Mahabharata and Entrepreneurship

We all know about the Chakravyuham(The Circular Maze, we can say), a military strategy that was formed by the Kauravas to eliminate the Pandavas. In the Mahabharata epic, the maze was a very critical part of the war. It was actually putting tremendous pressure over the Pandavas. When all this was happening and there was enough chaos, Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, decides to enter the maze. Well, he knows how to enter the maze but does not know how to get out of it. Only Arjuna knows both strategies. Without seeking the permission from Arjuna, Abhimanyu enters the maze and you know what would have happened next. He loses and dies. We clearly see a management relation here.

Investors are always interested in the best of business ventures that you showcase for them to invest. But, they also need to know something called an exit strategy. no investor wants to stay committed to the business for life. You know what happens in that case. so a business plan must always quote an exit strategy. that completes the plan in the eyes of the investor. an investor is not looking for a lifetime relationship with you. either he wants to make an IPO out of your venture, or buy it out completely or sell it to a third party. and provisions for these are truly essential.

Another story. In the same Mahabharata, Yudhishtra and Duryodhana, they are both rivals but still cousins. They go to meet Krishna. Lord Krishna is taking rest. Yudhishtra sits by the feet and Duryodhana sits by the head of the Lord. Actually Duryodhana has come first. When the Lord wakes up, he sees Y first and then later sees D. So he gives Y, the preference to ask first whatever he came to meet the Lord for. D feels that this is unfair and he complains. Then the Lord gives two options. Well both of them have come for help before the war. The two options - either keep me on your side and I wont lift a single weapon OR keep my army of soldiers. Duryodhana immediately asks for the army and Yudhishtra happily asks for the Lord.

Another lesson. Given an oppurtunity, its very important for each and every entrepreneur to choose a particular person as his mentor. Proper guidance will always help you win the race whatever it may be. A sound advisor and mentor will be the guy who will be the charioteer like the Lord did during the war and will take you to that path of glory.