SEC/N Thoughts
Gary Alexander, President, SEC/N -- Semiconductor International, 7/1/2001
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Much is the same with life and business. To really be successful, we must first be willing to give before we can expect to receive.
Even at $2B a year, the semiconductor used-equipment industry is in its early stages of development. One only needs to visit evolving countries such as Taiwan, Korea, and especially China to get a sense of the potential that exists. But to effectively tap that potential requires that the companies within those countries be educated and understand what is required to be ultimately accepted into, and effectively participate in, the used-equipment industry's international marketplace. And conversely, the rest of the companies of the world need to be educated and understand the various cultures inherent in a three-dimensional, international marketplace.
Historically, the domestic used-equipment market can be characterized by a two-dimensional triangle, depicting the interaction between the buyer, the seller and possibly a third party. But internationally, that triangle takes the shape of a pyramid as a fourth element is added, representing a third dimension of the different cultures. And if the international marketplace is to ethically and professionally grow to everyone's benefit, an up-front investment in education and understanding of all parties involved is required. SEC/N's member companies are both deeply involved and committed to seeing that this happens.
As with the above example of the pump, those companies that are willing to reach out and invest, without being blinded by a desire for short-term gains, will ultimately be first in line to reap the long-term benefits. Or as a wise philosopher once observed, "If someday by chance, you come to drink of the water, remember that the ones who were the first to quench their thirst were most likely those who dug the well."
Contact Gary Alexander at galexander@secninc.com and visit SEC/N's Web site at www.secninc.com .
