Is the Earth moving under our feet?

 

 Kevin F. Clune, CLFP

 

To paraphrase an old Carole King song, is the earth moving under our feet? It appears that we are witnessing an upheaval that started in the U.K., spread to the U.S. and now has caught on in Italy.

If nothing else, this “populist” movement has fueled all kinds of speculation as to what will happen in the coming year. Since the New Year is the typical time to become introspective and take a critical look at successes and failures, we may begin by asking ourselves:

  • What is our “value add”?
  • Are we effective communicators?
  • How can we be more efficient?

 

Clune & Company will celebrate our 60th anniversary in 2017. Much has changed since 1957 but our goal of providing straightforward and flexible lease finance products has always been the “edge” we offered to both equipment vendors and leasing customers. Also, in a total cost comparison between us and our competition, the Clune lease is less costly over the full term of the contract. But are these “differences” enough to attract more business?

Do we really communicate with current and prospective customers to learn what is important to them? What tools do they need to help them succeed? For the past eight years the Fed has kept interest rates close to zero which has caused most people to pay cash for their equipment. Will this change?

The various types of financing alternatives for capital equipment has grown in the past 60 years to include manufacturers, banks, captives, and even venture capital groups. Lease agreements have also become more complex and fraught with potential peril. As you undergo some introspection yourself, we welcome any questions you might have about these options.

Finally, with the launch of the new Amazon store that offers a “radical” way of grocery shopping, we ask how we can apply those same concepts to our lease process and become more efficient. Consumers are sometimes willing to pay more for convenience, but is this new shopping concept more costly? Is it similar to an Uber in that you get both a good value and better/faster service? That really would be earth moving!

As 2016 comes to an end, we want to express our gratitude for our business relationship with you and wish you a Merry Christmas and much success in the New Year. May you shake things up in your world.

Call anytime,
Kevin F. Clune, CLFP
Clune & Company