Meeting with Paul Swenson, director, Council of Creat Lakes Governors China Trade Office

This morning, Thursday, the group met with Paul Swenson before starting our first day at the Expo. He is from Hudson, Wisconsin, and has been living in China for the last ten years. Paul didn't start off as director of the Council of Great Lakes Governors China Trade Office, but rather in the hotel industry in Shanghai to learn the language first. He successfully worked his way up in the business world. Listening to Paul was extremely informative from a business viewpoint. I had always heard Chinese businessmen were very intense about their job, but to hear it from an American made it all so much more real. He was able to describe his difficulties since working with the Chinese and have me a deeper understanding of the Chinese and American government's relationship.

I learned how Chinese business men don't work just Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 like many businessmen in the United States, if not all day, everyday. Paul said that that has been one of the most difficult cultural adjustments he's had to make since working within the Chinese business world; his cell phone puts him on a constant call to everyone. Not only does Paul have to always have his cell phone accessible 24/7, he explained how Chinese businessmen keep tally of the positive and negative things one does within and outside the business world. For example, if you ask a question of a colleague, that equals a negative point for you, but if you answer a question then that is a possible point for you. Another good example he shared was if you were invited to go to a dance performance by another businessman, but say no because your son has a soccer game, that instantly creates a negative point for you and when you call a colleague to check on your business deal, it might just be postponed as a consequence for not attending the dance performance. It's like an invisible tally kept above your head within the business world; you'll forever either be in debt a favor of have someone owing you a favor.

I could never imagine living a career where my every move was measured, then tallied and possibly be used against me. The impression I got from Paul and his experiences in the Chinese business world is thrilling--he is kept on his toes. No day is the same. I do think his job is very important though because China is a growing economy and has a lot to offer if healthy relations are carefully created. China is slowly owning the United States' debt so if relations aren't kept in a healthy mode, things could get nasty between the US and China.

-Daniela Moody