Comments on: Relationships http://fostercityblog.com/2009/12/relationships/ Foster City Real Estate...and so much more! Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:59:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Sophia Wu http://fostercityblog.com/2009/12/relationships/comment-page-1/#comment-23827 Sophia Wu Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:01:55 +0000 http://fostercityblog.com/?p=3206#comment-23827 Wonderful,very timely article, Jim. Well done!! Merry Christmas to you! Sophia Wonderful,very timely article, Jim.
Well done!!
Merry Christmas to you!
Sophia

]]> By: SteveTinFC http://fostercityblog.com/2009/12/relationships/comment-page-1/#comment-23795 SteveTinFC Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:34:43 +0000 http://fostercityblog.com/?p=3206#comment-23795 This is the truth in so many business settings, Jim. The relationships that you build with colleagues, vendors, clients, etc ... it makes all the difference in the world. We have "commoditized" much of our business lives in terms of products / services that we rely upon. But when it comes to those critical purchases (homes, professional services, etc.), the relationship you build with someone will help determine how successful the "contract" will turn out. It's one of the things that drives me nuts about the bureaucracy that is local government ... we are driven by a competitive bidding process and accepting the lowest bidder for most of the projects, goods or services we buy. I understand the concept that we are stewards of the public funds, and that those rules were established to prevent favoritism / paternalism and in hopes of obtaining the lowest possible price. But in so many ways, I can't develop a solid business relationship with someone and "sole source" the project to them because I know they'll be fairly priced and do a great job ... I have to take "lowest responsible bidder", which sometimes adds costs to change orders or "fixing" the work they should have done right the first time. OK, so I've ranted. Thanks for the opportunity! :-) Having those solid relationships is so important. And in a "personal" business like you are in, I couldn't agree more!! Steve This is the truth in so many business settings, Jim. The relationships that you build with colleagues, vendors, clients, etc … it makes all the difference in the world. We have “commoditized” much of our business lives in terms of products / services that we rely upon. But when it comes to those critical purchases (homes, professional services, etc.), the relationship you build with someone will help determine how successful the “contract” will turn out.

It’s one of the things that drives me nuts about the bureaucracy that is local government … we are driven by a competitive bidding process and accepting the lowest bidder for most of the projects, goods or services we buy. I understand the concept that we are stewards of the public funds, and that those rules were established to prevent favoritism / paternalism and in hopes of obtaining the lowest possible price. But in so many ways, I can’t develop a solid business relationship with someone and “sole source” the project to them because I know they’ll be fairly priced and do a great job … I have to take “lowest responsible bidder”, which sometimes adds costs to change orders or “fixing” the work they should have done right the first time. OK, so I’ve ranted. Thanks for the opportunity! :-)

Having those solid relationships is so important. And in a “personal” business like you are in, I couldn’t agree more!!

Steve

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