13/02/2024
The traditional model of a business plan is becoming obsolete. We have been conditioned to adopt a "dog eat dog" business model, focusing on outmaneuvering competitors, a principle rooted in scarcity. However, in my entire business career, I have never found it necessary to compete with anyone. I discovered that there is enough for everyone. It's crucial to understand the type of customers you are targeting and create an environment they enjoy, and they will come. For instance, when I need to buy furniture or clothing, I avoid stores that play loud music or where salespeople follow me around, praising every item I glance at.
I choose to collaborate with those I am supposed to compete against, sharing ideas and suppliers even though they may not reciprocate. This approach is founded on a mentality of abundance. It's okay that some clients may not feel comfortable dealing with me; those who resonate with my frequency will remain loyal. They might be tempted by lower prices elsewhere but will return if they find the business atmosphere elsewhere to be off-putting. If a client expects me to beat a competitor's quote, I refuse to engage. I prefer they ask for my quote and then negotiate a discount. That, to me, is real business.
Relying solely on a written business plan is akin to a company that depended on a fax machine and ignored the advent of emails. A business plan should serve as a foundation but must be adaptable to changing circumstances. Plans based on fear—of competition, inflation, customer loss, or taking risks—are destined to fail. Realism in business dealings has never worked for me. For example, when I applied for a business home loan and was told the building was too big for my needs, it was a clear underestimation of my growth ambition. A year later, I made an offer to buy an even bigger portion land for relocation, a decision made with faith and good intentions, and succeeded even without immediate finances by negotiating with the seller, family relatives and requesting extensions from the attorneys.
Waiting to have millions in your account before making a move is impractical. If I had heeded the architect's cost estimates for building a factory, I would have abandoned my dream.