Use One-Page Agreements

Always do a deal sheet before moving on to a contract. ADAGEUse One-Page Agreements———-RESPONSE Always do a deal sheet before moving on to a contract. A deal sheet permits you to maintain step-by-step control through the deal formulation and...

Never a Buyer But Seller Be

Organic growth is vastly superior to acquired growth.ADAGENever a Buyer But Seller Be———-RESPONSE Organic growth is vastly superior to acquired growth. Mergers of equals are doomed to failure. Acquisitions are one of the most capital-intensive...

Respect the Tribe

Whether it’s clothes, computers, or food, most people emulate and copy other members of their tribe or social group. ADAGERespect the Tribe———-RESPONSE Whether it’s clothes, computers, or food, most people emulate and copy other members...

Avoid Low Margins

Always compete with high margins.ADAGEAvoid Low Margins———-RESPONSE Always compete with high margins. Never pursue a competitive strategy contingent upon always being the lowest-price supplier. Never assume you’ll make it up in volume. Always...

Better a Job Shop

Avoid business models based upon doing one simple thing a million times.ADAGEBetter a Job Shop———-RESPONSE Avoid business models based upon doing one simple thing a million times. Seek complex negotiated transactions rather than simple commodity...