Half full or half empty? The story of Bata Shoes...

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Hey WF,

How you approach life will ultimately decide the outcome of it. In my opinion, there are only two types of people on this planet. The guys who find solutions and guys who concentrate on problems. Let me share a story with you...

Shoe manufacturers from all over the world were looking for emerging markets to sell their products to. After scouring the globe, some of them sent sales teams into Africa, completed their due diligence reports and headed back to their countries of origin. The overall majority said, "There is no market in Africa because nobody wears shoes".

Bata Shoes (a company from the Czech Republic) also sent their sales teams into Africa, completed their due diligence reports and headed back to their HQ. They said, "There is a market in Africa because nobody wears shoes!".

Bata now dominate Africa and the developing world in the shoes market all because they saw opportunity where others saw obstacles or risk.

So tell me, what are you? Half full or half empty?

Sanj.

PS - This was many years back when Africa wasn't a developing market. I have been to Africa many times and people do wear shoes.
#mind warriors #bata #empty #full #half #shoes #story
  • Great perspectives.Ken McElroy of Rich Dad Advisors once said "many people shun problems yet it is in problems where opportunities [to provide solutions ]exist"
  • Actually, there are three types of people on the planet - those that can count and those that can't

    Anyway, I remember this story from way back, but didn't know the company was Bata - so thanks for that little bit of info.

    Will
  • Questions are the answers
    Problems are the solutions..

    For every problem out there, someone is making money!
    If there isn't already market you can make one, you just have to make the people
    see the value in what you have to offer.

    I see lots of opportunities in my own country as it is a developing country. Many wish if it were US or some 1st world country for different opportunities. But in reality, it is less competitive here.
    You can still be the first one introduce different services and products to the people.
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  • ckckck very optimistic, umm i think people at africa relatively poor.. i don't think they will buy shoes for priority
  • a glass of water theory. good perspective. maybe people perspective is half empty because the habit thought about it. maybe?
  • Nice!..sounds like if there's a well, there's a way.But anyway, I agree with you, some people have a positive approach about life so they have a happy disposition and always look at the bright side of life.

    I guess that's one thing I want to have in my life..
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  • Nice story and i get your point but Bata Shoes is near bankruptcy in my country..

    Cheers,

    Gary
  • Thank you for the share. I like the story.
  • I've heard the story told a few different ways.

    From a marketing point of view, it's always better to sell shoes to people who wear shoes. If they don't wear shoes, now you have to sell the idea of wearing shoes at all.

    Anyway, about the "Glass half full" idea?

    While you guys were debating, I drank the water...and sold the glass.
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  • I am a middle of the road guy.

    The story of Bata Shoes was a good reminder of what to look for in a business opportunity.

    Thanks for the interesting thread.

    LLS
  • The concept is totally spot on: Sell shoes to those who wear them. If they don't, sell them the idea why we need to wear shoes. Thanks!
  • Im a half empty kind of guy. Being aware of the negative and seeing things I dont like gives me the drive and energy to improve and innovate.
  • Great story, I a definitely glad you shared it. Thanks
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