Business strategy is as difficult as chess

1. Chess, a game of strategy, just like business
   by Epsilica Consulting
   “Follow the tactics of chess and reap the rewards”
   
2. The first mover gains immediate advantage
   Chess: White always moves first
   Business: First to market gainsmomentum through market share
   
3. The weakest are destroyed first
   Chess: Pawns are small, move slowly and easier to remove
   Business: Small companies with no protection fall quickly
   
4. 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
   
5. 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
   
6. 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
   
7. 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
   
8. 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
   
9. 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
   
10. Mistakes can cost you the game
    Chess: A misjudged move can lead to checkmate
    Business: An ill-judged decision can kill your business
    
11. 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
    
12. 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)
    
13. One little challenge
    Chess: Mate in 2
    Business: Don’t cheat
    
14. 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.
    http://www.epsilica.com