time more consciously than their Western counterparts.
2. Understand to separate fact from fiction
Almost everything you hear about China is correct, and so is the opposite. Western thought is centred around linear logic whereas Chinese thinking is influenced by early philosophers, who saw a paradoxical balance of opposites in all circumstances. Where Westerners tend to look for exact alternatives (option A instead of option B), the Chinese may examine ways to combine both option A and option B. This difference in approach may make a foreigner think that a Chinese negotiator is being implausible, evasive or devious, when they believe they are actually being straightforward.
3. Build relationships
Foreigners generally build transactions and, if they're successful, a partnership results. However, the Chinese believe that prospective business partners should build a relationship first and, if successful, commercial arrangements will . This difference underlies many misunderstandings arising from business negotiations. Almost all successful transactions in China result from careful cultivation of the Chinese partner by the foreign one, until a relationship of trust evolves.
4. Cultivate 'guanxi'
The logical development of tight relationships is the Chinese concept of guanxi, pronounced gwan shee. According to business analyst Tim Ambler of the London Business School, the kernel of guanxi is doing business through value-laden relationships. In a very centralised, bureaucratic state, the use of personal contacts was the only way to get things done. Guanxi is the counterpart of a commercial legal system. Where the latter is relatively weak, as in China, the need to rely on guanxi will be strong. As long as the partnership is more significant than the transaction, it is logical to honour it. The thought of a relationship leading to business is . But Easterners who are familiar with guanxi are more cautious than Foreign converts. The accountability of guanxi are very real. In the incorrect place, at an inappropriate time, with unsuitable people, the obligations can become a trap that is hard to escape.
5. Exhibit extra caution with contracts
Chinese and Westerners often approach a transaction from different ends. To a Westerner, starting with a standard contract, changing it to fit the different circumstances, and signing the revised version, seems fine. Commercial law is built intoour thinking. But traditionally, commercial law rarely existed in China and certainly indicated bad faith. The early appearance of a draft legal contract was seen as inappropriate or, more likely, irrelevant, because it carried no hint of commitment. The business statements might form a useful agenda, but obligations came from partnerships, not pieces of paper. Today, returning home with a signed piece of paper is a symbol of progress, but that is all. The Chinese may be signing a contract to humour their guests. To them, a completed contract may merely be the proof that both sides have become close enough to develop a trusting partnership. Further concessions may then be requested - a difficult prospect for the Westerner who has reduced his margin down to barely.
6. Mobilise local assets
The challenge of learning to speak Chinese fluently, the complexities of the Chinese way of doing business, and a strong sense of patriotism mean that a foreigner will only rarely be acknowledged by Chinese interlocutors on equal terms. The solution is to find a reliable local ally to work with you. An effective Chinese colleague will be able to analyse body language at meetings, work out who in the other negotiating team holds real power - not always the boss - and assist to smooth out any inadvertent issues. Conversely, the presence of a foreigner should be exploited to the full. Chinese interlocutors will often see a visit by a foreigner as an indication of sincerity and commitment by the Foreign business. Perversely, they often do not accord mainland Chinese or Hong Kong representatives the same status as a foreigner. The perfect sales team, therefore, is usually a local to take care of the working level contacts, and a foreigner to do honour to the higher echelons.
7. Respect face
Face is an important component of the Chinese national psyche. Possessing face means having a great status in the eyes of one's peers, and is a gauge of personal dignity. The Chinese are very sensitive to acquiring and maintaining face in all parts of social and business life. Face is a valued commodity which can be given, lost, taken away or earned. Causing someone to lose face could ruin business prospects or even invite recrimination. The quickest way to have someone to lose face is to put-down an individual or criticise them in front of others. Foreigners can accidentally insult Chinese by making fun of them in a joking way. Another error can be to treat someone as a subordinate when their status in an organisation is high. Just as face can be lost, it can also be given by complementing someone for great work before their colleagues. Giving face earns respect and loyalty, but praise should be used rarely. Over-use suggests insincerity on the part of the giver.
8. the pecking order
Mao Zedong's thoughts on discipline published in 1966 give a valuable view into structures which exist in Chinese organisations even now: "The individual is subordinate to the organisation. The minority is subordinate to the majority. The lower level is subordinate to the higher level." This quotation, which underlies the way China was governed for over 2 decades, why Chinese society and organisations are very hierarchically organised, and why Chinese people seem to be more group oriented than individualistic and often do not like to take ownership. Similarly, people are seldom willing to give an opinion before their collegues as it might cause loss of face with a trusted ally.
