24 iulie 2012

Ancient economic principles - Fan li - the bussines man with clean hands

 Now days it is hard to believe that there were honest bussines men who made nice fortunes. One of them was Fan li.
 Fan Li (范蠡) was an ancient Chinese advisor in the state of Yue in the Spring and Autumn Period. He had been to the state of Wu as hostage together with King Goujian of Yue. Three years later they came back and he helped Goujian to carry on a reform. At last Yue was able to defeat the state of Wu. After the victory he resigned and renamed himself Tao Zhu Gong (Chinese: 陶朱公; pinyin: Táo Zhūgōng; literally "Lord Tao Zhu"). He became a successful businessman in his later years and was famous as a rich person.

Fan li
   Fan Li became one of the prototypes of the late folk deity of Prosperity (Cai Shen). He is described with writing a book known in English as "Golden Rules of Business Success" (simplified Chinese: 经商宝典; traditional Chinese: 經商寶典; pinyin: Jīng Shāng Băo Diăn; literally "Manage Business Jade Advice"). This book, most probably of a later origin, remains popular today as its advice is sometimes considered timeless. It includes Twelve Business Principles and Twelve Business Pitfalls describing the art of successful business management.
Tao Zhugong/Fan Li was unusual among tycoons for his view of money. He believed that one who understood money would be willing to abandon it if it became a burden. It is only a means to an end and should not be taken too seriously. Nonetheless, it must be handled and acquired according to principles. Fan Li also urged a somewhat loose construction of these principles, encouraging broad and flexible utilization in various situations.

The Twelve Golden Rules are as follows:
  • Ability to know people's character. You must perceive evidence of characteristics from experience.
  • Ability to handle people. Never prejudge a prospect.
  • Ability to stay focused on the business. Have a definite focus in life and business and avoid jumping around.
  • Ability to be organized. A disorganized presentation is unappealing.
  • Ability to be adaptable. Make sure you are organized enough to respond quickly.
  • Ability to control credit. Do not allow nonpayment. Make sure you collect what is owed.
  • Ability to use and deploy people. Use employees in ways which bring out their potential(s).
  • Ability to articulate and market. You must be able to educate customers on the value of goods.
  • Ability to excel in purchasing. Use your best judgement in acquiring stock.
  • Ability to analyze market opportunities and threats. Know what is selling according to areas and trends.
  • Ability to lead by example. Have definite rules and standards. Make sure they are followed to ensure good relations.
  • Ability to have business foresight. Know market trends and cycles.
The Twelve Golden Safeguards are:
  • Don't be stingy. Never confuse efficiency with inhumanity.
  • Don't be wishy-washy. Be confident in pursuing opportunities. Time is of the essence.
  • Don't be ostentatious. Do not overspend in order to make an impression.
  • Don't be dishonest. Truth is the only basis for business. Without it someone will get hurt.
  • Don't be slow in debt collection. Without collections, liquidity is affected.
  • Don't slash prices arbitrarily. This will only trigger a price war in which everyone will lose.
  • Don't give in to herd instinct. Make sure the opportunities are real and not part of a craze.
  • Don't work against the business cycle. When things fall in price, they will then rise and vice versa.
  • Don't be a stick-in-the-mud. Keep up with things and make progress. Examine new things objectively.
  • Don't overbuy on credit. Credit is not license to spend wildly.
  • Don't under-save (keep reserve funds strong). When business is slow, one with money can expand while others close.
  • Don't blindly endorse a product. Make sure your vendors are still following standard operating procedure.

 You see, it is not imposible to find an honest bussines man and also it is not imposible to change our views towards bussines . He made money because the people believed in his principles and his strong principles have helped his to overcome the obstacles.
 I think that is great to learn how to make money but in the same time to help your people !

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