Whenever I hear someone say they are looking for the best price, I cringe. That’s like shopping for a heart surgeon with the lowest price. Or using the lowest price to purchase a car for your family. Price alone does not warrant value or quality. And if someone says to me “I’m looking for the best price,” then I know that customer is not a good fit for me.
As professionals, we should never prescribe to the “best price” mentality, for if we do, then the lowest price will always win. Looking at price as only part of the equation to make an educated decision is more appropriate. If you know that a potential customer is only looking at price, is this someone you’d like to work with? Does this mean that price trumps value to them? Or what about convenience, quality, and credibility? In my opinion, it is perfectly acceptable to decide to walk away from a deal if it doesn’t fit within your business model, mission, or vision. Granted this may be difficult to do – in the short-term – but remaining focused on the reasons “why” is the key to success in the long-term.
What are the core business values that you prescribe to?
- Integrity
- Loyalty
- Customer Focused
- Credibility
- Professional
- Dependable
Never let price dictate your direction. You probably won’t like where it takes you.
Keep it disciplined.