I spent time reading the book title: Alibaba’s world, written by an early employee, ex-pat. The scale at which Alibaba operates is phenomenal. Its contribution to China’s economy is noteworthy.
What fascinated me most about Alibaba is connecting the villages, small-time creators sell goods while staying and working at their remote hometown. The work and economic activity are not limited to a few cities but across the country. As a small business owner, you can manage your living standard while working from your native instead of becoming an alien in a metro.
Another part I liked about is Jack Ma’s leadership, believing in people above pedigree. Having self-belief and fostering it across the organization and, listening to customers, working closely with them aligning with solving there pain point.
We don’t get to hear about eBay’s disaster in China or Yahoo China acquisition by Alibaba much in western media.
The last chapter accumulates 40 such learning. I am adding the simple ones I could resonate with:
On chasing a dream
- Dream Big.
- Never underestimate yourself.
- Never overestimate your competitor.
- Build a company to last.
- The bigger the problem, the greater the opportunity.
- Today is tough but the day after tomorrow is beautiful.
On strategy
- Focus on the customer and the rest will follow.
- Learn from your competitors but never copy them
- Be fast as a rabbit but patient as a turtle.
- It is more important to be the best than to be fast.
- Free is sometimes a business model.
- Find opportunities in the crisis.
- Use your competitor’s strength against it.
On entrepreneurship
- Do not complain about problems, solve them.
- Don’t dwell on mistakes.
- Embrace, do not skip taking tough decisions.
- Have the team work for the goal, not the boss.
- Don’t let it get personal.
On Team
- Assemble a team, not a collection of all-stars.
- Spread the wealth.
- Action speaks louder than words.
- Honor and respect the work of people who came before you.
On Chinese Government
- Love the government but don’t marry it.