Just prior to the close of 2011, BASF rolled out new computers to our team here in Research Triangle Park, NC, and as an interested client in this initiative, I was impressed with the product and the implementation.
I know, you just can’t lose with a new computer. It boots up fast, has the latest software package, and makes working remotely that much easier. It was a great choice and if you think about it, making a choice on a product is usually based on features, benefits, cost, quality and reputation of the vendor. You get all that to line up and the product you choose generally rises to the top.
But the other key was the support provided by the vendor BASF chose to remove the old PCs and install the new ones. This was tricky given the scope and scale of the operation, plus everyone has the irrational fear of losing all their work on their current PCs. You had to clear time on your calendar for delivery of the new system and were not allowed to move from your appointed time. Sounds somehow like a distantly painful upcoming visit to the dentist, right?
There were some minor glitches, nothing is ever perfect, but overall I was wowed. These guys came into our offices and one-by-one delivered the new PCs and scooped up the old ones. They had a plan, worked the plan and it was a success.
I was delighted by my experience and am enjoying my new computer. It’s one of the best on the market, but the formula for this success was simple. Take a top notch product; develop a plan and work to execute the plan flawlessly.
So if I think about the turf & ornamental business, the New Year reminds us that we are starting over; it’s a new beginning so before we begin, let’s double check the plan, or make it if we haven’t already done so. Let’s make sure we’ve got the resources needed to execute the plan. If the plan just sits on the shelf gathering dust or is under delivered, you can predict the results will be, at best, below average.
At BASF we’ve got great products, like our Intrinsic™ brand fungicides, still the only fungicides in the turf market with Plant Health on the labels. These products are the best, they rise to the top. So great products separate us in one way from the other guys, but how else do we provide value? With market leading technical support, a strong network of distributors and agents, training, a full pipeline of innovations for our customers, and the wherewithal to stand behind our not only our products, but also our people.
Can others make those claims? Maybe some of the claims but certainly not all of them. And so if you buy from BASF, we expect to impress turf pros like yourself this year.
You too can take these axioms and apply them to your own business. Develop the best product you can, make your plan and work your plan. More often than not, you’ll exceed your expectations and be the best.
Brian Lish
Posted at 8:17 am
About the Author
Brian Lish
Brian Lish is the Strategic Account Manager for BASF Specialty Products Department and is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C.
