Visiting China is a unique experience that everyone should have at least once. We often have preconceived ideas about the country, but once we're there, we realize just how different some things are from our daily lives in Europe.
Following the opening of our Shanghai office in 2023, our co-founder Philippe Bougard decided to meet our local partners for both In The Air and Levita. Here's a summary of his impressions:
The first thing that stands out is the speed with which things happen in China. In Shenzhen, the world capital of prototyping and technology, it's possible to develop an idea in just a few days. To illustrate our point, creating a prototype in Europe can take almost a year, at considerable cost. In China, everything is accelerated. A prototype that Philippe and our colleague in charge of our Shanghai office, Loïc, created there took them just three days, which would have been unthinkable in our old Europe. This just goes to show the country's incredible ability to bring projects to fruition at lightning speed.
"As a magician, culture shock was also significant, especially in the reaction to magic tricks. In Europe, people are often a little jaded. In China, magic is perceived differently, and spectators are much more impressed. Reactions are often exuberant, expressing real admiration for the illusions presented".
Doing business in China also requires a different approach. Business relationships are often established in very social contexts and outside "traditional" office hours. It's common to organize business dinners and share several drinks with Chinese partners. This ritual helps create a bond of trust, where conviviality and good understanding are paramount to closing deals. If you can hold a conversation after a few drinks, it shows you're trustworthy and honest.
Although more and more Chinese speak English, language remains a barrier to doing business in depth. Using a translator is often necessary to fully understand the nuances of the conversation. However, technology has made it possible to overcome this difficulty. In Shenzhen, our wizard Philippe Bougard discovered a small machine capable of translating in real time into over 130 languages, without the need for a network connection. This technological aid was crucial in overcoming the language barrier when traveling in China.
Our co-founder Philippe Bougard's experience in China highlights a country that is both fascinating and full of contrasts. With its unrivalled speed of innovation, and marked cultural differences, China offers a unique terrain for those seeking to discover new perspectives. Whether as a magician impressing spectators or as a businessman adapting to local customs.
