Business strategy is as difficult as chess

Chess, a game of strategy, just like business
by
Epsilica Consulting
“Follow the tactics of chess and reap the rewards”

The first mover gains immediate advantage
Chess: White always moves first
Business: First to market gainsmomentum 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