Business strategy is as difficult as chess

Chess, a game of strategy, just like business

byEpsilica Consulting

“Follow the tactics of chess and reap the rewards”

The first mover gains immediate advantage

Chess: White always moves firstBusiness: First to market gains momentum

through market share

The weakest are destroyed first

Chess: Pawns are small, move slowly and easier to remove

Business: Small companies with no protection fall quickly

Higher prominence gives more power

Chess: Control of the centre of the board gives tactical advantage

Business: Control of a market makes it difficult for opponents to penetrate

The best players think ahead

Chess: Experience allows you work out your opponents moves and your counter moves

Business: Strategic planning is all about what if’s, good ones plan for all eventualities

Opponents who have more experience tend to win

Chess: Chess is not about luck, novices make more mistakes

Business: It is harder for small businesses to compete

Experience is powerful

Chess: Experienced players learn how to avoid common mistakes (checkmate in 4 moves is a lesson never forgot)

Business: Learning from experience makes the company stronger

Gaining ground is followed by consolidation

Chess: Players who gain an advantage normally win if the advantage is protected

Business: Retaining competitor advantage makes the opposition more vulnerable

Some moves are just not logical (or are they) ?

Chess: Players sometimes sacrifice high value pieces for added advantage later

Business: The competition occasionally does something outlandish

Mistakes can cost you the game

Chess: A misjudged move can lead to checkmate

Business: An ill-judged decision can kill your business

Never play for a 50% share

Chess: Playing for a draw is a fallback position

Business: It’s a ruthless world there are always winners

The small ones occasionally win through

Chess: Pawns, the least powerful pieces on the board can become the most powerful with persistence

Business: Small companies occasionally gain the upper hand with perseverance (or luck)

One little challenge

Chess: Mate in 2

Business: Don’t cheat

This presentation was brought to you by Epsilica Consulting Ltd.

Epsilica provides specialist consulting services to startups, SMEs and multi-national companies across industry sectors.

For further information visit http://www.epsilica.com