I have recently taken up playing chess again for the first time since my childhood and have a number of games on the go with friends and colleagues through the Chess Time smartphone app.
I am enjoying how it is making me think strategically and have noticed a number of parallels with retail. When you begin a game, you know the result you are after, but have no idea how you will get there. Very often, you just make a move in the right direction.
In this week’s profile, Anish Parekh knew he needed to develop the retail side of his family post office in order to survive.
So he doubled the size of the store and learnt on his feet. Through speaking to customers, he fine-tuned his range, adapted his promotions and marketing and introduced alcohol. Last week he added fruit and vegetables.
As I slowly pick the game back up, I am experimenting with different strategies and it is clear that how you start is key. Sit back and wait for your opponent to make a move and you often find yourself on the back foot. Be positive and decisive and you can create momentum that can carry you through a game.
RN’s pages are filled with opportunities to be bold – and those that get in there first and take a risk often see the biggest benefit
RN’s news pages are filled with opportunities to be bold – new store formats, products and technology – and those that get in there first and take a risk often see the biggest benefit.
It’s possible to assess risk though. In Chess Time, it is through the ‘analyse’ tool, where you can play out both sides, put yourself in your opponent’s position and think about what they will do next.
This way of thinking is useful away from the game as well, and I often find myself thinking “what will be the consequences if I do this?” Let me know if you fancy a game.
