~*Sushant's Bollywood Debut*~ #8 - Page 103

Today I'm breaking away from my usual style of writing; I want to write something different yet related to doing business. I think movies are inspired by life and life inspires movies. The relationship works both ways. Books are inspired by life and sometimes books are turned in to movies.

Bestselling author Chetan Bhagat's book the 3 mistakes of my life was recently adapted to create a Bollywood film called "Kai Po Che" which in Gujarati means to cut or break away. As I watched the film I couldn't help but think just how many business lessons were hidden in this film. Here are 8 business lessons from Kai Po Che

Finding a Profitable Niche

The film is about three friends who set out to run a sports shop and an academy in the precincts' of a temple in a small town set in India. The film opens with one of them trying to get another's father to invest in their business. When he asks him why he thinks the shop is a good idea, he says because when people come to the temple they usually bring their kids along. What better draw than a sports shop?

Simple logic used to find a profitable niche. Find a gap in the market, look around whether there's adequate potential and meet that need with a product or service.

Having a Good Team in Place

The trio in this film is a good team simply because they are good friends to begin with but they are also fully aware of each other's weaknesses. Their respective strengths make them what they are a good core team. One is a star cricketer and chief coach of the academy, the other is well connected politically and the third takes care of the cash while acting as a mediator and the sounding board during troubled times.

The importance of teamwork in business can never be underestimated. Capitalizing on each one's strengths while dealing with weaknesses gently but firmly is necessary.

The Balancing Act

The film has several events that call for a balancing act. Sometimes when things reach boiling point between the core team other times when team members seem to think on different lines. It's all about striking the right balance instead of running away.

Taking a Risk

When the trio chooses to set up a sports shop in a small town it is a risk. But choosingsports as a business opportunity is the correct decision albeit a risky one for all three of them. They take it despite the odds.

When opting for a business opportunities take the road less travelled. It might be risky but its will be worth the effort.

Knowing Which Connections to Use

A few occasions in the film require the protagonists to tap their connections, convince people and get their work done. While one of the friends has a politically connected uncle who steps in when they are looking for space and finance, I'm not suggesting using politicians to get work done is the way out but finding the person who can help you is critical.

Retaining Your Identity

The pitfalls of taking help from a political figure are also experienced by the trio. In this case they try to iron out differences and get their work done without direct confrontations. They know it is a risk but keeping their identity is something they strive to do.

Knowing Your Worth

Knowing your worth as far as quality you deliver and the price you demand in return for it is important. People will not value your work if you don't value it yourself. That's the lesson that shines out when they make a presentation about coaching and talent grooming at a school. The school tries to get their services for cheap but they refuse to comply. In the end they get the contract by simply knowing their own worth and refusing to accept anything less.

Refusing to Compromise

All through the film there are instances where one protagonist or the other refuses to compromise on his ethics, beliefs and values. This indicates the importance of no compromise on critical issues. If you don't feel it's right, just don't do it. Listen to your own voice.

http://theoneofakindpreneur.com/2013/03/14/8-business-lessons-from-kai-po-che.html

Kai Po Che – Finally a worthy cricket movie