'Lose the Battle to Win the War'

A wonderful story - in Corporate Dossier, Economic Times, 22 August 2008 . 

A learned sage was in the middle of a very narrow bridge when he saw a powerful king approaching from the other side.

“Please turn around,” said Shakti-muni, “So that I may pass.”

“No, you turn around,” thundered the king, “So that I may pass.”

“But I stepped on the bridge first.”

“Yes, but I can push you back.”

“That’s not fair. Know that I am a teacher, a priest and the most respected philosopher in the land. Hence, I must be given the first right of passage.” Argued the sage

The king sneered, “I built the school you teach. I pay for the rituals you perform. Without me as patron, you would not be able to indulge in philosophy. So you must give me the first right of passage.”

The Paradox of Adjacency

An interesting article appeared this morning in The Economic Times : The Paradox of Adjacency by Ashish Singh and Chris Zook of Bain and Company. I have written to Ashish with my views.

Yes Nokia-India is a successful example of ‘adjacency strategy’. While product proposition for entire consumer spectrum (BOP included) and Product Innovation did contribute to its success, there were other factors which contributed in equal measure, such as: Quick to identify the Opportunity (1995)-ahead of Change curve, Localizing the business strategy, Focus on core business ( Nokia only had mobile phones , while other players had consumer electronics and home appliances) etc.

Google is another great company at identifying ‘adjacent opportunities’. From Google search to Google Video to Google Books to Google News to You tube ....