Watch that man

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy

I was in a client meeting the other week when I noticed a heavy Rolex (probably a Datejust with a mad cyclops eye) on the left wrist of an account manager, who had just finished pitching his latest & greatest product version. 

One product that I personally mentally compared with similar solutions in my head and recent pricing experienced. I found the offering expensive and wondered if there was too much commission floating around here. Is my client paying too much for this based on the bling ?

I’m proud to not have (or had), any commission links with suppliers I have worked with and many will probably confirm that I have turned down dozens of offers over the years. I am proud to not be in any pocket and in many situations advised suppliers to reduce their submitted prices by whatever commission they might have paid me. I think my clients pay me very well, so I should save them as much money, time and hassle I possibly can. Commission that might buy a nice Rolex, could improve four residents lives with improved kitchens or bathrooms. On quite a few occasions I have argued the point and been asked, "Tony why are you digging in for just 20 grand?". My answer very honestly is, "well that buys quite a lot of home Capital improvements for those residents, you just queued up with in reception with". I'm proud to have have lived in stable social housing during my childhood. Maybe it will provide others with some of the opportunities I had.

Now to be honest, I would not probably accept a Rolex if it was gifted to me. Unless it’s a pre-1950s model, personally I find them a bit ugly personally, maybe vulgar. I’m more of a 70’s GMT, Nomos or Sinn bloke myself. From vintage times a 60’s Minu-stop parking meter or 50’s Vulcain Cricket is more likely to float my boat. 

Having had a serious car accident I luckily walked away from) in the late 1990’s, my left wrist is about one inch thinner than my right-hand one. So bulky watch bracelets are somewhat problematic for me. Another reason a chunky Rolexes are not in my wheelhouse. Maybe my non-profit or charitable clients would come to the conclusion I am doing too well on the back of this work too!

If you are selling them, jewelers I am sure would say a Rolex watch makes an important statement. “In the competitive business world, appearance is one of the keys to success. The best businessmen and women gear their minds toward reaching their goals, and they know that they have to dress the part in the boardroom, at lunch and dinner meetings, while traveling, and on the golf course”.

In contrast, if you are a salesperson selling into socialhousing or councils, perhaps you don’t particularly flaunt stuff like this. Maybe stick with a decent Seiko. Even a GS (Grand Seiko) doesn’t actually look blingy, who might know you have eight grand of Hi-Beat watch on your wrist -    on your wrist?

These days, do we even need a watch on our wrist? Its a lifestyle choice if its beyond a step counter eh?

Well, not really – we are surrounded by clocks. In fact in the West, our lives are dominated by clocks, being on time, alarms and of course the internet synchronised time of the internet. How boring. When I am not busy at work or time-restricted I often wear a single-hand Meistersinger, which really slows you down. Mine does, because the day is just ‘today’ in seven languages. Someone did once ask me, why its not so easy a watch to read to the minute. My answer was, "When we are working together, I'd rather concentrate on what we are doing, not knowing the exact time I should clock off!"

Maybe we would be better to not be so much clock watchers or using our jeweler to demonstrate how brilliant we are. Its not all about dates & times, its about what we deliver and for what cost.

If your organisation is looking for best value in systems,

please just get in touch , for a chat over a brew ☕😋

       Related Post: Is the right Critical Friend what you need?

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I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.

David Bowie - Watch That Man.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


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