Jul 02, 2017In recent years, the advancement of the Internet age and the rise of e-commerce have seen huge growth in the logistics industry. Companies such as Netherlands-based delivery giants TNT have experienced enormous growth, which has led to a rise in such services existing, connecting businesses all over the globe.
As part of an initiative started by the FedEx-TNT merger, announced last year, the strategy for acquiring new overseas contracts has led to the logistics company offering some advice about maintaining productive relations. Offering services to more than 36 countries, TNT says keeping a focus on emerging needs is the way to build strong working relationships.
How Will the Internet of Things Affect e-Commerce?
We have never been more global than we currently are, with the Internet age seeing a rise in both e-commerce and associated logistics delivery services. The advancement of the Internet of Things offers an increase in connectivity, meaning that even people in the most remote and far-flung places can access the Internet and be a part of the e-commerce revolution, essentially enabling anyone anywhere to connect through anything (such as watches, coffee machines and other digital devices we all use daily). The associated implications of the IoT mean greater data and the capacity for both individuals and machinery to communicate on a wider basis. This will mean more refined delivery schedules and logistics solutions.
How Will Brexit Affect Business Relationships?
The consensus is that Brexit will have a negative impact on trading within the European Union, and TNT's custom base is primarily EU-based. It offers freight services across the globe, and regularly works with companies in various countries as their main courier service. Last year, the company expanded in Spain, and is now offering coverage to more than 90 percent of the country. Since Spain is one of the EU's fastest-growing economies, this is a smart move on behalf of TNT, as EU relations are thrown into flux.
Since there is speculation about the state of EU trading post-Brexit, there has never been a more poignant time for businesses to be focusing on their relationship building and business etiquette. Leading new business relationships and maintaining existing ones are effectively what business is all about, and using some basic business etiquette rules will help to achieve good relations.
What Is Business Etiquette?
In a consumer-driven world, business etiquette and relationship building ought to be the primary focus for businesses in 2017 and going forward. With a push on UX, business etiquette is partially UX-driven and is the small, yet important touches that set your business apart from the competition and have others wanting to come back again and again. Building loyalty, which leads to repeat custom, not only makes good business sense, but leads to a more satisfactory and sustainable business model.
Sustainable Growth
Many emergent businesses tend to focus on creating discounts and offers to get people through the door, where the real focus needs to be on sustainable growth, on delivering an optimum service with all the little extras, and on prioritizing client relationships. Ultimately, it is much more effective to look after one account well than to have five accounts that cannot be managed. With the sustainability of relationships in mind, provide a service that goes above and beyond client expectations and they will definitely repeat their custom.
User Experience
UX is currently something of a buzzword in business, with good reason. Pre-empting clients' needs and understanding what provides a good service executes a high level of business etiquette. Starting out with this is a solid foundation on which to grow a sustainable and exceptional international business. Considering what partners need every step of the way and demonstrating that this can be achieved is key to delivering an outstanding user experience, which will forge strong relationships for years to come. TNT has used this strategy when acquiring partnerships across the globe by taking the time to really observe and understand the corporate culture of new markets.
Spend time in the new country, attend meetings and speak to natives to build a strong, considered and sustainable relationship.
Marcus Turner Jones graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Sheffield before pursuing a career as a market analyst in London. He has his own website, Turner Jones Finance, and writes freelance from Buenos Aires with his dog, Luna. Marcus has a keen eye for how the markets influence day-to-day business and enjoys deliberating on these subjects.
