THE PLAIN, STRAIGHT ROAD

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1932, Page 16

THE PLAIN, STRAIGHT ROAD

Studying “The Other Fellow”

Policy of Newton King Ltd.

It was a hot night in the tropics. .The steamer was slipping through a sluggish 'sea and conversation on deck was as 'leaden as the sea. Among the passengers was a leader in British industry, and a chance question to him set others thinking. “What do you think is the chief principle underlying successful trading?” he was asked; Though his leadership in. commerce was undoubted the merchant was a quiet, retiring man, and he did not reply for a moment or two. “(Studying the other fellow,” was his reply, ‘‘always remembering your (first deal won't be the last, or that you hope it won’t be, and remembering too that if the other chap isn’t satisfied he won’t come to you for more business.” It was . a plain man’s business policy, but it had led to success. ■ ........

It has been the -principle by which (Newton King Ltd. has been guided since the firm’s inception, but something more than fundamental principles go to the make-up of the policy of any business. And its policy is the “spinal column” of any undertaking. Without it there is no co-ordination of effort, no strength and no progress. Snap the spinal column and man or animal is helpless. Snap or violently change the policy of a business, and the (same state of. affairs is likely. . Policy must be a living force, it must be built not for to-day or to-morrow, but for the future. It must not always regard immediate gain; on the contrary, the judgment which knows when to carry unprofitable services until they can be made profitable, to “study the other-fellow,” and take burdens and risks oil. (his behalf, to co-ordinate resources l —financial, buying, distributive, advisory—these are „the factors which make up “policy” for Newton King Ltd. It is a policy.that has led to success and leadership in the community, for the test of any addition to or alteration Of the policy is always, will it affect clients beneficially or not? Newton King, Ltd., recognises that firms, like individuals, ’ are often tempted by apparent short-cute to success. Where there is . a well-thought-'out policy, however, based upon proven fundamentals, wanderings along commercial by-paths are discouraged. The plain, straight road is the best,- and the only way to better service; For better service is the goal for which the policy of Newton King Ltd. is aimed. .