52. About being flexible, fast and solid

Dear Jan,

I recently read a newspaper full of articles about men who had held top positions in large companies who had to step down because they (almost) ruined their company. They were considered to be fast, flexible, energetic and charismatic leaders and “entrepreneurs” showing us the way “proper” business should be done.

My company is on the radar of some competing businesses who are willing to take us over. They have big plans: growth from €50 million to €250 million in 3 years or similar highly ambitious goals. I listen to these guys (they are never women) and when I hear their plans, I think “Wow, that’s quite clever,” and the feeling comes over me – maybe I’m doing something wrong as I have already been working hard for 16 years and I now have a revenue of (only) €40 million.

Comparing myself with them, I see myself as someone toiling for revenue and profit in a stormy economic climate to keep my company in a healthy shape while they, apparently with no effort, are expanding their companies and have revenue and financing falling into their laps. They hardly discuss clients because they do not know them; they do not talk about business, but about visions and strategies. And this gives me a strange feeling. Especially, if they expect me to be enthusiastic about their (in my eyes) wild and impossible ideas, which I hardly understand.

When I look at meat companies that grow by buying up other companies, I see many more failures than successful acquisitions. Actually, I don’t know of any company which achieved success (and was healthy) by expanding via acquisitions of other companies (but maybe this is because I am not well informed). I only know of (ultimately) unsuccessful acquisitions.

I am trying to be very flexible and fast myself as well, especially for my clients, our temps and colleagues. With respect to the business, I act in the opposite fashion. Conservatively, cautiously, and I earn money before I spend it, so as not to assume liabilities which could jeopardize the business. And I know many entrepreneurs who act similarly. All of them are men and women working hard at their business who have ambitions, but who are not forcing their company’s growth. They work hard without boasting – reliably and transparently, in a real and solid way.

I believe this group of entrepreneurs will last the longest, will not be forced to resign and will not deceive other people or the community.

Regards,
Gerard