Never came to mind that consultants are 'burung kakak tua', until a colleague reminded me at a meeting. Seemed that they are parroting what we already know, paraphrasing it to make them more saleable. Somebody did also mention that consultants are just the ones telling the time when the watch is all yours! Irrespective of name calling, I do have to salute them at times for they can come up with recommendations divorced of emotions and least linked to organisational history. It's the emotion that is trapping us most, not wanting to let go of something we are very familiar with.
Had a discussion with a fertilizer manufacturer, producing a 3-in-1 type of fertilizer: chemical fertilizer coated with organic fertilizer and enriched with OM. They have been successful with oil palm and is now venturing to rice. But rice cropping in Malaysia has its peculiarities. The small producers are heavily subsidised; from the seeds, fertilizers right to padi price subsidy. Seeds are produced by identified producers with a given quota. Fertilizer is mainly from a government agency that has a complete factory setup. So for somebody to come into the rice fertilizer business they must be prepared for a very stiff competition from a competitor that is government supported.
However, rice cultivation is not limited to Malaysia. Using Malaysia as a springboard, there is potential for expansion into the ASEAN countries, later into China. With China market in mind, the potential would be limitless. In this situation, we are the consultant. With us in such a position, the afore mentioned definition for consultant no longer holds. With the table turned we cringed from those labels. Irrespective, talk is underway and the company promised follow-ups. As it is they are very pleased with our quick response to have today's discussion, 'a rarity from a government organisation' to quote them. Felt myself beaming ear-to-ear.
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