The Don

Like Billions of people around the world, The Godfather was, is, one of my favorite novels.

Reading and re-reading it, had left some strong messages in my life. There are lots of business lessons in this small book.

  1.    Its not personal, its business (Tom Hagen to Sunny)

It’s a real big lesson. Nobody is above business or company. No one is indispensable. If your attitude, your ego or long term association makes you feel that without you nothing happens, the system will chuck you off. While taking hard decisions for business, don’t feel weak. “Because it is not personal, its business”.

2.     Never tell anyone outside the family what you are thinking (Don Colreone to Sunny)

Lately I was having a discussion with one of my friends, who run a company. He was emphasizing the importance of wearing a mask. A mask which covers your feelings, emotions, thoughts and plans. He was right in a way. As a businessman/ business woman you should not let your competitor have a faint idea of what you are going to do next. For Don it is his or his men’s life at stake and for you, your business.

3.     Offer that cannot be refused (Micheal to Kay Adams)

 Don makes an offer that cannot be refused. Even though it’s a threat, in real life if you are able to make an offer that cannot be refused, you will be the king. For that, Like Don, you need to study your prospect to the core. Find out what is his/her weak point or pain area. Hit it hard. The deal will be yours.

4.     Never hate your enemies, it will affect your judgment (Don Corleone)

This is the most common mistake marketing and sales people often make. If a competitor offers a product/ service at a lesser price, it is common for a sales person to shrug it off as “Nobody can offer it at this rate. If someone offers, it means there is something fishy in it.”  He/she won’t study the proposal carefully or try to understand how the competitor is able to afford it in a lower price. Try to adapt the system if you find it money saving and pass on the benefit to the customer.

5.     Never get angry, never make a threat, reason with people (Don)

When you deal with vendors, customer or employees make sure you never get angry. Rather you should start persuading people to carry out the plan.

6.     Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”– Michael to Pentangeli

Constant update on market is the key of business success. You should constantly watch what your competitors are doing and think how to improve your services so that you can beat competition. If you are not aware about your competitive products, you are sure to bump in the market.