9. Know the tricks of the trade
Eastern negotiators are shrewd and use a wide variety of bargaining tactics. The following are just a couple of the more common strategies:
- Controlling the meeting area and schedule
The Chinese know that foreigners who have traveled the great distance to China will be to go home with nothing. Putting pressure on foreigners just before their planned return can often bring useful benefits to the Chinese side.
- Threatening to do business somewhere else
Foreign negotiators may be pressured into making allowances when the Chinese side threatens to approach rival firms if their demands aren't met.
- Using friendship to extract allowances
As soon as both parties have met, the local side may remind the foreigners that true friends would come to an agreement of high mutual benefit. Make sure that the pay off is in reality mutual and not just one-way.
- Showing your anger
Despite the Confucian aversion to displays of anger, the Chinese side may put on a show of deliberate anger to put pressure on the foreign party, who could be afraid of missing out on the contract.
- Attrition
Chinese negotiators are patient and can draw out discussions in order to ground their interlocutors down. Excessive hospitality the day before discussions can be another variation on this theme.
10. Play the game yourself
Foreign negotiators dealing with Chinese could find some of the following tactics successful:
- Be totallly prepared
At best one individual of the foreign team should have a thorough understanding of every part of the business arrangement. Be ready to give a long and all-inclusive presentation, taking into account not to give sensitive technological information before you arrive at a full agreement.
- Play off competitors
If the going gets hard, you may let the local side know that they are not the only manufacturer {in the are area. Competition between Chinese producers is increasing. There may be other sources in the country for what your counterpart has to offer.
- Don't rush
Easterners generally believe that Westerners are always in a rush, and they may try to get you to sign an arrangement before you have adequate time to go over the details.
- Be prepared to deal with your losses and go home
Let the Eastern side know that failure to agree is an possible alternative to making a negative deal.
- Cover every aspect of an agreement before you commit to it
Talk over the whole agreement with the Chinese side. Make sure that your interpretations are consistent and that everyone understands their duties and obligations.
11. Get expert advice
Often, strong enthusiasm to deal with the Chinese replaces normal due diligence that would be expected before committing. Too frequently, Australian companies try to negotiate with local distributors, wholesalers, joint ventures and manufacturers, and get what they believe are good trading terms, only to find out things aren't what they seemed. Communication is the key to avoiding this, and if you don't you have quality representation in China, you will find this difficult.
1. Take all the time in the world
Foreign business visitors are often deadline-driven and unwilling to slow down to the Chinese pace when discussing business. But in China the pace can be quick and slow at the same time. Those involved in negotiations know how long they can drag on when the Chinese side is consulting internally or has other reasons for delay. But Chinese negotiators can move with great speed on other occasions. Part of this feeling is subjective. Any chess player knows how long you have to wait for the other player and yet how fast you must move yourself. Nevertheless, Chinese negotiators use time more consciously than their Western counterparts.
2. Understand to separate fact from fiction
Almost everything you hear about China is correct, and so is the opposite. Western thought is centred around linear logic whereas Chinese thinking is influenced by early philosophers, who saw a paradoxical balance of opposites in all circumstances. Where Westerners tend to look for exact alternatives (option A instead of option B), the Chinese may examine ways to combine both option A and option B. This difference in approach may make a foreigner think that a Chinese negotiator is being implausible, evasive or devious, when they believe they are actually being straightforward.
3. Build relationships
Foreigners generally build transactions and, if they're successful, a partnership results. However, the Chinese believe that prospective business partners should build a relationship first and, if successful, commercial arrangements will . This difference underlies many misunderstandings arising from business negotiations. Almost all successful transactions in China result from careful cultivation of the Chinese partner by the foreign one, until a relationship of trust evolves.
4. Cultivate 'guanxi'
The logical development of tight relationships is the Chinese concept of guanxi, pronounced gwan shee. According to business analyst Tim Ambler of the London Business School, the kernel of guanxi is doing business through value-laden relationships. In a very centralised, bureaucratic state, the use of personal contacts was the only way to get things done. Guanxi is the counterpart of a commercial legal system. Where the latter is relatively weak, as in China, the need to rely on guanxi will be strong. As long as the partnership is more significant than the transaction, it is logical to honour it. The thought of a relationship leading to business is . But Easterners who are familiar with guanxi are more cautious than Foreign converts. The accountability of guanxi are very real. In the incorrect place, at an inappropriate time, with unsuitable people, the obligations can become a trap that is hard to escape.
