Life is Not a Soap Opera

A very smart entrepreneur I know said once that "life is not a soap opera." You know how, on Friday afternoon, a character on a soap opera will say "I'm going to do everything I can to make sure you never see Peter again!" This tactic ensures that you tune in on Monday. Well, though it may sometimes be tempting, I've learned NOT to reveal my strategy or my thinking to anyone, when it cannot possibly benefit me to do so.

Let me give you an example. During a meeting with some engineers to discuss a very expensive contract, they gave their presentation, I thanked them, but said nothing else. I planned to sign the contract, but I wanted to think about for a day or two. They phoned me two days later and offered to drop the price 10%, and I hadn't even asked!

Another time, I was having a dispute with two busines partners. They wanted to remove me from the partnership, but I knew they didn't have what it took to go forward without me. I said nothing. I did not respond, I did not communicate with them, I sat back and said nothing. After about two weeks, they both walked away, saying it was too hard, too much work, and they couldn't manage it. I ended up with the entire enterprise.

I have learned that saying nothing, not revealing my strategy or my way forward, can be very effective. You don't have to announce to the world what you plan to do. Knowing when to stay quiet is a very valuable business tool.