A Japanese “No”
More on demarketing:
In the mid-1990s, I read a book (title long forgotten) in which the author quoted an interview with the CEO of a large and venerable Japanese company. When asked, “what is the difference between Japanese and American businesses?” the CEO replied — after a long pause — “Japanese companies have a stronger sense of what businesses we will not do.”
– Thank you in advance to any reader who can point me to the original citation.
Wise concept for businesses and consultants to keep in mind at all times. In the current economic climate, I see a sort of sales panic impelling decision-makers to agree to a project or client service that will be “trouble”. Sometimes this is justified by saying, “there is the potential for other work through this connection”.
“No” can be said very graciously and in such a way to leave open both future requests and referrals. “No” is a very useful option.