Everyone is in a rush these days. I even find myself a victim. I get up too late, run out of the house, and feel my heart pumping as I exceed the speed limit just to get to work on time. But is this fast paced society doing anyone any good?

When I talk to buyers, I always ask them when they need delivery of their goods. Almost half the time the answer comes back yesterday! Why are we doing this to ourselves. I know we are the victims of a previous chain of events, but the fact of the matter is, no one is winning. Suppliers are flustered, buyers are paying higher prices, and the word "expedite" is becoming even more familiar in our sourcing vocabulary. ( I was on the highway just yesterday and the truck in front of me was called Panther Expedite Services...people are in the business of expediting!)

Suppliers take note! Don't wait to jump on this opportunity! I speak with suppliers every day who are upset because they were preparing quotes on a job and the buyer decided to award the business before the quote date. Here's the thing, if you are busy, let the buyer know that you are preparing the quote. Call, e-mail, do something to let him know that your quote is coming through and he will be happy to see it. Otherwise, these buyers are on tight deadlines and are getting jumpy. If they see something even moderately close to their price, or even get a sales call that sways them, they are ready to go.

On a personal note...I don't see society slowing down any time soon, but promise me one thing....don't deny yourself a vacation this year folks. We need to recharge our batteries so we can keep up with this rat race and coffee only lasts 30 minutes. Peace!