In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of product sourcing from Asia by exploring the insights and strategies outlined in the five most popular books on the subject
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Four books to help Americans understand sourcing products from CHINA
Four books to help Americans understand sourcing products from CHINA
We have been active in Chinese purchasing and sourcing businesses for over 20 years now, so I am often asked by American friends and fellow entrepreneurs about what China is really like. Global sourcing is a very misunderstood subject that often has strong emotions around it.
Many people think it is cool that we travel the world seeing faraway places, interesting landmarks, and try exciting foods. These travels are business opportunities, and chances to try new things. I hope these books can help open minds, because all over the world business get done in different ways.
I am also often approached by businesspeople who are looking to change their business processes and want:
1. A basic understanding of these faraway places
2. How global business actually works
3. What to expect when they give it a try.
Whenever these conversations happen to me, I often refer people toward four different books that can help explain in interesting and practical ways.
For a basic understanding of China try reading:
The End of Cheap China by Shaun Rein
This book is a few years old now, but it speaks well to trends inside China. Many have already happened and continue today. I think the subtitle “Economic and cultural trends that will disrupt the world “ explains what has and continues to happen inside China.
For an understanding of the basics and tips on how global business works:
The Essential Guide to Going Global
BY: Tom Travis
I read this book when it was new in 2007. The information was straight forward and practical then, and it still is today. His examples are high-level experiences, and do not exactly apply to every smaller business, but the concepts are solid and practical.
Lastly, for some great examples of what you can expect when you work in CHINA, I suggest reading:
Poorly Made in China by Paul Midler
I have suggested this book so many times, and without fail after anyone reads it, they ask me if that is what things are really like. I always answer by explaining that when I read this book I felt like I was looking in a mirror the entire time. Although we do not make shampoo, or work with a character like Bernie, the client expectations and misunderstandings, and factory behaviors are all just like some of my own personal experiences. I felt my stories could easily fit into this book. I highly suggest this book. It is a great learning experience about cultural and business dealings.
By Paul Midler
His follow up book took a long time, but the wait was worth it as it brings light to even more China questions as points out a lot of culture differences that foreigners often experience. For frequent travelers so many of these examples are experiences we have all seen. Thank you again Paul for your work and writings on these challenging topics.
I hope these book references can guide you to useful information that helps you learn and develop better understandings of the global sourcing business.
As Always, we welcome your feedback and questions.