I was recently involved with a business in the UK who was looking for a South African furniture manufacturer making wooden furniture. I said there were many in my area, and that I would source a supplier for him. However, he wanted me to specifically find someone who was serious about exporting because there was no room for non-delivery. I thought this an odd comment, as I assumed that anyone who was making the stuff would want to consider this option in order to sit on both sides of the foreign exchange fence, and I said so. He argued and said NO. He said they say they are interested but never deliver.
The very next day I found a supplier with a few phone calls. There have been some ongoing discussions resolving questions from the UK. So far so good.
However, the importer now wants to discuss getting product for an exhibition in the UK. I call the manufacturer on his mobile, no answer. Two days later still no return call. Call again. Advise UK wanting to proceed. Says he is away for nearly a week. Will call me on his return. Two days after the return date still no call. Is he serious? Is he going to deliver? Is he missing an opportunity to move his product into some of the UK's largest retail brand name stores?
No. No. Yes.
I can see the importer's point now! How many more are there like this, missing fantastic opportunities through a lack of something. It is particularly sad to see this happen, because I really love to see SME's succeed. However, SME's must also take business seriously and deliver, there is no room for poorly run businesses in any economy. SME's should not ask for special treatment. Nor should they be given it.
Rob Smorfitt
To learn more about this author, visit Rob Smorfitt's Website.
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Rob Smorfitt
(Visit Rob's Website)
Based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Married with 3 children (22, 21 and 14).
Have an MBA and am currently doing a PhD
in entrepreneurial success. I have been
self employed since 1982. I have started
26 and bought 5 businesses since then.
Most were sold again and a few were shut
down because of a lack of profitability.
Many were run by staff or family while I
worked in full time employment in my
bigger businesses. 6 books written in SME
and Project Management educational field.
Written articles for various magazines,
newspapers and websites.
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