5. Exhibit extra caution with contracts
Chinese and Westerners often approach a transaction from different ends. To a Westerner, starting with a standard contract, changing it to fit the different circumstances, and signing the revised version, seems fine. Commercial law is built intoour thinking. But traditionally, commercial law rarely existed in China and certainly indicated bad faith. The early appearance of a draft legal contract was seen as inappropriate or, more likely, irrelevant, because it carried no hint of commitment. The business statements might form a useful agenda, but obligations came from partnerships, not pieces of paper. Today, returning home with a signed piece of paper is a symbol of progress, but that is all. The Chinese may be signing a contract to humour their guests. To them, a completed contract may merely be the proof that both sides have become close enough to develop a trusting partnership. Further concessions may then be requested - a difficult prospect for the Westerner who has reduced his margin down to barely.
6. Mobilise local assets
The challenge of learning to speak Chinese fluently, the complexities of the Chinese way of doing business, and a strong sense of patriotism mean that a foreigner will only rarely be acknowledged by Chinese interlocutors on equal terms. The solution is to find a reliable local ally to work with you. An effective Chinese colleague will be able to analyse body language at meetings, work out who in the other negotiating team holds real power - not always the boss - and assist to smooth out any inadvertent issues. Conversely, the presence of a foreigner should be exploited to the full. Chinese interlocutors will often see a visit by a foreigner as an indication of sincerity and commitment by the Foreign business. Perversely, they often do not accord mainland Chinese or Hong Kong representatives the same status as a foreigner. The perfect sales team, therefore, is usually a local to take care of the working level contacts, and a foreigner to do honour to the higher echelons.
7. Respect face
Face is an important component of the Chinese national psyche. Possessing face means having a great status in the eyes of one's peers, and is a gauge of personal dignity. The Chinese are very sensitive to acquiring and maintaining face in all parts of social and business life. Face is a valued commodity which can be given, lost, taken away or earned. Causing someone to lose face could ruin business prospects or even invite recrimination. The quickest way to have someone to lose face is to put-down an individual or criticise them in front of others. Foreigners can accidentally insult Chinese by making fun of them in a joking way. Another error can be to treat someone as a subordinate when their status in an organisation is high. Just as face can be lost, it can also be given by complementing someone for great work before their colleagues. Giving face earns respect and loyalty, but praise should be used rarely. Over-use suggests insincerity on the part of the giver.
8. the pecking order
Mao Zedong's thoughts on discipline published in 1966 give a valuable view into structures which exist in Chinese organisations even now: "The individual is subordinate to the organisation. The minority is subordinate to the majority. The lower level is subordinate to the higher level." This quotation, which underlies the way China was governed for over 2 decades, why Chinese society and organisations are very hierarchically organised, and why Chinese people seem to be more group oriented than individualistic and often do not like to take ownership. Similarly, people are seldom willing to give an opinion before their collegues as it might cause loss of face with a trusted ally.
9. Know the tricks of the trade
Eastern negotiators are shrewd and use a wide variety of bargaining tactics. The following are just a couple of the more common strategies:
- Controlling the meeting area and schedule
The Chinese know that foreigners who have traveled the great distance to China will be to go home with nothing. Putting pressure on foreigners just before their planned return can often bring useful benefits to the Chinese side.
- Threatening to do business somewhere else
Foreign negotiators may be pressured into making allowances when the Chinese side threatens to approach rival firms if their demands aren't met.
- Using friendship to extract allowances
As soon as both parties have met, the local side may remind the foreigners that true friends would come to an agreement of high mutual benefit. Make sure that the pay off is in reality mutual and not just one-way.
- Showing your anger
Despite the Confucian aversion to displays of anger, the Chinese side may put on a show of deliberate anger to put pressure on the foreign party, who could be afraid of missing out on the contract.
- Attrition
Chinese negotiators are patient and can draw out discussions in order to ground their interlocutors down. Excessive hospitality the day before discussions can be another variation on this theme.
10. Play the game yourself
Foreign negotiators dealing with Chinese could find some of the following tactics successful:
- Be totallly prepared
At best one individual of the foreign team should have a thorough understanding of every part of the business arrangement. Be ready to give a long and all-inclusive presentation, taking into account not to give sensitive technological information before you arrive at a full agreement.
