I learned a valuable lesson when I was working at my first post-college job at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
I had the opportunity to work for a legendary accounting professor named Max Rexroad. During an audit, he asked me a question and I (foolishly) responded with tons of information - hoping the answer might be included.
He saw right through me and knew that I had not answered his question. Then he offered me some life changing advice: "It’s OK to say ‘I don’t know.’ Mike, never ever be afraid to ask for help!"
Fast forward to today - we’ve been hearing from companies that need help with international shipments, the cost of containers, detention and demurrage at the ports - and that’s just on the ocean side of the equation! We’ve also been able to help companies with their domestic Truckload and LTL carrier issues, gathering and understanding their supply chain data, and much more.
With so much going on, Max’s advice is more timely than ever. So, if you're in need of assistance, don't be afraid to ask us for help!
Here is why Max’s advice is so important. We’ve been working with shippers for decades to provide everything from sourcing, selecting and tending freight to carriers and offering the best freight audit, payment and reporting capabilities in the industry. Whether you need a quick piece of advice or a long term solution for addressing your transportation and supply chain issues, we’re here to help. For example our upcoming webinar can help you figure out how to survive the current marketplace!
These days, I have the opportunity to share Rex's advice with transportation and supply chain professionals when I am giving presentations around the country about what’s happening in the transportation marketplace. Specifically, current conditions in the freight marketplace are putting freight budgets under extreme pressure and causing logistics professionals to scramble to come up with options and alternatives.
Towards the end of these presentations, I like to have the audience do a little exercise that hearkens back to what Max taught me: A lot of people have difficulty asking for help.
Perhaps, like me, they are afraid to acknowledge that they don’t know it all. Perhaps they are concerned that admitting what they don’t know might put their job at risk.
So, I ask the audience to stand up, pick a partner, and introduce themselves. Then I ask them to practice saying these words to each other: “Can you help me?”
After the first person asks that question, the other person responds: "Of course, I’d be glad to help you.”
People typically laugh but they get the point: It’s OK to ask for help!
So, don't hesitate. Reach out to us with your supply chain issues!
And join us for our upcoming webinar!
BY MIKE REGAN, CO-FOUNDER OF TRANZACT
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