A small business entrepreneur and a manager of a big corporation perceive differently the works “yes,” and “no.”
For the entrepreneur the word “yes” means- go, good, success, approval, act! For the manager of a large corporation the word “no” means: doubt, wait, problems, failure, leave it! The difference in the perception of the two short words is not superficial- it forms a result.
A manager of a corporation, after hearing only one “no” per ninety-nine “yes” becomes careful and waits. For the entrepreneur, it is enough to have one “yes” per ninety-nice “no”s to get into action and take up the business. And that it exactly what makes the corporation a good source of ideas for a new business. Watch carefully for those ideas rejected by the managers which they consider as not worth the effort.
In the 1970s one of the leading firms in the industry of importing and selling beverages had declined the idea of importing bottled water, “who would need water in bottles when you can simply get it from the tap, and who would want to buy sparkling water?” self-assuredly claimed the pompous fool, who thought that there was no market in the US for mineral water such as Perrier, Evian, San Pellegrino. This water is being drunk by millions of Europeans, millions of Americans travel to Europe or have an European origin, what became a sufficient base for the entrepreneur, who began importing these products after establishing a small company. In no time, the small company has become a large and thriving corporation.
Paychex, a successful company, which among other things offers services for calculating the monthly salary and such for businesses with less than 50 employees, has emerged after B. Thomas Golisano threw an idea at his bosses, who in turn rejected it. The representatives of the higher management stated as one “we think that the idea is unsuccessful.” That’s when Golisano has established his own business . Paychex offers billions of dollars worth of services and continues to grow.
Big corporations are full of people who are unable to get over “no.” Big corporations talk about innovations, but don’t actually pursue them. If you are working for a large company, be very attentive. There is a great number of rejected ideas, which could serve as a great base for a new business.