I honestly think if you ask the end user this question, (and I have on many occasions) most would answer that recent economic conditions have put price under scrutiny, that in reality all four are equally as important. Personally, I agree that these traits (in addition to a few others such as business ethics) are the foundations for successful business relationships. They are the key factors that distinguish the relationship that successful business consultants or partners have with their clients from the relationship that a supplier or vendor has with a customer.
The issues come when the end user wants to cut back on one of these categories. While we all to do our best add as much value to the services we provide as we can, it isn’t possible to cut back on only one of these fundamentals. (and never sacrifice your business ethics.) Quality, Value, Service and Price go hand in hand in all business relationships. Generally speaking, from a business standpoint, if one of these fundamentals are cut back, another must follow if a business is going to be a business.
At the end of the day, whether you work for a Fortune 500 company, or you freelance out of the back of a truck no one is truly altruistic. In short, the bottom line is…Well…The Bottom Line, and there is only a finite amount of skin and fat that can be cut back on before you reach muscle and bone. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions do not help anyone if a company is not an ongoing concern.
Patrick Schau
Trade Show Manager
AFR Event & Trade Show Furnishings
