Let me tell you about Honda, they're just so different

I started a new job in January, a start up company which is a satellite office for our German HQ. We provide a specific type of telecom service and in the UK, I've had to really start from cold.

In Germany our service is used by a wide range of companies which include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and Audi. So obviously I've been looking at similar businesses here in the UK. Anybody who has ever been a salesman will tell you how hard the new business role is. No leads, just get out there and find the right contacts etc. It's a thankless task and can be very soul destroying at times.

What's all this got to do with Honda then ? I hear you ask.

Well today I call the Head of IT for Honda Europe. I call the reciption, they give me his name and his direct dial number. They then transfer me. My opening line is Mr x, I know you are not the right person I need to talk to, but I also know that because of your job you know who is" and then go on to ask for the name of the guy I need to speak to.

He gives me his name, phone number and email address, then "hold on, I'll put you through" New contact picks up phone, I'm introduced and the guy is so pleasant. He says "actually that's something we've discussed but never actually actioned, so can you come to see us".

In 25 years of sales I have never had a cold call that was this warm, ever....

So I tell him, that I'm really impressed by their attitude. Most people do there utmost to get out of taking sales calls. But the people at Honda had a genuine wish to find out if there was something that I could offer that would add value to their business. They were prepared to listen for the good of the business rather than just fob me off because they couldn't be bothered.

It must be the Japanese influence, but the attitude is just so different. I wish I could have more calls like that. It would make my life a lot better I can tell you.

Sorry, just felt the need to share that highlight of my day

But will any of that make my bike faster in the next race Steve?

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

But will any of that make my bike faster in the next race Steve?

No, because HRC is based in Belgium, not the UK, but then you knew that didn't you

My boss is like that with callers. I overheard him talking to some a while back and was really surprised. His attitude is that some might be useful. If it's something that's useless to us/he's not authroised to buy, he'll tell them straight away though.

[tinpants]

Quality company making quality bikes for quality people.

[northwind]

Meanwhile, in the Honda office.

"A salesman for you. Keep him talking"
...
"The trace is complete, we have his location sir"
"Excellent. Deploy the ninjas"

[tinpants]

Cynic.

Originally Posted by northwind

Meanwhile, in the Honda office.

"A salesman for you. Keep him talking"
...
"The trace is complete, we have his location sir"
"Excellent. Deploy the ninjas"

Originally Posted by northwind

Meanwhile, in the Honda office.

"A salesman for you. Keep him talking"
...
"The trace is complete, we have his location sir"
"Excellent. Deploy the ninjas"

Surely that would be Kawasaki ?

Yeah - H*nda will just send the bloke out from the advert to sing in your face at full pelt.