Truth and humility simply aren’t compatible with american style business…
This is 100% correct. Unfortunately it often works against non-American companies. One of our clients is a very large European company and they drive me crazy sometimes. For example, when we help them with bids on projects we analyze the feasibility of the project while taking into consideration the ability to deliver at the time of delivery. Basically we determine if we will be able to deliver. Our client determines if they can deliver…as in today. Because they don’t have the resources necessary to deliver today, they are reluctant to bid because the truth is that they cannot deliver. Our response is always that it’s only something to worry about after they have won the bid, but they resist. So their competitor, a ruthless American collection of hustlers comes in, bids even though they have NO resources, win the bid and proceed to hire what they need to deliver…and they do.
To be clear, the European company was the better choice but potential clients want the warm and fussies. They want to feel that if they hire you, they will be taken care of. They DO NOT want to hear about your shortcomings or the challenges of the project. They are well aware. They want you to look them straight in the eyes and tell them “I’ve got this” so that weight can be off their shoilders.
This is 100% correct. Unfortunately it often works against non-American companies. One of our clients is a very large European company and they drive me crazy sometimes. For example, when we help them with bids on projects we analyze the feasibility of the project while taking into consideration the ability to deliver at the time of delivery. Basically we determine if we will be able to deliver. Our client determines if they can deliver…as in today. Because they don’t have the resources necessary to deliver today, they are reluctant to bid because the truth is that they cannot deliver. Our response is always that it’s only something to worry about after they have won the bid, but they resist. So their competitor, a ruthless American collection of hustlers comes in, bids even though they have NO resources, win the bid and proceed to hire what they need to deliver…and they do.
To be clear, the European company was the better choice but potential clients want the warm and fussies. They want to feel that if they hire you, they will be taken care of. They DO NOT want to hear about your shortcomings or the challenges of the project. They are well aware. They want you to look them straight in the eyes and tell them “I’ve got this” so that weight can be off their shoilders.
“I’ve got this” today and “sorry we got a 6 month delay in your 2 month project” one week later. Very smart, big brains.
Profit.