Product Description
Already part of the MBA curriculum for Boston College, Rutgers and Colorado State University and winning praise by China veterans, Where East Eats West, uses Goodman’s unparalleled China experience to boil down the China business basics into fun, easy-to-digest lessons and ready-to-serve actions so you can steer clear of making China-rookie mistakes. It was designed to be the ultimate airplane book and entertains the China hand as much as it educates the Chin… More >>
Where East Eats West: The Street-Smarts Guide to Business in China
Tags: airplane book, boston college, Business, business basics, business in china, China, china business, china experience, china hand, colorado state university, East, Eats, Guide, mba curriculum, rookie mistakes, StreetSmarts, West
#1 by Calvin Quek on May 9, 2010 - 2:13 am
An excellent, quick and insightful read. This book cuts right to the most essential soft factors that would-be entrepreneurs in China need to be aware of, as Sam Goodman tells it straight from the heart and pull no punches. I like particularly how he was able to weave his account of building a cafe business into short, readable passages no longer than two to three pages. Buy this book and spend a good afternoon with it – you’re be fascinated, scared, shocked, and inspired.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Macrends on May 9, 2010 - 3:43 am
This is a fantastic book. Thank you, Sam, for putting it together. I am American, born and bred in California. I have been to China dozens of times but only got my hands on this book recently. Let me first state unequivocally: Every Word Is True. Those who’ve been to China several times will find themselves nodding in agreement—-and frequently laughing—-while reading this book. It’s a fantastic, quick read. “So true, So true.”
Those who have never been to China, or have only gone there briefly to tour the Great Wall or The Bund, etc., may read this book and think, “This is too outlandish. All of this can’t possibly be true.” Continue thinking that, and you’re screwed. “Face” is indeed the end all, be all in China. Every person has his or her place there. Confucianism is at the the deepest core that goes back thousands of years. Don’t fight it. If you do, then *you will lose.” Do NOT (as I naivly/stupidly/arrogantly did) think that you will be the one to change that.
After reading this book, I came to the realization that had I read this book before my first trip over there, it probably would not have altered my behavior. It wasn’t until after several trips that several realizations (epiphanies) seeped in. I needed to be there to see it, witness it, feel it, and *live* it to learn and appreciate it. There were several times when I was convinced that I must be going out of my mind. So many things didn’t make sense. “Am I alone?”
No, you’re not. This is where “Where East Eats West” steps in. You are not alone. Many have gone before you. I *do* strongly encourage you to read this book before you head off to China. When you begin to experience the overt cultural differences, you will have at least the book knowledge to know you’re not nuts. And if you’ve already got long-term exposure to China and the Chinese people, this book is a must read for the sheer joy of it.
One last note: Even if you’re not embarking on business in China, I recommend you read this book. People with Chinese ancestory live throughout the world….not just in China. This book provides tremendous insights. And if you’re lucky enough to marry a Chinese man or woman (which I did) you MUST read this book. The lessons learned in Sam Goodman’s book transcend business and explain a whole hell of a lot about Chinese cross-cultural relationships in general.
Kudos, Sam. Great book.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Renaud ANJORAN on May 9, 2010 - 4:05 am
This might well be the least politically correct book I have read about China so far. A Western reader probably thinks “this can’t be true, the author is exaggerating.” But he’s not! I recognized many situations I found myself in, or “horror stories” told by friends here in China.
Sam Goodman tries to drive his points in the most straightforward way. It is effective. And at the same time hilarious.
A good read, and an insightful book!
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Brian E. Cronkhite on May 9, 2010 - 5:31 am
This is probably the most practical, entertaining and insightful book I’ve read on doing business in China. Whether you have lived in China for a number of years or you are thinking about making the move, I suggest that you read this book.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Midwest Book Review on May 9, 2010 - 8:07 am
It’s almost a whole other world. “Where East Eats West: The Street-Smarts Guide to Business in China” is a business guide for doing business at the lower levels of China, which follows little of the business etiquette that one learns in more western societies. With plenty of tips and advice to break the rookie to China into the business, “Where East Eats West” is a highly recommended read for any business looking to China for expansion.
Rating: 5 / 5