Sooner or later anyone working in sales comes across the concept of 'Third Party Commissions' or TPC, otherwise known as the kick-back or, if you don't want to mince words, the bribe.
Business people don't ever refer to it as a bribe though - the term is too concise, too revealing, and none of them want their good name connected to anything remotely questionable. How quaint, when one knows in one's heart that they would turn a blind eye to any activity involving the passing along of monies / favours / booty designed to grease the wheels in a particular sales situation. It's all a matter of semantics. If it doesn't sound or look like a duck then it is not a duck.
I can understand the concept of the 'finder's fee' which entails paying someone a consideration for uncovering a business opportunity and making it available. This is a different kettle of fish, but a bribe is a bribe, and nothing will change this fact.
But humans are prone to error, and one of the great pitfalls is the sad fact that perception is reality. If something is perceived to be good it is good. Ask any spin doctor, or image consultant, or defence lawyer. They know.
Just remember; a bribe is a bribe is a bribe. And it is not a good thing. Now go out there and try to be a better business person!
Please......
