Doing Business in India For Dummies®

Strengthen the Seven Pillars of Your Business World

The building that houses your business in India is only as strong as the materials you use in construction. Chanakya had a similar realization about the governing of a nation. He came up with what he called the seven pillars, which, if they were sound, would form the basis of a lasting and effective regime. Although Chanakya was dealing with affairs of the state, the same idea can be transposed to the corporate world. Take away the important parts of the seven pillars of Chanakya:

✓	The king: The business owner—it is your duty as the king (business owner) to select strong and able men or women as your ministers.
✓	Ministers: High-level managers. These people can both offer you advice and also implement your instructions.
✓	The country: Your market. Know your market as well as you can. Discover its strengths and weaknesses, and understand where it can be exploited and where it needs protection.
✓	The fortified city: Your head office. Run your head office well, and see that it has all that is required to keep those within its walls productive as well as satisfied.
✓	The treasury: Your finance department (whether it’s simply small business accounting software on your computer or a massive accounting department). Keep a close watch over your treasury, and budget for future needs, as money underpins the whole operation.
✓	The army: Your workforce or team. Handle your army (your Indian team) wisely to win their loyalty and steer them in the right ...