After being put in charge to turnaround an “underperforming” Asian distribution channel, I was beginning the process of confirming meetings in multiple countries. This was my first visit and didn’t know what to expect, other than knowing this territory should be generating large revenues and it wasn’t.
Forgot to mention… this was my first international position.
I remember writing my message to the Executive Director of Nissho Electronics Corporation, our Japanese distributor. Japan had huge potential that wasn’t being reached.
It read…
“I’m planning my first visit to Japan and want to allocate enough time to be properly trained. When would be a good time for you and do you think five days is adequate?”
His answer was…
“We don’t call it Training we call it Orientation.”
I responded by saying…
“Do you think five days will provide enough time?”
His reply was simply…
“GOD I HOPE SO”
With this response I learned two important things:
1. Chose words wisely… they do matter (especially in Japan), and
2. I had a client unhappy about something
Forgot to mention… this was my first international position.
I remember writing my message to the Executive Director of Nissho Electronics Corporation, our Japanese distributor. Japan had huge potential that wasn’t being reached.
It read…
“I’m planning my first visit to Japan and want to allocate enough time to be properly trained. When would be a good time for you and do you think five days is adequate?”
His answer was…
“We don’t call it Training we call it Orientation.”
I responded by saying…
“Do you think five days will provide enough time?”
His reply was simply…
“GOD I HOPE SO”
With this response I learned two important things:
1. Chose words wisely… they do matter (especially in Japan), and
2. I had a client unhappy about something
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