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 ....

Ask Questions?

Ask the question, play the fool. Don't ask the question, stay the fool.

In today’s world, the old ways of doing business no longer produce the results nor provide the value they once did. Organisations are constantly faced with having to find new and better ways of operating. Consequently, one of the top challenges that leaders face is that of enhancing creativity within themselves and within others.

In taking on this challenge we must first comprehend the intimacy of the relationship between creativity and thinking. Our ability to be creative depends upon our capacity to think, which in turn depends upon our ability to question not only our practices, but also our beliefs and assumptions. We must learn to question the limits of our thinking. It is through this manner of questioning that we are able to rethink our thinking. Thus, the quality of our questions determines the quality of our creativity.

KIVA – Loans that change lives

While reading Stanford News Magazine came across this story:

Kiva means “unity” in Swahili, and was founded in October 2005 by Matt and Jessica Flannery ( Stanford University Alumni)

What ? :Kiva Microfunds is an organization that allows people to lend money via the Internet to small businesses in developing countries

How it Works ? :Kiva allows microfinance institutions around the world, called "Field Partners", to post profiles of qualified local entrepreneurs on its website. Lenders browse and choose an entrepreneur they wish to fund. Kiva aggregates loan capital from individual lenders and transfers it to the appropriate Field Partners to disburse and administer. As the entrepreneurs repay their loans, the Field Partners remit funds back to Kiva. Once a loan is fully repaid, the Kiva lenders can withdraw their principal or re-loan it to another entrepreneur.