Winning opportunities

By S.R. Balachandran

BSc, FCA, FCMA (Sri Lanka)

Several people who have been successful in their life have used suitable timely opportunities efficiently. In Tamil there is a famous proverb, ‘luck taps at your door only once’.

Late kung-fu super Star Bruce Lee was sent to San Francisco by his parents as he was involved in street fights regularly. He worked as a part-time waiter in a hotel and finished this school education. After completing his higher studies at Washington University, he became an expert in martial arts (kung-fu) and was conducting classes.

Famous kung fu Master-Wong Jackman had thrown a challenge for a direct combat, with the loser having to close his School of Defence forthwith. Bruce Lee accepted the challenge and gave a knockout within 10 seconds and become a very famous kung fu master. When asked by the press reporters as to why he had accepted the challange, he said: “Do not wait for opportunities, but create them.” Later Bruce Lee announced his intention of entering the cinema field.  Criticism arose that he was trying to sell his talent in martial arts for money. After the release of the first film ‘Big Boss,’ he emerged as a superstar.

It should be noted that he had strengthened his position and created opportunities for success.  The following may be observed to become a successful personality.

A. Define your vision clearly: adequate profit, super profits market domination, popularity, social status, etc.

B. Strengthen your position.  A businessman requires 5Ms:

• Machinery
• Material
• Money
• Methods
• Manpower

C. Never expose your weakness. Convert your weakness into strength as much as you can.  Balance should not be exposed or identified by others.

D. Obtain expert advice. It is very important that all statutory requirements are fulfilled. An action program should be drafted.

E. Watch the market position. Presently several data bases are available (ews paper, TV, internet, brochures etc.)

F. Risk factors: Decide the level of risk you are going to take. Take an average risk so to that your position will not change even after failure. However, if you are prepared even for a downfall you may take full risk. The higher the risk, the higher the profit.  The veterans in the field of Tamil cinema late S.S. Vasan (Gemini Studio) and M.G. Ramachandran (actor) put their entire capital and effort into selected magnificent productions, ‘Chadraleka’ and ‘Nadodimanan’. They would have been bankrupt if these films had failed. Both films proved to be box office hits! Vasan and M.G.R reached Himalayan heights in the cinema field.

G. Take timely action. Do not delay any action which is unavoidable. Tomorrow may be too late.  

H. Do not relax. After reaching your target, all efforts should be made to strengthen your position and go forward.

I. Avoid taking any illegal steps.  Take all your action in a legal manner with proper documents or otherwise you will lose goodwill, money status, etc. People should be aware of what had happened to Rajaratnam in the share market. Due to his involvement in insider dealings he had lost his goodwill, money, etc. and was sentenced to a jail term as well.

J. Never forget the importance of experience.  A famous business magnate once said: “I take correct decision based on my experience, which I have gathered from my past wrong decisions.”

K. Lead a balanced life. Money is not everything. Good health, happy family, service to the nation, etc. are very important. Say no to liquor, smoking, narcotic drugs, animal fat foods and unsafe sex. Imagine your position if you are identified as a HIV patient. All happiness, goodwill, social status, etc. will be lost.

Search for winning opportunities, lead a successful life, and enjoy.