From The Editor | January 31, 2012

RSPA Inspire: Provide End-To-End Solutions

Jim Roddy Inspire 2012 vidshot

By Jim Roddy, president, Business Solutions magazine & Jameson Publishing

In this video, Jim Roddy, the President of Jameson Publishing and Business Solutions magazine, provides insights from the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Inspire 2012 Conference in Herradura, Costa Rica.

Prior to Inspire, RSPA CEO Joe Finizio shared this article from the Wharton School of Business with members of his organization. The article is an in-depth interview with Sam Palmisano, who stepped down as the CEO of IBM in January. Among the takeaways for resellers:

  • There will be an "Act Two" to your business. Act quickly so you don't miss technology shifts.
  • Retail VARs need to provide end-to-end solutions – the total solution – to their customers. Go beyond the cash register or all-in-one POS unit to provide technologies such as digital signage, physical security, data collection, and networking.
  • Be willing to listen to others. Don't put your own needs or personal views ahead of your organization. Talk with customers, peers, and employees to get the complete picture.
  • When hiring, hold out for innovative employees who want to take your business to the next level. Then let them test their ideas.

Here's a link to the full article from the Wharton School of Business: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2927

For more information on the RSPA, go to www.GoRSPA.org.