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What’s In A Name

March 18, 2015
by Frank Cecere
Comments are off

pageadsWhat’s In A Name

– By Greg Crumpton

Not many people who operate at a high level think the word “vendor” is very appealing. In fact many find it to be borderline offensive.

What Is The Alternative?

Partner, yes, but it too has become jaded. Resource, ally, co-customer, you name it, the moniker has been adopted by many sales folks who are trying to differentiate themselves.

Can You Really Blame Them?

I am not sure what to call the position that true professionals strive for. I do know that it’s important. It’s important to me when I’m getting ready to buy. Another thing I know is that the kind folks who have allowed me to serve them like it when I help them solve the non-routine problems. You know that feeling when you get it.

The word I really want to use here is friend. My fingers actually cramped up just then trying to type it because I know in my 50-year-old brain that corporate america is not keen on a purchasing agent buying things, items, ideas, etc. from a friend.

Even if you are friends, the arms-length requirement to keep everyone from suspecting any wrong-doing has to be very, very clear. That’s a shame, but the path is littered with poor decisions involving friends in business.

There Is A Balance Between Vendor And Friend.

Many call it a “trusted advisor” or some similar name. The point is, it has to be done intentionally, with the key word being intent. That means serving with good-will, a “definite chief aim” or purpose and an over-arching desire to deliver the unexpected. It also means communicating like Churchill, having the tenacity of Patton and the exhibiting the character of Honest Abe Lincoln.

In the end it really doesn’t matter what’s on your business card. Market leader, VP or custodian. What does matter is that you deliver, or as Seth Godin would say- ship, your work, regardless of what people label you as.

Original Article can be found here.

 

Greg Crumpton founded AirTight in 1999. Greg has over 33 years of experience in full service mechanical and mission critical environments with a heavy emphasis on service, maintenance and repair. Greg specializes in mission critical cooling and electrical infrastructures, as well as the comfort cooling surrounding them. Greg owned and operated AirTight until 2014 when he decided to merge it into Service Logic’s existing Charlotte business, FaciliTech, to provide great service capabilities for their customers. Greg continues to be highly involved with the combined organization, ensuring clients have a great experience.

 

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Frank is a great guy and has provieded us with high quallity IT services and solutions for the last several years. He is professional, personable, and efficient. Aside from helping in our business needs Frank also proviedes Pro Bono work for our non profit organization Light of a Child. To see his work, go to http://www.lightofachild.org. Thank you Frank!
Account Manager at McKenney's, Inc.
Francesco is a competent problem solver and businessman. He investigates and resolves issues thoroughly. I highly recommend Francesco for your consideration.
Peter ChormanDeputy Program Director at Delta Airlines JFK Redevelopment
Frank and his team at Charlotte Networks continue to bring AirTight the level of performance we expect from our partnerships. If it involves I.T. at our company, Frank is front & center on helping and guiding us in the direction that we plan in advance. He is part of our family, he gets it and he will stay with a situation until it is resolved. I would highly recommend Frank for any engagement that had to be done on time, on budget and with a high level of tenacity required.
Greg CrumptonLearner, Technologist & People Promoter
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Frank is exceptionally detailed to any IT situation that arises. He is very prompt in returning emails and phone calls and resolves issues almost immediately. I would highly recommend Frank to any company or individual who may need his computer expertise.
Teri MaysBusiness Manager at Sitetec, Inc
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Jimmy JackCustomer Service Manager at AirTight FaciliTech / Facilities Management, HVAC Repairs, and Mechanical Services
Frank is a very conscientious and detail oriented person with an excellent work ethic and these traits carry over into his role as owner of Charlotte Networks, I contracted with Frank to be local IT support for our new Charlotte office and that relationship has worked out quite well. I plan to continue using Franks company as needs arise and would recommend him to anyone looking for IT support in the Charlotte area.
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Jim HendricksPresident at Hendricks Consulting Group
Partnering with Frank as AirTight’s IT go to for the past few years has been a huge burden lifted, due to past trouble we have had finding the right fit for a highly demanding operation that needs 24/7 access to all things IT that Frank helps us stay on top of. It is comforting to know that whether it’s Monday – Friday or at midnight on Saturday, when I call Frank in a panic he makes himself available and appears genuinely happy to resolve whatever issue is at hand.
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