Put it there, Partner !

The question is "Where is what put?" .

While talking with an old friend recently the subject of "partnerships" came up. Partnership is a term used for a "close relationship", an "alliance", a "synergy between the companies" etc. Every good salesman for thousands of years has worked towards close relationships with customers. Partnerships are built on mutual trust, shared goals and a desire to see both companies succeed.

HOWEVER, there are exceptions to every rule as my friend, Mr. Marks, pointed out. He said "frequently partnerships tend to be parasitic with the vendor as the host". Sometimes while working towards the common goal, a salesman (salesperson!) can find themselves on the super highway which is, by the way, one way. Once on it, it can be difficult perhaps even impossible to change direction.

Be aware that some customers / potential customers will obfuscate / lie to better themselves. They will talk about mutual success through the partnership but when push comes to shove, you'd better have your position very stable.

As a very young salesman, I got severely conned - "partnered" almost out of a job. A company that I had pursued came to me with wonderful promises and orders in hand. My product was purchased, used and never paid for - to the tune of $30,000, large $$ to me at the time. The only thing that saved me was the fact that the factories that I got the orders for as a representative didn't do any kind of financial check.

If a situation occurs that seems to good to be true - be skeptical, keep the eyes and ears open and the mouth shut until all the cards have been dropped. Partnerships are great but everybody has to be up front, honest, trustworthy, brave and true !