The Existing Negotiable Problems
The first problem that scares potential clients away is the fact that employees hired by First Impressions Inc. demonstrate their poor knowledge of negotiating etiquette. In particular, they use slang and make it obvious their generally poor level of education. The source of the problem is in the peculiarities of the service: as the service provided by the company is a temporary one, it offers potential employees an opportunity to make less money than in the other businesses, and thus, only disadvantaged economically people are attracted, and unfortunately, such people usually demonstrate a worse level of education and preparation for business communication in any area including the service areas such as food industry. Besides, these economically disadvantaged people do not have their own transportation, which may cause their failure to come on time to the sites of the enterprise’s clients. Thus, potential clients of First Impressions Inc. are scared away by a bad reputation of the service that offers unpunctual and uneducated employees.
The next problem that presents a considerable difficulty in negotiation with potential clients is the problem of race. Unfortunately, numerous potential clients of First Impression service demonstrate a level of racial prejudice in the way they talk on the phone, and even in the way they address the company’s advertising materials. For example, they say that specialists from the service sound like black on phone, or scare away from First Impressions Inc. cards as they notice the signs that the company has employees of non-white origin.
Recommended Negotiable Plans
To solve the first problem, the best plan is to train those who qualify to meet the expectations of clients. It is therefore important to continue sending off those who do not make it on time, and those who do not meet the described dress code to check in again. The best strategy for the company is to ensure acquiring the best possible staff to train because those, who have demonstrated problems such as not coming on time or not having an appropriate dress code initially, may do so again, and this will become unacceptable for the company’s potential clients. Of course, if a potential employee made obvious one’s willingness to improve, he or she may be offered a second chance, but in general, it is better to employ only reliable and responsible candidates. Also, it is better to spend more time searching for the potential candidate with important qualities than to try to educate those qualities in a person, who does not have them. This is explained by the fact that adult people tend to stick to their habits and character traits, and it is very difficult for them to make the necessary changes. Also, as transport seems to be a problem for the majority of the interviewees, First Impressions Inc. may have to consider providing transport services to their employees to facilitate their getting to work at the clients’ sites on time. It is assumed that the majority of those who turn up for the interview do not own vehicles. As a result, if recruited, they will have to use public transport means to get them to work. To avoid lateness of employees, it will require the Firm to offer transport service, which is to be available at the most suitable location.
To solve the second problem, the enterprise is to consider a few important strategies. To begin with, the problem of racial prejudice is a very serious issue, and it is more significant than any other challenge. Here, the measures that are implemented including explaining to a client that the potential candidate’s race does not mean that he or she will demonstrate certain conduct such as being late or impolite is very appropriate. However, in negotiations of such kind with clients, it is important not to go too far because it is impossible to change how a client thinks – people will still maintain their position if they are racially concerned. Also, trying to argue with a client regarding any matter including the matter of racial discrimination is a vain pursuit. The only result that might be achieved in such a situation is negative as the client will definitely stop his or her cooperation with the service. Still, there is a way out for First Impressions Inc. in this situation. First, the enterprise should do its best to offer attractive salaries to white candidates so that it might offer its clients an alternative of inviting a white member of staff. Also, mentioning that white employees will cost more money for the client, but will offer a similar level of quality of service may become another convincing argument for the company’s clients. Finally, the company should continue striving to educate its personnel in the best way possible to win a reputation of excellent ministers for non-white workers. It often happens that satisfied clients may recommend the service to their partners and friends, and thus an excellent reputation will help First Impression Inc. overcome the problem of racial discrimination.