Oyster Principle
The Japanese realised a long time ago that pearls were the result of a process. If you control the process the result is all but guaranteed, so they created the cultured pearl industry.

The only real difference between a cultured pearl and a “natural” pearl is that one is the result of a random, uncontrolled process, an accident, while the other is the result of a deliberately controlled process, by design, the process is identical. The oyster begins coating a tiny pebble or other irritant with nacreous substance, and continues until it no longer irritates. From our point of view, the relevance lies in the different motives for opening the oysters in the first place.

Pearl fishers open oysters in the hope of finding pearls. It’s difficult, dangerous and they’re frequently disappointed. On the other hand, the cultured-pearl farmer opens the oyster to commence a process — to initiate a relationship — that will produce a result. All it takes is time, effort and discipline. These diametrically opposite perspectives are reflected in the motives, attitudes and behaviour of the two groups. And in their lifestyles and stress levels!

In purely practical terms, it means regarding every prospective customer, every enquirer (even the nuisance) as an oyster — not as a pearl!

Beware the alternatives.