An epsilica slideshare presentation. The centuries old game of chess can teach us a few things about strategy

1. Chess, a game of strategy, just like business by Epsilica Consulting “Follow the tactics of chess and reap the rewards”

2. The first mover gains immediate advantage Chess: White always moves first Business: First to market gainsmomentum through market share

3. The weakest are destroyed first Chess: Pawns are small, move slowly and easier to remove Business: Small companies with no protection fall quickly

4. Higher prominence gives more power Chess: Control of the centre of the board gives tactical advantage Business: Control of a market makes it difficult for opponents to penetrate

5. The best players think ahead Chess: Experience allows you work out your opponents moves and your counter moves Business: Strategic planning is all about what if’s, good ones plan for all eventualities

6. Opponents who have more experience tend to win Chess: Chess is not about luck, novices make more mistakes Business: It is harder for small businesses to compete

7. Experience is powerful Chess: Experienced players learn how to avoid common mistakes (checkmate in 4 moves is a lesson never forgot) Business: Learning from experience makes the company stronger

8. Gaining ground is followed by consolidation Chess: Players who gain an advantage normally win if the advantage is protected Business: Retaining competitor advantage makes the opposition more vulnerable

9. Some moves are just not logical (or are they) ? Chess: Players sometimes sacrifice high value pieces for added advantage later Business: The competition occasionally does something outlandish

10. Mistakes can cost you the game Chess: A misjudged move can lead to checkmate Business: An ill-judged decision can kill your business

11. Never play for a 50% share Chess: Playing for a draw is a fallback position Business: It’s a ruthless world there are always winners

12. The small ones occasionally win through Chess: Pawns, the least powerful pieces on the board can become the most powerful with persistence Business: Small companies occasionally gain the upper hand with perseverance (or luck)

13. One little challenge Chess: Mate in 2 Business: Don’t cheat

14. This presentation was brought to you by Epsilica Consulting Ltd. Epsilica provides specialist consulting services to startups, SMEs and multi-national companies across industry sectors. For further information visit http://www.epsilica.com