Proceeding With Caution
2022 is the year about keeping business things simple and not overthinking situations as many are desperate and they are not playing games.
Last week my business partner and myself discussed tactics on how to proceed with our business. With raw materials which we require to make our products still in short supply we have had to come up with a strategy. The strategy is mainly common sense and not to go looking for new business, but to allow new clients to come to us.
Today without leaving my home office I received two calls from clients I have been working on for the last year, but haven't pushed too hard. Both of them explained they need to deal with a company they can trust with no lies about deliveries. Funny as this is exactly the reason why we didn't want to pick up new clients until the supply issues have been resolved.
So many businesses cannot afford to lose any clients as a high percentage are in dire straits. Couldn't resist adding this warning sign as this is just too good.
Many companies are self destructing by not reading the market and pushing as though they have an unlimited supply. It is hard enough gaining new clients ,but it is so easy to lose them in this uncertain market. Communication is the key as I have explained to the new clients on our waiting list that they will be added once we think things are safe.
My problem is these are not small clients and are household names around the world with massive volumes involved. This morning we had 100 tons on order and received only 40 tons which is literally enough for 2 big clients. The problem is our current clients needs come first and take priority.
This is the reason why so many companies want to be on our books as they have all been experiencing supply issues being told so many lies. The stock is on it's way or the truck broke down or whatever story they haven't yet used. This never ends well and have been on the receiving end of this so many times you know the only option is to find a supplier you can trust.
I can spin lies bigger and better than the next person but in business I stick to the truth no matter how bad things get. The reality is your company name is known within the industry and no one can bad mouth us for things we have do. In days gone by your word meant something and if I say it will be done it will happen.
On Wednesday I am going to sit down with a new client who phoned today to see the numbers involved and if and how we can help them in anyway. My guesstimate is they use around 5 tons per month and that is decent money. They are small enough to be able to assist as a 20 tonner client is just too risky. The other plan is to supply the bigger clients a guaranteed tonnage each month until further notice so we are in a position to take the entire account when the time is right.
Crazy business situation we find ourselves in currently as this is a great business if you have raw material. The work that has been laid down by myself over the last 3 years will ultimately pay off and have no worries about the future. Very few companies have the same type of relationships I have built up as I have burnt no bridges and on good terms with everyone. Relationships are everything and many don't have that after what we have experienced.
The end goal is what is driving me as being able to semi retire in Europe or somewhere of my choice travelling every 6 weeks to maintain and service the client base. This is doable as lockdowns proved this as buyers don't expect to see regularly.
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
