Director’s message

Going in the “What’s Next?” Cycles

“Is this the way the Management Division is supposed to perform? I don’t really think so.”

On a day in December 2009, our CEO’s words went throughout the quiet office during a meeting the entire company attended. At that time, we were suffering from the chronic downturn of sales caused by the market shrinkage in the music industry where our business used to fully commit. Although I just happened to be there as an intern who knew little about corporate finance and management, the tense atmosphere made me realize the seriousness of the situation.

It was under such a condition that I made up my mind to keep working for dmr!. People around me wondered why. Though, in fact, we were catching some dim lights to find the way out of the decline and it strongly encouraged me to take a step forward with my will, “I’m sure I can’t get away before watching how this story goes from now”.

After the meeting mentioned above, we first decided to set up the new product line-up and to merge the multiple branches into one head office. Then, according to those changes, we also worked on extending the supplier network, rearranging the logistics system, and enhancing the customer service of both the online shop and the real store. Everyone made intensive efforts to reconstruct the new dmr!, not only by devoting their own best knowledge and experience, but also by acquiring ideas from books on business or related articles on some specific fields.

Understanding the core competence of a company and transforming it into a value that a lot more people can enjoy are the common theories showing up in almost every textbook on management. We actually implemented it through the reconstruction process and proved that it works. It strongly convinced me that I made the right decision to stay in dmr ! as it brought me such a precious, “once-in-my-career” opportunity.

Now, three years later from the decision, I take the position of a director in this company. Getting through hard times, dmr ! has become a group of players fully motivated by growth. They keep learning for their new challenges and practicing to achieve their goals every day. No matter whether the circumstance is in our favor or not, working in this cycle gives you exciting experiences that you never obtain by just waiting. Although the value of working widely varies from person to person, I believe that these exciting experiences are the best part.

“I’m sure I can’t get away before watching how this story goes from now.”

If I was asked whether I have fulfilled my will back in the day, I would say “Yes”. However, the story is still continuing and looks like there is a whole lot more to come. So, as you may know, I can’t miss them. This succession of “What’s next?” attraction motivates us to keep challenging ourselves and, thus, makes our every single day at dmr ! so special.