A great proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” For 25 years, I sold leasing programs to dealers and manufacturers like Konica Minolta. My success came by focusing intensely on my client’s needs and exceeding their expectations. Now that I’m at Konica Minolta, I have found that the principles and practices of connection and enduring partnerships are exactly the same. It doesn’t matter which side of the desk I sit on. For that matter, whether you’re a salesman, a president, a wife or a friend, these three principles apply to every strong relationship in our lives.
I love Harry Truman’s famous quote, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.” At Konica Minolta Premier Finance, we want our partners to make a fair profit and to be successful. When we put their needs ahead of ours, ultimately our needs are served. Think about it: who would you go that extra mile for? I’ll bet you thought of someone who’s walked it for you first, and likely many times before!
I recently attended GE Capital’s annual Middle Market Summit. While GE does all of our “program essentials” very well, it’s their added value that makes them great. Access GE provides us with multimedia learning and consulting tools via the internet and events on both a local and national level. This allows us to “Access” some of the world’s greatest thought leaders, who are all focused on our growth and success. When we grow, they grow. It’s a win-win situation!
The greatest impairment to growth is busyness. The pounding surf of our day job and family life will often keep us from projects and priorities that we know will enhance our lives and careers. At Konica Minolta Premier Finance, we are disciplined to conceive and implement a multitude of wildly progressive projects. As a great example, we are engaged in a deep technology integration project that will streamline the administrative process, reduce costs and significantly enhance the overall customer experience. Our project team leverages the diverse talents of a wide range of leaders from Konica Minolta, CIT and GE. A great partnership is a great T.E.A.M (Together Everyone Achieves More).
Next Steps
As we begin 2015, it’s a great time for you to evaluate your own partnerships. Over the next 40 days, schedule a daily one-hour appointment, slow down and focus on one of these three powerful principles. Then, watch your relationships soar!
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