single threading

Definition

Relying on only one relationship or contact point within a client organization, creating massive risk when that person leaves or changes roles. The business development equivalent of putting all your eggs in one basket, then dropping the basket.

Example Usage

We were single-threaded with their CTO, so when he left for a startup, our $2M deal evaporated overnight.

Origin

Enterprise sales and account management terminology from the 2000s

Fun Fact

Sales textbooks warn against single threading, yet it remains one of the most common reasons deals fall apart unexpectedly.

Source: Enterprise sales and relationship management terminology

Related Terms

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renegotiate

The art of diplomatically saying "this deal isn't working for me anymore" and hoping the other party doesn't walk away entirely. It's when parties go back to the bargaining table to hash out new terms because circumstances changed, someone's unhappy, or the original contract was wildly optimistic. Common in leases, loans, and marriages.

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💼 Corporate / Business

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compartmentalization

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board

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💼 Corporate / Business

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