Relationship Thermometer 🌡️
Track the warmth of your Chinese business relationships. Know who needs attention — and exactly what to do.
Guanxi — The Hidden Engine of Chinese Business
Guanxi (关系) refers to the network of relationships and mutual obligations that underpin Chinese business and social life. Unlike Western networking — which is often transactional and event-based — guanxi is continuous, reciprocal, and built over time through repeated interactions and favours.
A relationship that goes "cold" in China is not neutral. It actively weakens trust. Regular touchpoints — a festival greeting, a meal invitation, an article shared — are maintenance, not extras. The most dangerous moment in a Chinese business relationship is the long silence.
Use this tracker to identify which relationships need attention and what specific action you can take to maintain warmth.