When I first learned mahjong as a Westerner in Hong Kong (I organized a course through Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong a few years ago), I didn’t expect it to become one of my best networking tools. Time and time again, locals have been both surprised and impressed — and it almost always sparks a genuine conversation.

Those conversations? They’ve opened doors I couldn’t have unlocked with a business card alone.

Building relationships, especially internationally, is often about finding something in common — something beyond the boardroom. In a new market, that “something” could be learning the local language, understanding a tradition, or picking up a cultural pastime like mahjong.

It’s not about mastering it perfectly — it’s about showing respect, curiosity, and a willingness to step into someone else’s world.

If you want to do business globally, invest time in learning something local. You might be surprised how quickly the tiles start to line up.