Alan Nicklos - Being 51% right consistently
To have a successful relationship with your customers, it's important that you understand their goals, know their business style, and always give them both the good and bad news straight away, says Alan Nicklos, GM, Nokia Mobile Phone Singapore Describe your achievement and impact on the industry.
[After] more than 16 years of working experience in telecommunications, [I] have deep insights on the telecommunications industry, having seen how it has evolved in the region over the past years.
I am proud to see how Nokia has become the number one brand today -- the brand that people want to associate with when they buy a mobile phone.
What helps you to sustain your passion for your job?
The opportunity to develop my team and watch them achieve their goals, and to know that we are the ones behind the number one brand in the world. It is exciting to see how the Nokia products and services have such a great impact on the lifestyles of the individuals.
Do you have a personal business philosophy that you adhere to?
Always be consistent in your relationship with your customer; respect and try to understand your customer’s goals; always give both good and bad news straight away to your customer; know your customer’s business style.
How do you define success? Do you consider yourself to be successful?
A very successful businessman in Australia once said to me that “You only have to be 51% right to be successful”. I believe you create your own success by sticking to your game plan and the most important thing is being consistent and believing in what you want to achieve.
Any role model whom you look up to?
John Chambers of Cisco Systems.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
My two boys, aged 16 and 14.
Is there anything you would have done differently if given the choice?
To move into Asia earlier in my career.
What is your favorite form of relaxation?
Playing golf.
Which in your opinion is the best place in Asia to hold a meeting for four?
Golf course at Jurong.
Which web sites do you visit most often? What kind of books do you read?
Telecoms Web sites such as CNN and YAHOO, most business magazines, [and] golf publications such as ASIA GOLF.
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