|
Current Issue
Download the Winter 2007 Newsletter
Past Issues
|
Successful Relationships Forged in Commitment
“We have learned over the last year that how we are treated during the term and end of a lease is much more important than how we are treated on day one.”
This statement was made to me recently by a new customer. It drives home the importance of looking at all facets of a business relationship, especially in our business, where trust is so essential for the partnership to be successful.
I believe a successful business relationship, or any relationship for that matter, is based on trust, and fair, open dealings. Transparency is critical. It is about agreeing upon and meeting (exceeding when possible) common expectations. This, if I understand it correctly, is a basic tenet of Six Sigma. Failure to do so often creates misunderstandings that can lead to the breakdown of a relationship.
Successful relationships are also forged out of hard work; a partner’s commitment to the other. I recently read an article in The Wall Street Journal covering an interview with McDonald’s CEO, Jim Skinner. He discussed the impetus behind the company’s turnaround over the past couple of years even after losing two top leaders to illness. His message was simple, successful business partners need to be committed to doing the best job delivering quality service and value every day, and to continue to improve every day.
I agree with Mr. Skinner, and I also believe the best approach to customer relationships is open communication and transparency. In our business, I believe that means providing meaningful information and solutions in a process that evolves around an asset’s life cycle, a process that generates value in the financing, management and proper disposal of assets.
Recent investment in our infrastructure has generated enhanced, automated and real time capabilities for processes we have offered for a number of years. In February 2007, LAMP 2.0 will be available to all of our customers. LAMP 2.0 is an on line system that - when used in conjunction with our financing and asset disposal services - will improve your ability to manage assets in real time. A greater description of LAMP 2.0 is included in this newsletter.
Our goal is simple, to help our customers better manage business assets throughout their life-cycles. I am occasionally reminded of the old saying that the two happiest days in the life of a boat owner are the days they acquire and then dispose of their boats because of the hassles of ownership and disposition. In direct contrast, it is our belief that by giving our customers the processes and ability to effectively manage the risks associated with the financing, management and disposal of assets that they will be satisfied all of the time.
Have a great New Year, and thank you for your business
|