Hello, from China, where I'm currently teaching Brand Management and Negotiation Skills. Living and teaching and doing business in translation is a constant stretch, and a fascinating one for me (although I tend to need more sleep to process all the information and recharge after an intense day!)

This morning, I've been thinking about the wonderful banquets that my Chinese hosts have given me (an honor that is an easy way to return if you're an American business person looking to thank your hosts -- just give them a banquet!) The greatest characteristic is the pleasant laughter, joking, and casualness of these formal meals. Of course, there are rituals of toasts and the necessity of expressing respect and thanks, but in general, a banquet is really a way to get to know each other, to build a relationship.

It was such a pleasure last weekend to laugh with my hosts, at my terrible Chinese and at life and at jokes and stories. We also had interesting political discussions about China and America, and shared our different perspectives. But the glue that held it all together (apart from beer and great food) was our laughter. When we laughed together, we became connected with good feeling and secured the professional relationships we had begun to forge in our day's work.

So if you ever have a chance to be feasted or to feast in China, enjoy it and relax. It is the heart of your business deal because it makes your relationships sound, and it will become one of the memorable pleasures of your time here.