Flying Kites : Running a Business. The Trophy goes to?

The Business attitude of an average entrepreneur appalls me. He/she seems directionless, no knowledge

of where the wind is blowing and far away from the practical scenario on the ground. They perceive

their project is so great that it is readily marketable, but as a matter of practical fact, its self

proclamation and basking in their own glory. They have thorough knowledge of their product but a

complete devoid exists when it comes to linking it with the current market trends, rapidly changing

business policies, ever more rapidly changing human policies and its perception. Looking at this, kite

flying seems to be more guided where you cannot fly till you have a good understanding of the wind, the

way the kite is tied up (Kanni in local terms), the quality of rope used to fly (Manja in local terms) for

durability and more over the right direction.

The part of human policy changes is very vital for understanding the road to success. The line of people

who are a critical link between a project and its success is very important. These are the people who

formulate policies, procedures, decision makers and exist in the form of policy makers with the

government, investors, financers. The Entrepreneurs and the decision makers need to be on the same

page for any business to succeed. This fact remains intact for any geographical locations on the Globe.

Very few people have the mindset, the tenacity to understand this fact. The sensitivity levels of these

Decision Makers is extremely high with regards to the Economy performance, GDP’s, Cash Flows,

Growth Rates and other influencing factors. Things keep on changing every day and also as you read

this. The mindset of these Decision makers is what decides the success of an Entrepreneur.

Business owners and friends (Indian and non Indian) tell me that we have not been successful or as

successful in India. We studied their business models and understanding of their in field models. After

this, I told them your dog is barking at the wrong tree. Not the dog, nor the tree nor the barking is

justified!

The role of a person who syncs between the Entrepreneur and the Decision maker is the most important

and this is what is rightly defined as a consultant. The flexibility levels, relations, understanding, dept of

thinking, temperament and other qualities is what makes projects work in terms of short term as well as

durable success. However, the quality of this individual is higly important as they are available in all sizes

and dimensions; a wrong person can dive you and a right person can have you climb K2.

The days entrepreneurs need this consultant factor as they are good at kite flying as well as at Business.

At places, they are heading dual roles as consultants, Entrepreneurs as well as controlled decision

makers. The business knowledge, shift of center of gravity, sensitivity levels is very well understood by

them. They are the difference between just kite flying, running a business and actually making it

successful. So who wins is really a matter a Choice but yes, I have defined the path…..