Every relationship does have a price. I believe it is wiser to build relationships that are not measured by dollars (or dong) but by trust. I use money to show I care about the relationship, that I want to help the person succeed and to build trust. Trust is the goal and money is the means to this goal rather than the goal itself.

This may mean saying no or being disregarded for some opportunities but we can be assured we're building on stronger foundations. Relationships that are only sustainable with money, beer & entertainment will ultimately become a trap and short term tragedy. It may mean building slower but we're building for the long term with people who are willing to walk together for the journey.

My advice:
1. Know your values - what you will not compromise
2. Know your priorities - results AND relationships is real business success, not using relationships to get results
3. Choose wisely - choose those with similar values with you, and those are committed to walk the journey together.

I have heard about this a lot not only in only in Vietnam but in other countries. The reality is that relationships work where money may be involved periodically and the parties know in the long run both know they will earn more. What is important in a relationship is mutual support. Each person supports the other and even if money is not transacted at that moment they support each other since they know they will benefit in the long run.

If a person relies only on the money in their hand they will limit their success.

This is a question to discuss...of course there is a vietnamese saying Chon ban ma choi. For normal and daily relationship you can choose however in business relationship this is a very big issue. In this case you can not choose, no money no business and your company may collapse. As in the business environment commission is a very heavy disease in Vietnam. Read the pci report of vcci you will know more....That is why I ask this question for those who are interested to discuss.

I wish to say that the mentioning of "in Vietnam" is not proper, as the money factor does exist everywhere on this mundane world. Those "noble" children of Margaret Thatcher of the "noble" country of UK and Cofi Annan of the noble organization of United Nations and the like used money to bribe people for weapon deals. Hence, please do not mention Vietnam as if it were a country of ghastly epidemics. Things depend on specific situations and not on a common practice. With money involved, we can hardly say it is a relationship. It may be a courtesy in China under the term of Guanxi. It may be a bribery in the understanding of Vietnamese standards of business ethics. It may be a legal commission in Western style provided that it is officially contractually mentioned. So, it is a matter of individuality. Those you may know may say "No Money, No Talk". Personally, my own saying is "No Prestige, No Business" or "No Legal Bindings, No Deal." Best regards. Hoang Huu Phuoc.

Try this one: "Alo, I have an idea that will make you more money than you can ever dream of, can we meet to talk?"