Managing The Dragon.

Jack Perkowski

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The first book by a westerner who built a company in China from scratch

The emergence of China as a world economic power is one of the biggest stories of our time. Every business that intends to be an important part of the fast-changing global economy needs to know how to play the game in China. Who better to be your guide than Jack Perkowski, the pioneer who went to China in the early 1990s. Equipped with just a concept, he built a company step-by-step from the ground up–ASIMCO Technologies–that became a major player in China’s fast-growing automotive business.

Perkowski’s story is as rich, involving, and improbable as those of nineteenth-century titans such as Rockefeller and Carnegie or of twentieth-century ones like Michael Dell and Bill Gates, but with one obvious difference: They and others built their companies when America was emerging or dominant. Perkowski built his at the dawn of the Chinese century.

Perkowski’s insights about the challenges and potential of western involvement in today’s great Chinese expansion–gained on the ground in China itself over the past fifteen years–are of inestimable value and relevance to us all. For instance:

• The good news about China: Everything is possible. The bad news: Nothing is easy.

• To build a business in China, you must develop a local management team–avoiding both former bureaucrats of the state-run enterprises and the country’s new breed of wildcat entrepreneurs.

• You must learn the real reason why China is able to produce goods so cheaply.

• Forget your notions about the Chinese economy being rigidly controlled by Beijing–it is, in fact, highly decentralized and locally driven. As the Chinese say, “The mountains are high and the emperor is far away.”

Perkowski tells his story with clarity, lots of humor, and a gripping sense of adventure. He takes us along on his own version of the Long March, when he visited two factories a day for nine months, hitting every province, going through endless rounds of dinners and the inevitable drinking games, and eating what seemed like every part of every animal. He vividly describes what it’s like to be a westerner living and working in China and the dramatic transformation he’s seen in the country, from a place left behind by the modern world to a place where a new world is being born.

Filled with hard-nosed lessons for anyone with ambitions of breaking into the Chinese market, and a rich source of practical wisdom about the realities of China today, Managing the Dragon answers the questions people ask Perkowski most often about his unique experience, as well as those they never think of asking–but should.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Business in China:

    • Perkowski provides insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of doing business in China, including navigating cultural differences, regulatory landscapes, and market dynamics.
  2. Adaptability and Flexibility:

    • The book underscores the importance of adaptability and flexibility in the ever-evolving Chinese business environment. Perkowski emphasizes the need to be open to change and willing to adjust strategies as circumstances dictate.
  3. Understanding Chinese Culture:

    • Perkowski discusses the significance of understanding and respecting Chinese culture in building successful business relationships. Cultural intelligence is seen as crucial for effective communication and collaboration.
  4. Strategic Decision-Making:

    • The author shares his strategic decision-making processes, shedding light on how he approached key business decisions in the context of the Chinese market.
  5. Building Relationships:

    • Building strong relationships with local partners and stakeholders is a recurring theme. Perkowski emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in Chinese business culture and the role it plays in long-term success.
  6. Negotiation Skills:

    • The book explores negotiation strategies and the art of deal-making in the Chinese business context. Perkowski shares his experiences and lessons learned from negotiating with Chinese partners.
  7. Navigating Regulatory Challenges:

    • Perkowski delves into the complexities of navigating regulatory challenges in China. Understanding and complying with local regulations are crucial aspects of successfully managing a business in the country.
  8. Entrepreneurial Journey:

    • The book provides a firsthand account of Perkowski's entrepreneurial journey in China, offering insights into the highs and lows of building and scaling a business in a dynamic market.
  9. Strategies for Success:

    • Perkowski shares his strategies for success in the Chinese market, addressing aspects such as market entry, brand building, and sustaining competitive advantages.
  10. Risk Management:

    • Managing risks is a key theme, and the book discusses how Perkowski approached risk assessment and mitigation in the context of the Chinese business landscape.
Language English
ISBN-10 9780307393531
No of pages 324
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Crown Business
Published Date 18 Mar 2008

About Author

Author : Jack Perkowski

2 Books

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