Dominica and The “Pull String” Effect

Pull String, Pull String. The most fundamental principle of leverage in Business (I stand corrected. Everyday life is a more wholesome association to the “Pull String” effect). I am surprised at how many people oppose its exhibition when all too often they frolic in it.

So when she gets a very curious oversized loan with the lowest interest rates this decade, then that’s “Pull String”, If his new vehicle entered duty free with no questions asked, then that’s “Pull String”, if you were more qualified and your inside sources said you should get the job but she got it instead, then you need a stronger “Pull String”. When two executives sit and chit chat about the idea of becoming the largest wireless provider in the world, or entertainment giant, then the “Pull String” effect has taken place somewhere. If you really consider it (you don’t have to believe it, just a thought of the possibility is enough), governments are formed, trade relations, legislations, state pardons, and the preferential business candy that is so often exchanged between companies and their servants are all articles of the “Pull String” effect.

“Pull String” is nothing more than using our contacts, and the closer the contact (in terms of relationship), then the more pull you have on the string. Often, You have to join strings (ask someone who knows someone else) to achieve the result. The simplest examples are; the two referees you choose to pillar your reputation when you attempted to secure your passport for the very first time, a new job, and an overseas qualification.

Companies are becoming increasingly negligent in having strong contacts. Entrepreneurs on the other hand need desperately to strengthen their contacts, and identify new ones. Companies do very little to impress their commitment and gratitude with their existing contact base. Contacts are left out in the cold to figure the challenges of carefully spiced new ventures, where the failure remains within the court of the contact and the success is hailed to a greater majority of the distinguished company. The immediate agenda of the contact is, redefining the parameters of that relationship.

Homage to the contact, for the many times you have pulled his/her/its string. Woe to the company with no strings, being upset and irrational because a competitor used their strings is not unethical, its smart, but being brilliant is when you can use your competitor’s contacts. Today this is easy, as loyalties are fragile and can easily be swayed at a value. When you can woo and subtly confuse in your favour, then why the restraint (why does “Pull String” taste so bitter when uttered by the tongue, and foul when heard by the ear. Won’t you like to know who sentenced the “Pull String”?).

Business will enter an era of not what you can do, but of how much others can do for you. Companies will pride on their wit and egocentric capability in new markets and products, all expensed by their contacts who they will sever to from new relationships and become mammoths in their industry (but its happening already. No its not). Success will be determined by how well, and how many stand with you. When you are about to become the self proclaimed number one in an industry, then you had better triple your competencies, resources and vision, because your competitor just doubled theirs.

Think! Which string can you tug on as a company or an individual that’s really concrete. I am sure you can’t event count with your five fingers a solid regional contact (not those that you email for information, but those that when you email, it is returned by a telephone call by senior management, the type of contact that multiplies your reach, a “Pull String” in Jamaica, Trinidad or South/Central America that calls you a partner). Do you have a contact that can pull your string as easily as you can theirs? (then again “Pull String” is not a partnership)