Reviewing an Old Book
As Confucius advised, people should “review the old to better learn the new.” Since the founding of my company, Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Co., Ltd., in 1985, I have routinely showcased my products at the China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, which is held every spring and autumn. My once small company has now participated in the fair over 50 times. To me, it has become a dynamic “book” that always inspires me each time I read it. I do enjoy reading it.
In recent years, I seldom bumped into old acquaintances at the Fair. When I met them, they always asked: “Why are you still here?” And I replied, “I came to read. As the old saying goes, ‘Never too old to learn.’ I come to read the ‘book’ every year, and each time, I find something new.”
The “book” depicts the latest economic progress from around the world, reveals how far I lag behind with my rivals, and spreads my brand, Xilin, to all corners of the world. I have devoted my years to only one brand and one business. And for it, I performed enough good deeds to last a lifetime.
This year, I ran into a client from Taiwan, who informed me that he had been our partner for several years. He was hesitant to move on because we hadn’t yet made any big deals together.
“Don’t worry about that,” I said. “Business has made us friends. Won’t we still be friends even if we don’t do any business?”
Businessmen have many opportunities to make friends, but most of them are the least sincere of friends. They are wealthier yet cheaper. I know this from my own experience: I have been in business for over 30 years. I could never count how many times I've shaken hands and hugged – far more than ten thousand times. But I can count on my two hands my true friends. My classmates and battle allies have remained unchanged.
The client from Taiwan nodded: Seldom is the heart involved when the “friendship” is based on mutual benefits. It makes sense because the friendships are formed by those engaging in business.
In ancient times, Chinese businessmen didn’t enjoy elevated social positions – they trailed scholars, farmers, and artisans. Most regimes suppressed merchants. Men of letters of all ages looked down on them, and they were criticized as being interested in economic gains. In some dynasties, the government required merchants to wear one white shoe and one black.
Despite the fact that deals cannot be made without gains, commerce has served as a necessary carrier of social prosperity. Since modern times, especially since the implementation of economic reform and opening-up policies, China has dramatically upgraded the social function and status of businessmen. However, for them, credibility should always be valued regardless of industry.
Of course, modern merchants are bestowed with a new historic mission: Serve as a bridge promoting economic development in all countries, an inspiration for innovation, and a leader to reach out to the world. Rules are rules, and business is business. Business is about making money, and a country cannot be stable without business. Yet, doing business entails so much more.
I hope that all businessmen can bear greater social responsibility, do more good deeds, move further, and get stronger.