John: We’re ready to make an offer.
Elizabeth: I’m sorry. My client already sold the manuscript.
John: I thought we were the number one choice.
Elizabeth: You were.
John: I thought they were excited to work with us.
Elizabeth: They were.
John: Then why did they sell to our competitor? We just needed a little time to get our ducks in a row.
Elizabeth: Because while you were getting your ducks lined up, your competition was acting.
The only thing “getting ready” will get you, is last place. Somebody is always ready to eat your lunch, if you don’t want it enough to eat it yourself.
Don’t line up ducks. Shoot them, and act. Now.