- Play off competitors
If the going gets hard, you may let the local side know that they are not the only manufacturer {in the are area. Competition between Chinese producers is increasing. There may be other sources in the country for what your counterpart has to offer.
- Don't rush
Easterners generally believe that Westerners are always in a rush, and they may try to get you to sign an arrangement before you have adequate time to go over the details.
- Be prepared to deal with your losses and go home
Let the Eastern side know that failure to agree is an possible alternative to making a negative deal.
- Cover every aspect of an agreement before you commit to it
Talk over the whole agreement with the Chinese side. Make sure that your interpretations are consistent and that everyone understands their duties and obligations.
11. Get expert advice
Often, strong enthusiasm to deal with the Chinese replaces normal due diligence that would be expected before committing. Too frequently, Australian companies try to negotiate with local distributors, wholesalers, joint ventures and manufacturers, and get what they believe are good trading terms, only to find out things aren't what they seemed. Communication is the key to avoiding this, and if you don't you have quality representation in China, you will find this difficult.
Who Started the Art of Making Paper Flowers?
It can be argued that it was the Egyptians and not the Chinese, who invented paper flowers because the word “Paper” comes from an ancient Egyptian word “papyrus”, which is an aquatic grassy plant found at the banks of the River Nile in Egypt. This plant has flowers that grows in clusters at the tip of each stem; which are triangle in shape and stand upright, and has long leaves. History has it the Egyptians have been using “papyrus” way back as 5,000 years for a variety of uses including as a writing material which later helped invent the name “paper”.
It is also believed that the art of making paper flowers originated in China and goes way back as 2,000 years ago soon after paper was invented. The Chinese started making paper flowers, which would float in containers of water, to be used for religious offerings, but as time evolved they were also used as a creative channel for meditation and came to be recognized as one of four arts the high-born Chinese man strived to master. The Chinese floral creation tries to depict good over evil, light over darkness, forces of the world and presents its contrast in forms, colors and textures. Their plant materials and containers also represent fixed messages though their choice of colors and composition and by the maturity and color of the flower leaves and stems. In today’s modern society there are still some traditional Chinese styles that have evolved over the centuries which continue to influence designers all over the world.
The Chinese not only use paper to make flowers, they have taken it a step further and are known to produce such items as paper fans, paper lanterns and other decorative pieces. In paper cutting which the Chinese pride themselves at, there is a tradition of using such themes from history, religious beliefs, nature, the famous Chinese dragons and among other things the popular Chinese Legends. Some pieces represent the commemoration of special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and their complex designs and delicate lines symbolizes a gift of patience and talent for the lucky person who it is designed fo,r to treasure for life.
In the Victorian days women started making paper flower when the real flowers were out of season. They made these flowers by unraveling a real flower and drawing pictures of them on paper, which they used as a template. The stems were made with wire covered with green tissue paper, because in those days floral tape was probably not yet invented. They used these flowers to decorate various rooms in their homes. It was also a favorite pastime for these women who in those days were limited in their social activities.
It is also believed that the art of making paper flowers originated in China and goes way back as 2,000 years ago soon after paper was invented. The Chinese started making paper flowers, which would float in containers of water, to be used for religious offerings, but as time evolved they were also used as a creative channel for meditation and came to be recognized as one of four arts the high-born Chinese man strived to master. The Chinese floral creation tries to depict good over evil, light over darkness, forces of the world and presents its contrast in forms, colors and textures. Their plant materials and containers also represent fixed messages though their choice of colors and composition and by the maturity and color of the flower leaves and stems. In today’s modern society there are still some traditional Chinese styles that have evolved over the centuries which continue to influence designers all over the world.
The Chinese not only use paper to make flowers, they have taken it a step further and are known to produce such items as paper fans, paper lanterns and other decorative pieces. In paper cutting which the Chinese pride themselves at, there is a tradition of using such themes from history, religious beliefs, nature, the famous Chinese dragons and among other things the popular Chinese Legends. Some pieces represent the commemoration of special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and their complex designs and delicate lines symbolizes a gift of patience and talent for the lucky person who it is designed fo,r to treasure for life.
In the Victorian days women started making paper flower when the real flowers were out of season. They made these flowers by unraveling a real flower and drawing pictures of them on paper, which they used as a template. The stems were made with wire covered with green tissue paper, because in those days floral tape was probably not yet invented. They used these flowers to decorate various rooms in their homes. It was also a favorite pastime for these women who in those days were limited in their social activities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)