COMPETITORS

Gill and Nora sitting next to each other in the meeting room.

N: Ok Gill, we know that Yamaguchi Electrnoics has sent the RFP (request for proposal) to one other company, and that it's in the States. I've done some asking around, and Garcia Partners in Miami is probably  our most likely competition. I's the only company in America that has sales expertise in the Latin American market .. in this area, that is .. wireless telephony


G:I've heard of Garcia Partners they used to represent another Japanese company, didn't? the office machines' company, I can't remember the name  
N: Takana Inc, yes. Which means they have a clear advantage over us - they're already used to working with Japanese clients, while we still have to get our foot in the door. Let me give you the run-down on Garcia, so we can get clear picture of where our strengths and weaknesses lie in comparison.

N: Ok, Garcia Was founded 10 years ago by Pablo and Margaret García - cousins, by the may - in Miami, Florida. Margaret is the president, and she's not just the president in name  . She's very much a part of the day-to-day operations of the company. Pablo is the VP sales (Vice President of Sales). Their workforce is made up of ten salespeople, three full time administrative staff , all based in Argentina and Brazil, and all speaking English, Spanish and Portuguese.

G: That gives thme a huge advantage. We've got more office staff, but we've only got eight salespeople, currently based in Chile and Brazil. Only three speak both Spanish and Portuguese.
N: But I've had a look at a few of their most recent quarterly reports and it's true that they've got more expertise in the Latin American market, but our marketing record in Latin America is very good. Now, what ar our other strengths?

G: If you're asking ofr my opinion, well.. it's a much smaller company than ours. Since we're a subsidiary of World Technologies, we have the advantage of reputation. We're better known than Garcia .. and more established .. that's got to give us a competitive edge.

N: Yes, my thinking exactly. And another thing  .. they specialise in wireless telephony, but bear in mind  they don't have anyone on staff who specialises in GPS technology. That's where I come in .. to help shape that aspect of the proposal. Of course, they could hire their own consultant..
G: Yes, they could. And speaking of mobile phones, I think we should talk a little about the product itself .. the YGM 380. I'ld like your input on what approach we should take here, and I think we should go over the product details point by point.

N: Right, well, I think that`s another meeting in itself, and I've still got some research to do. I think we should call this meeting adjourned (to adjourn a meeting) .. and perhaps we should meet tomorrow, say round two?
G: That sounds fine, but I really think John should be involved  in the meeting. I'll check with him and confirm with you.
N: Ok, call me to let me know if it's ok. Oh, before I go, let's finalise a few deadlines..