The long-term competition should not have exclusive terms::

-- Negotiations with organizations that compete with Cheng Xin

A renowned organization invited me to collaborate. After much deliberation, I still declined. It's not because I am arrogant or unwilling to collaborate; in fact, it is something I cannot attain. If I cannot attain it, why did I refuse? There are no elaborate excuses or justifications; the reason is simple: I cannot accept the exclusivity clause!

The contact person, with great regret, made one last attempt: "Mr. Zhang, have you thought this through? We are among the top in our field, and besides bringing you fame, we also guarantee substantial economic benefits. Please don't decline casually!"

In truth, it’s not that I rejected the renowned organization—it was the renowned organization that rejected me. Our phone conversations were pleasant, but as soon as I saw the written contract, I was stunned: so many exclusivity clauses had already excluded me. (If) after collaborating, I would not only lose the freedom to accept invitations from other organizations at will, but even my choice of clothing would be within their control... Such terms, for someone like me who once valued independence in character, thoughts, and actions, isn’t this a disguised rejection? Moreover, if I need to report every collaboration with other organizations to the renowned organization, what would those other organizations think if I agreed? Even though my agreements with other organizations do not include exclusivity clauses, they do include confidentiality agreements! To collaborate with one organization, I would have to break agreements with multiple organizations; to honor the promise of one organization, I would have to abandon promises to multiple organizations. Would Mr. Zhang do such a thing?

"Keeping one's word, once spoken, is as binding as a pledge," is a commitment I have long held—not just to one organization, but to the entire industry, and to the legal and judicial system. Protecting individuals and keeping promises mean more to me than money, fame, or anything else! Signing a contract with a new organization while breaking previous commitments holds no choice or balance for me—all must follow what has already been agreed upon. Even if the benefits from the previous organization were small and the advantages from the latter were great, I would not change my previous commitments. Integrity is heavier than Mount Tai, principles outweigh profit. Temptation has no effect on me.

I have refused offers from not just three renowned organizations. These organizations indeed hold significant positions in the industry—many peers try desperately to join them but are not accepted—they also have standards and conditions. I was moved and proud to be invited—I am human, and pride exists in everyone, including me—but I am bound by the principles I set for myself and supervised by my colleagues. When faced with temptation, we don’t first look at the size of the benefits; instead, we check if it aligns with the principles we established from the start—if it doesn’t meet the principle, we firmly do not do it!

Our integrity principles have won increasing recognition from organizations within the industry. Our collaborators span the nation, including both renowned and lesser-known organizations. As long as an organization does not impose exclusivity clauses on us, as long as I have the time and ability to handle independent offers, we do not reject collaborations with any organization.

To the renowned organizations that intentionally wish to collaborate with me or may in the future, please receive the groom with an open mind. Exclusivity clauses block your own doors.

This is my personal opinion for reference by the offer personnel of renowned organizations. Multi-party competition, multi-polar interaction, and win-win scenarios have become mainstream in certain periods. Why must exclusivity clauses be imposed for collaboration?

Series explanation source:

(Editor: Purchasing Officer Editor)