
114 Process Techniques for Engineering High-Performance Materials
Cold Calls by Outsiders
Consultants have credibility because they are not dumb enough to work
at your company.
Scott Adams
In the late 1950s, IBM was the leading supplier of electric typewriters.
They were approached by a bank secretary with a new product proposal.
Bette Graham was correcting errors on bank documents by painting over
them with a white liquid of her own invention. The pilot plant was a kitchen
blender in her home. The solution was packaged in nail polish bottles.
IBM was not impressed by the humble origins of the idea and declined the
opportunity to purchase the rights. ...