There are many strategy models. Treacy and Wiersema provide a very valuable "value strategy” giving companies a set of three option (combination) to balance. It is, put very simply; about products, clients and streamlining operations.

Yet even more simple is to observe the tennis player, or maybe better the chess player. One simple strategy is not to make mistakes. Let the other side take them first. Is this a defensive strategy or just common sense? If the opponent is starting an offensive attack and is gaining some initial games, you have put yourself in a disadvantage.

Don't make too many mistakes! This message will probably be received differently when you have a European or American background. It is said - but do not ask me about a reference -- that the Europeans like to "over” plan their investments and projects, where the American style is less bothered whether investment have a short live span. "If the world is changed within a years time, we just have to reinvest.”

Investing and entrepreneurship do not play by themselves; risk is always part of the game. If you invest you will not be sure about future returns. So in a sense you should be careful. If you plan too much and wait too long, there is no entrepreneurship and there is also no strategy, there are only words. They easily fade away.

In current business, but I wonder if this has ever been different, there are so many option you can invest in, that the possibility to m

The metaphor of the tennis or chess player is not covering all the strategic issues. He or she is alone, where your business is part of a large network and your company itself is like a crowded shopping mall. There are so many people involved and all with different opinions, even amongst management.

So you can plan, follow the trends in the market, design a strategy. But after all it is about hitting the ball. About the next move. About loosing your first pawn because of a small mistake. Try not making them. It is a simple but effective strategy.

How is this in business? There are so many moves you can think off. Each day there is something new on the market. Yet, for each occasion you should wonder, "are we going to make a mistake here?” A small and simple question that can save you...

© 2006 Hans Bool