Partnership: We can’t operate alone. Transactions involve counterparties. Ultimately, business is about establishing and managing relationships with others. Without mutual benefit, trade falters and conducting business becomes difficult. When starting a business, keep a partnership in mind. The key to a partnership is “how to share,” not “how much to earn.” If the distribution isn’t rational, distortions will occur within the organization, which can harm the bottom line. Failing to distribute fairly or according to the situation increases the risk of business failure. Breaking up with a partner might seem better sometimes, but the core conflict remains; only it shifts from internal to external. To succeed in business, focus on distributing profits effectively rather than solely increasing them. Learning to distribute well is essential. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Maintaining even a small annual profit is advantageous in investing. Survival remains the most critical factor in business. People have sought the secret to Warren Buffett ’s success, which is the power of compounding , but they overlook the real key: he has invested consistently for 75 years without pause. You can indeed succeed in your business endeavors through sheer survival; conversely, you cannot survive solely because of your success. Survival is only achievable if you have the strength to keep going, even with minimal returns. To do this, you must do what you love. Invest in stocks you like, and continue investing even if it is volatile. Next, you need to secure a “ margin of safety .” Even a small margin ratio is crucial because a business can’t survive without margins. Frugal spending, flexible thinking , loose schedules—anything that helps during tough times—can all contribute to building a margin of safety. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”