Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all for the opportunity to speak today, and thank you to Miss Fatima for the opening speech.
Today, I want to highlight a few important concepts that we should all consider. I will discuss the idea of opportunity, which is something that every individual, business person, and organization should learn to recognize, seek out, understand, seize immediately when found, and exploit effectively.
While our strengths, weaknesses, and threats are relatively easy to identify, opportunities can be obvious yet often overlooked, easily ignored, and difficult to exploit.
Opportunity is not just about the possibility of achieving our desires; it can sometimes lie in unexpected places, such as tasks we may initially resist because of certain perceptions, yet these tasks may hold significant positive value for us.
Let me illustrate this with an example: Mr. Sharon aspired to become a medical doctor. He successfully earned a university degree, passed the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), enrolled in medical school, completed his training, and passed the Medical Licensing Examinations (MLE). After specializing and starting his residency program, he obtained his medical license.
Mr. Sharon became the Chief Medical Officer at the Federal Teaching Hospital in his home state, where he loved working and serving the community. However, he always dreamed of owning his private hospital one day.
Then, he received an offer for a contract worth twenty million dollars to travel abroad and retrieve a document that only he could secure without any issues. Now, he faced a choice: 1. Remain in the hospital, serving the government and the community happily for the rest of his life, or 2. Accept the lucrative contract, travel, establish himself, achieve his dream of owning a hospital, and enjoy greater independence.
This situation shows that life is not always about pursuing our passions or aspirations; sometimes, it is about choosing the opportunities that provide the most value to us.
In business, success is defined by profitability. We should be willing to switch to the most achievable and lucrative opportunities. Business is built on uncertainty, which allows for transitions and adjustments.
Consider Company A, which produces yoghurt and has a net worth of one million dollars. Company B, which produces various types of yoghurt and is worth fifty million dollars, offered Company A a ten-million-dollar contract to supply milk, as Company B lacks its own milk supply but possesses the resources to acquire some. Due to time constraints, Company B approached Company A for milk to support further production.
At this juncture, Company A must make a decision: 1. Supply the milk and gain ten million dollars, thereby pausing yoghurt production, or 2. Decline the offer and continue yoghurt production with their one million dollar net worth.
In both examples, there could be a favorable outcome: if Mr. Sharon chooses to travel and Company A accepts the milk supply contract. Choices are critical, and sometimes, what truly matters is not the goal we pursue or the status we aim for but the opportunities that can lead to greater achievements.
With these theories and analogies in mind, we should respond quickly and positively to opportunities whenever they arise.
For example, yesterday, a client from abroad contacted our secretary seeking oil supply from our country. They were willing to cover all expenses for exporting the product, but they needed a registered company in our country to sign the necessary export documents. They proposed a ten-year contract for our company's signature, with any applicable fees. However, the secretary declined, stating that "our company isn't meant for that type of deal." I personally see no valid reason to turn down such an offer.
Instead, I have scheduled a meeting with the client to discuss the contract further and gather more information. I believe this contract could positively impact our company's reputation, status, and profit margins, so I urge the management board and executives to consider it during our meeting with the client.
Thank you all for allowing me to share these thoughts and analogies. I mean no disrespect, and I appreciate your attention.
The hall was filled with a lofty atmosphere and an attentive crowd, all eager to absorb the wealth of knowledge being shared. The analysis presented was truly jaw-dropping, leading everyone to applaud enthusiastically with cheers and giving a standing ovation.
"Another beautiful piece wrapped in a box of knowledge! I love how you embrace openness; your use of analogies is magnificent. You embody the kind of entrepreneur we all need here to succeed.
Thank you for your time.
Our policies are adaptable, and as we navigate the business cycle, our policies and operational systems must evolve. We must welcome change and respond to the shifting environment, diverse ethics, and flexible character that contribute to the success of the organization.
I am pleased with our progress and acutely aware of the promising future ahead. As is often said, 'communication saves everything.' With this synergistic exchange of information, we can all trust that we are heading in the right direction.
Please arrange a meeting with the client for further discussion.
Have a great working day!"
The CEO's speech concluded, and the hall was illuminated by the warmth of applause, cheers, handshakes, and hugs that adorned the closing moments of the meeting.
Adams went straight to his office to delve deeper into organizational ethics through the pamphlet shared during the meeting for policy review. However, he was interrupted by a call from Mina.
"Hi dear, how are you today? How is work going?" she asked as he answered the phone.
"Hello, beautiful! I'm doing well, and work is going splendidly. How about you and the kids?" Adams replied.
"We're doing great. I miss you, which is why I'm calling to check on you. Have you had lunch yet?" she inquired.
"I miss you more, and I haven't taken my lunch yet because of some activities, but I will definitely eat soon. Thank you for asking! How was your day?" he responded.
"Okay, try to eat your lunch. We just finished eating and had some rest. Take care of yourself, and I love you," she said.
"That sounds great. Take care of yourself and the kids, too. I love you more; stay safe," he replied before ending the call.
A knock sounded at Adams's office door. "Yes! Please come in!" he called out.