每一个创业者都要回答的问题.pdfVIP

The Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Answer by Amar Bhide Harvard Business Review Reprint 96603 What are my goals? Do I have the right strategy? Can I execute the strategy? The Questions Every Entrepreneur by Amar Bhide Of the hundreds of thousands of business ven- growth has forced him to reinvest most of his prof- tures that entrepreneurs launch every year, many its to finance the business’s growing inventories never get off the ground. Others fizzle after spectac- and receivables. Furthermore, the company’s prof- ular rocket starts. itability has attracted competitors and tempted A six-year-old condiment company has attracted customers to deal directly with the Asian suppli- loyal customers but has achieved less than ers. If the founder doesn’t do something soon, the $500,000 in sales. The company’s gross margins business will evaporate. can’t cover its overhead or provide adequate in- Like most entrepreneurs, the condiment maker comes for the founder and the family members who and the novelty importer get plenty of confusing participate in the business. Additional growth will counsel: Diversify your product line. Stick to your require a huge capital infusion, but investors and knitting. Raise capital by selling equity. Don’t risk potential buyers aren’t keen on small, marginally losing control just because things are bad. Delegate. profitable ventures, and the family has exhausted Act decisively. Hire a professional manager. Watch its resources. your fixed costs. Another young company, profitable and grow- Why all the conflicting advice? Because the range ing rapidly, imports novelty products from the Far of options – and problems – that founders of young