The Questions

Every Entrepreneur
Must Answer

Amar
Bhide
Harvard Business Review,
1996
Swagat Raj
Pyakurel
MSc in Innovation and
Entrepreneurship

Background
Background
Framework consisting 3-step sequence of
questions.
Clarifying Goals, Setting Strategy &
Executing the Strategy .
Hierarchial organization of the questions
tackle basic issues first then go for
refinements and details.

An Entrepreneurs
guide to
the Big Issues

1.
1.Clarifying
Clarifying
Goals
Goals
Where do I want to go?
Identify specific personal
goals.
3 questions to ask:
a. The kind of enterprise
required.
b. Risks and Sacrifices involved
c. Acceptance of the risks and
sacrifices

2.
2.Setting
Setting
Strategy
Strategy
How will I get there?
Good strategy crucial. Transition
from a tactical to strategic
orientation required to be
successful in the long run.
4 Tests of strategies:
a. Clear strategy
b. Generate sufficient profits and
growth
c. Sustainable strategy
d. Optimal growth rate

3.
3.Executing
Executingthe
the
Strategy
Strategy
Can I do it?
Toughest to answer, requires selfexamination.
3 areas to
a. Resources &
examine:
Relationships
I.
Competitors growth
II.
III.
IV.
V.

Resource constraints
Internal financing
capability
Tolerant customers
Personal temperament &
goals

b. Infrastructures

Conclu
s

ion

Entrepreneurs should integrate the

big issues into companies & lives.
Entrepreneurs should keep asking
tough questions about targeted
destination & current path for long
term success.

Conclu
s

ion

Assessment of personal
goals?
Measuring risk?
Assessment of risks and
benefits?
Change of strategic
approach?
Self examination?

References&&
References
Resources
Resources

www.harvardbusiness.org

www.bhide.net

www.jeffreyrobinsonphd.com/entrepreneurship1
01.pdf

www.templateswise.com
Invited Lecture Series: The Venturesome Economy
Book talk
www.youtube.com , search for Amar Bhide

Questions
Questions