It is a long flight. There is no doubt that the flight to China is the first challenge of the trip. When and if you decide to join the SBDC for a business and trade mission, consider whether you can tolerate 14 hours in economy/coach class, or if you would be more comfortable in business or first class. The five of us flew economy class from O'Hare Airport in Chicago to Pudong Airport in Shanghai. I found that there was more leg room than I anticipated. Whatever the amount of leg room or the location of your seat on the plane, it is important to get up and walk around the plane as often as you can.
On our flight from Chicago to Shanghai, they showed four movies, fed us a few times, distributed magazines, and made sure everyone had pillows and blankets for the inevitable napping. You'll have enough time to participate in all the flight-sponsored activities, and to talk to your mission mates, especially Jinshui.
The flight is a good time to review the advice shared by your international business advisor. The first time he explains the protocol for greeting foreign officials and business leaders, you probably think, "that is very interesting." The second time, you'll probably think, "I should remember that." Then when you actually meet officals, you'll think, "what did he tell me to do?" My advice is that you pay attention to everything Jinshui tells you about interacting with the people you'll meet along the way. You'll use every scrap of information he shares, from what to wear to what to say and do. Don't assume that everything you've learned about doing business in your community will be the same in China - or any other country.
Be sure to ask Jinshui about the agenda for the rest of the day after you land in China. Don't assume that you will go to the hotel and sleep. We were fortunate to have just one activity when we arrived in China on June 5th, an informal dinner with our hosts.
On our flight from Chicago to Shanghai, they showed four movies, fed us a few times, distributed magazines, and made sure everyone had pillows and blankets for the inevitable napping. You'll have enough time to participate in all the flight-sponsored activities, and to talk to your mission mates, especially Jinshui.
The flight is a good time to review the advice shared by your international business advisor. The first time he explains the protocol for greeting foreign officials and business leaders, you probably think, "that is very interesting." The second time, you'll probably think, "I should remember that." Then when you actually meet officals, you'll think, "what did he tell me to do?" My advice is that you pay attention to everything Jinshui tells you about interacting with the people you'll meet along the way. You'll use every scrap of information he shares, from what to wear to what to say and do. Don't assume that everything you've learned about doing business in your community will be the same in China - or any other country.
Be sure to ask Jinshui about the agenda for the rest of the day after you land in China. Don't assume that you will go to the hotel and sleep. We were fortunate to have just one activity when we arrived in China on June 5th, an informal dinner with our hosts.
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