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06 Aug 2010

A Business Person's Best Friend in China: Starbucks

by Stephen Choi, dragonbn.com

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As a foreigner doing business in China I've really come to appreciate the role Starbucks plays in my work day.

Here are 7 ways I use the 300+ Starbucks locations in China as my own branch office.

1) To access wireless internet. You need a China Mobile account to get internet access. However, staff will usually help you get connected by using their cell phones to get you an id/password.

2) As a meeting location. I've found that both Chinese and expats like Starbucks as a convenient location for a quick face-to-face meeting.

3) To ask for directions. Starbucks staff always speak English.

4) For a quick Western-style meal. Their food choices are some of the better options around for a quick, healthy bite that satisfies the Western palate.

5) To meet other expat business people. I often strike up a conversation with other English-speaking, coffee-drinking foreigners I see using computers in Starbucks.

6) For a caffeine recharge.

7) To use the washroom.


Favorite Starbucks location in China: Xintiandi, Shanghai


Comments

 


Stephen Choi | posted over 1 year ago

Kate,

Yeah, I love Wagas. Unfortunately, they just don't have the volume of locations etc. I gotta admit, Starbucks still needs to figure out a way to make it easy for people to use their Wifi.



Kate Abbott | posted over 1 year ago

I think Wagas has all these advantages plus better meals, fresh juices and better seating.

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