Three Business Lessons From Deployment Of Troops In Marine Battles-Sun Zi

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Three Business Lessons From Deployment Of Troops In Marine Battles-Sun Zi

In the section "Deployment in Marine Battles" in Chapter Nine of Sun Zi Art of War lies three business lessons and what are they? Let us have a look.

Business Application

Lesson One

After crossing a river, get as far away from its bank as possible and move on.

The reason why we need to get as far away from the bank after we cross the river is because we do not want to trap ourselves between the body of water and enemy’s troops. If we do, we cannot move forward or backward.

In business, before you venture into overseas market, detailed planning is required, especially in the area of marketing. You have to quickly establish a 'beachhead' in the targeted market and try to capture as much market share as possible (analogous to getting away from the bank). If you are not able to capture enough, you might be forced out of business by competitors easily.

Lesson Two

When an invading force of the enemy is crossing a river, never engage it in the midst of the river itself. Rather, let half of its force cross the river first, then attack it so that you can gain the advantage. If you are eager to attack an invading enemy, never engage him at the point where he plans to cross a river.

The reason why we engage the enemy when half of its force is crossing the river is because, he would not be able to attack you with his full strength.

Applying the principles above in business, if you are not able to come up with the necessary capital to set up the infrastructures for a new market that is not tapped by competitors, it would be appropriate to wait and see. If there are other competitors who are building or have built certain infrastructure, tap them and try to use it for your own 'assault' on the new market. Do not signal to them that you also want to attack the market.(attack him before he cross the river) This would result in the both of you in a wait-and-see battle.

Lesson Three

Never move upstream to engage an enemy.

Why should we not engage an enemy in the upstream? As we know, water flows from high places to low places. If your enemy has conquered the higher grounds, it is advocated by Sun Zi, that you do not engage it. (Please see "Three Business Lessons From Deployment Of Troops In Mountainous Region-Sun Zi") Because firstly, you are not able to catch him unaware and secondly, the enemy has the 'help' from the terrain to create momentum.

In business, as mentioned before, do not go head on with a rival that has the benefit of the trends that are developing in the environment. You must know which enemy to choose to fight taking into consideration the market, industry, resources and competitive advantage.

So above are the three lessons we can learn from Sun Zi’s principles of deploying troops in marine battles.