Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 354 Thumbnail
The Paradox of Outsourcing
Almost every week, I get the same message from companies all over the world:
"Would you like to outsource your development?"
My answer is always the same:
"We don't outsource development."
Instead, I say:
"If you have a completed product, show it to us. Depending on the product, we might even consider purchasing it with the source code."
It seems pretty simple, right? On one hand, I decline, but on the other, I leave the possibility open to saying yes. However, in most cases, the response I get back is:
"What kind of product do you need?"
And in the end, I find myself repeating the same thing:
“We don’t outsource development.”
One-Sided Conversations
It's like talking to someone who isn't listening. No matter what I say, they’re just trying to force their own agenda.
I'm letting them share their products, but they don’t hear it. Instead, I encounter an attitude where they’re just not listening.
Trapped in Their Own Box
Most outsourcing companies don't have products; they only have services. That's not a bad thing in itself, but the moment I tell them I don’t need their services, they become confused.
They should just be honest and say they don’t have a product. Instead, they just ask what kind of products we need, and eventually, we return to outsourcing again.
It seems they just can’t step out of their sales box.
Why It's a Paradox
This is why it's a paradox. I'm offering them a positive path forward by saying, "I might buy your product if you show it to me," but they can’t take it because the script prevents them. As a result, they close off every opportunity they’re looking for.
The situation is a perfect example of the saying, “When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Since they only sell outsourcing, they treat every potential customer as someone who needs outsourcing. When they encounter someone who doesn’t, they miss a genuine opportunity.
The Lesson
This experience teaches us a clear lesson: If you trap yourself in a self-made box, you miss the business opportunities right in front of you. Listen and be flexible. When a customer shows you a new path–even if it’s not what you expected–the real test is whether you can take that step.
Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
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ABOUT PSPINC
PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.
In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.
PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.
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