The ‘Startup Guide’ series is an annually published country-specific guide aimed at entrepreneurs interested to learn about the respective countries. The 2014 edition is the 2nd such annual edition with 16 books on 16 countries in Asia and one book putting together all the 16 guides. The ‘Startup Guide’ series is the brainchild of entrepreneur and TED speaker Derek Sivers.The Guide can be bought on Amazon or as a PDF.
Derek Sivers created CD Baby in 1998, which became the largest seller of independent music online, with $100M in sales for 150,000 musicians. In 2008, Derek sold CD Baby for $22M, and moved to Singapore to start his new company. Derek is an “Entrepreneur In Residence” at INSEAD Business School. In 2011, he published a book which shot to #1 on all of its Amazon categories.
China Startup Guide claims to be the first book that incorporates insights on Chinese business and culture that are up-to-date with China’s constantly changing political, social, and economic environment. The guide hopes to educate aspiring and established entrepreneurs how to go to China and build a business in the country, without spending months of research, or years of trial-and-error.
In the 2014 China Startup Guide, author Janet Chang condenses 200+ hours and 12 months of cumulative research and private, 1-on-1 interviews conducted with China’s top entrepreneurs, business executives, and industry leaders into 221 answers to 221 common questions on how entrepreneurs can live and do business in China. The book was released worldwide on January 1st, 2014.
The website of the book shares the highlights of the 2014 edition:
- The mindset of Chinese citizens can seem contradictory to foreigners. But learn these two main behaviors that dictate most of their actions and you’ll quickly understand the truth. (Page 99)
- Don’t make the mistake of going into these industries because although China is welcoming to foreigners there are many businesses a foreigner should never get involved in. (Page 349)
- Use this tactic to get the upper hand in business negotiations. (To be used sparingly!) (Page 212)
- The difference between “their way” and “the best way” and why it matters to you. (Page 499)
- How to find (and keep) top talent in China. (Page 591)
- Get our personal list of the top 7 English-speaking accountants who will be sure your business follows all of China’s confusing tax laws. (Page 567)
- What is the unique-to-China “water army” social media marketing strategy and how can you use it for your business? (And why you shouldn’t use it.) (Page 693)
- How to jump through red tape and get your business bank account set up properly. (Page 632)
- Learn this to get a significant advantage as a foreigner in China. (Page 221)
