Your success could be your downfall
While interviewing a certain Company A one day, the colleague and me heard from its CEO an account of how he was trying to set up Blackberry accounts for his managers.
He said he had approached Telco S for help to set up those accounts, which then told him to fill in some forms downloaded off its website. He then called Telco M, which immediately sent a representative down to his office to discuss the company's needs.
Needless to say, Telco M got his business. It also got one of the CEO's counterpart's business.
Telco M is a relatively small player in the mobile field, compared to Telco S.
Company A's public relations advisor offered that Telco S' focus was probably not on Singapore, but on regional expansion.
Even if that is the case, Telco S sure isn't doing itself any favours by giving would-be clients the impression that their business doesn't matter.
The moral of the story is: Remember where you came from, and try to stay grounded at all times.
First, companies should always remember who their customers are.
It's just like how American Idol Kelly Clarkson would remember how she got her big break – by public votes (not that I know if Kelly Clarkson is actually that grounded).
Second, never turn away business, even if it seems like it'll do nothing to enhance your portfolio. Word of mouth is a very powerful marketing tool. So if you turn a seemingly small fry away and he complains to his godfather of a well-known venture capitalist with major contacts, you're as good as fried.
So try to stay grounded even if your business is scaling heights like never before, or at least try to act like you aren't that taken by the bright lights.
On a side note, if Telco S continues to be this complacent, it would soon find the carpet being pulled from under its feet. Without its competition even trying to outdo it.
Serene Lim
ArchivesHe said he had approached Telco S for help to set up those accounts, which then told him to fill in some forms downloaded off its website. He then called Telco M, which immediately sent a representative down to his office to discuss the company's needs.
Needless to say, Telco M got his business. It also got one of the CEO's counterpart's business.
Telco M is a relatively small player in the mobile field, compared to Telco S.
Company A's public relations advisor offered that Telco S' focus was probably not on Singapore, but on regional expansion.
Even if that is the case, Telco S sure isn't doing itself any favours by giving would-be clients the impression that their business doesn't matter.
The moral of the story is: Remember where you came from, and try to stay grounded at all times.
First, companies should always remember who their customers are.
It's just like how American Idol Kelly Clarkson would remember how she got her big break – by public votes (not that I know if Kelly Clarkson is actually that grounded).Second, never turn away business, even if it seems like it'll do nothing to enhance your portfolio. Word of mouth is a very powerful marketing tool. So if you turn a seemingly small fry away and he complains to his godfather of a well-known venture capitalist with major contacts, you're as good as fried.
So try to stay grounded even if your business is scaling heights like never before, or at least try to act like you aren't that taken by the bright lights.
On a side note, if Telco S continues to be this complacent, it would soon find the carpet being pulled from under its feet. Without its competition even trying to outdo it.
Serene Lim
Labels: downfall, listed companies, Singapore, success
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