Be Cautious When Playing with the Big Boys

Published: Jan 20, 2005

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Whether you are purchasing from or selling to a large organization be extremely cautious.

Simple arithmetic combined with simple street smarts will tell you that someone in a larger entity can do you harm whenever they feel the urge to do so. The bigger guy can: (a) use you to support their business and, then, steal your ideas or customers for themselves, (b) cut you off and switch to a competitor, (c) outlast you in any legal struggle or, (d) squash you by any other means.

These are not nice scenarios to think about while you are enjoying a good relationship with a supplier or buyer. They are probable enough to warrant your caution. Manage your relationships accordingly.

If you are a female and in business for more than a month, you have learned how to be cautious, charming and tough-minded. If you are a male, seek out an experienced female entrepreneur and take some lessons on being cautious, charming and tough-minded. It's the tough-mindedness that's required for managing your relationships accordingly.

So long as you are smaller than your suppliers and buyers, the playing field is not level.

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Outcomes

Trust people who are standing in front of you or by your side.
Prepared for change in motives when personnel are changed.
Prepared for change in motives when conditions change.

Be Cautious When Playing with the Big Boys

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