A Continuation from the Article “The Concept of “Face” in Chinese Culture”LEARN ABOUT “FACE” FIRSTThis is essentially part two of a two-part article. Before reading this article about guanxi, I strongly suggest you read the face article first by clicking here.”GUANXI” AND “FACE”Corollary to face is the inseparable concept of guanxi or “relations”.Face and guanxi work hand-in-hand. One without the other renders useless the dynamic these two concepts collectively work together. Where face is the substance – the fuel – that makes the Chinese business engine turn over, guanxi is the “personalized glue” that makes it all stick together
as a working dynamic.Arising from the concept of guanxi, concept: one may open guanxi (initiate relations), have guanxi (have clout), or pull guanxi (exercise some clout). I will discuss each of these later.To read a really interesting story on how guanxi kept me from going to prison in China, click here.Also, a very brief and more humorous piece on guanxi, click here.HOW IS CHINESE GUANXI DIFFERENT FROM WESTERN NETWORKING?Above I mention that guanxi is like a “personalized glue”. This is for good reason: because it is the very personal character of guanxi “relations” which sets it off from other more casual (less meaningful?) business relations that folks have in the West.As a contrast to Western business culture, I would specifically like to point out that any need for depth in relations in Western business has been somewhat obviated – made unnecessary. How?Contract law. Namely: enforceable contract law.While China does indeed does have specific laws pertaining to business contracts, the meaning and interpretation of these laws are not entirely clear. Likewise, enforcement of contract law is still somewhat spotty at best. In the end, it’s how strong your relations with the other person are – this is what matters.PERSONAL RELATIONS VS. LAWSUITS?
The Concept of “Guanxi” in Chinese Culture
A Short Diary of My Experience with the Acai Berry
Amazing Wonder Fruit Considered Highest in Antioxidants & Overall Nutrition
OUT OF THE BLUE – A BLUEBERRY?
My friend Bob from the warehouse recently called me out of the blue. I don’t know him too well, but he seems like a nice enough guy. He left a message and said he wanted to talk to me about something. I called him back and he said he wanted to meet me.
I ended up meeting with him and his friend, and they wanted to talk to me about a “new” product, a fruit drink whose main ingredient was formerly unknown to me: the acai berry, also spelled “açai” berry.
I rolled my eyes at first. I had been through it all. Years ago it was Amway, then it was this, then that, lately it was Quixtar. With exception to some exceptional products, these all come across as great business ideas, but no readily apparent value proposition. Sorry, sweating it on the network marketing thing just because you know me don’t cut it.
Anyway, Bob and his friend spared me the hard sell. They focused on the product itself and asked me to try it. They were even giving me a two free botlles. I said “sure”.
I’m glad I tried it.
NO! IT’S THE ACAI BERRY!
There is plenty written now on the acai berry’s nutritional value – so I won’t go into that. See Cheryl Carpenter’s great article). I just want to relate my personal experience.
The product I tried were two wine-sized bottles made by the Mona Vie company. The bottles contained a blend of 19 fruits, including the sediment containing the skins and seeds from each. My instructions from Bob were to drink 1 to 2 ounces twice a day (morning and evening) and to see what happened. Here is what I observed…
- DAY 1: Noticeably better sleep.
- DAY 2: Continued better sleep at night and overall on all nights following.
- DAY 3: Mild form of joint pain with arthritic symptoms that had developed in recent years – gone! I was able to squat down on my knees and pop back up quickly without the accompanying groans.
- DAY 5: Noticeable ease in back tension.
- DAY 7: I continuously attempt to stretch and pop the bones in my back. There is one area in my back that had been “cricked” for close to a year. It suddenly gave way today with a loud snap, and I felt an immediate sense of relief. Whenever this area “re-cricks”, I easily snap it back in place.