取用於國因糧於敵故軍食可足也
Sun Tzu
It is important for an army to be self-sufficient and to have a good supply of food and other necessary materials. However, he also advises that the army should try to obtain additional supplies from the enemy, rather than relying solely on their own supplies. This strategy can help to conserve the army’s resources and ensure that they have enough food to sustain themselves during the campaign.
Begin with adequate financial backing and resources, but seek out opportunities from struggling competitors.
It is important to begin your business with sufficient financial backing and resources to start and run it successfully. In addition, you should be aware of opportunities to acquire resources from distressed competitors, which can help you grow and strengthen your business. By being proactive and keeping an eye out for these opportunities, you can add to your resources and increase your chances of success.
An example would be a small bakery that starts with a limited amount of financial backing and resources, such as a storefront, baking equipment, and a small team of bakers and staff. As the bakery grows and becomes more successful, the owner may notice that a nearby competitor has gone out of business. The owner could then take advantage of this opportunity by acquiring the competitor’s remaining resources, such as their storefront, baking equipment, and even their skilled staff, at a discounted price. This would allow the bakery to expand and grow without having to invest as much money upfront. By acquiring these additional resources, the bakery can increase its production and reach a wider customer base, ultimately leading to more success and profitability.