Money Grows on Trees!

"I came across an honest, god fearing, hard working man who is very good at sales. He seemed to have an uncanny knack of knowing what will be in fashion and what will go out of fashion. He suggested a neon sign that increased the business in the late evenings too." - Benjamin.

Besides visiting the premises in Mumbai and giving off-site consultation in my office I also travel to different cities. (Last week I was in Ahmedabad and in the first week of June I hope to fly to Bangalore.) I am visiting Bangalore for an old client who is acquiring the premises for his third shop! Money seems growing on trees for this family.

Here is a case study that will interest the ambitious, the money-oriented (who isn’t?) and the career-minded (again, who isn’t?).
Benjamin (name changed on request), now in his late sixties, considered himself a trader though he ran a small manufacturing unit that produced what seemed like nuts and bolts used by big time manufacturers. Old fashioned, Benjamin worked untiringly round the clock even at his age and was grateful to God with what he considered the `growth` of his business. He started his business day with prayers and visited the temple thrice a week. He was content. But the young people have a different way of looking at the things. Sam, his son wasn’t happy with the rate of success. Nor did he like the yellowing walls of the unit and the familiar smells of various chemicals and solutions where they had installed their machines. He wanted something good-looking and he wanted f-a-s-t growth. Around a year ago, both approached me for Feng Shui consultation of their home and business. The difference in the approach was stark. Revealing his strong arms the old man said, "I am grateful to God for whatever we have. I have toiled with my bare hands to reach this level of success and even today work for 10 hours a day."

Sam loved his father but believed in `working smart`. "All his life he has worked hard. What has he achieved? A tight round the clock schedule that is worse than slavery! The business cannot run without him. No doubt, we are well off but I want big money and big success. Even that is not happening." He was the franchisee of an internationally known brand of shirts and trousers but had suffered losses and was on the verge of closure. "It is not working out. The only gainer is the franchiser," he said.

The problem areas were the indifferent sales staff. The problem was more acute as he had to divide his time between the old business and the shop, forcing him to leave the shop in charge of the staff. There would be pilferage and foolish mistakes. The outgoings include the franchise fee, rent, electricity bill, staff salaries; daily expenses on running the shop far exceeded the net profit. "On the surface we seem to be getting 35 percent commission but the reality is different," Russy added and asked, "Should I renew the franchise agreement that is coming up for renewal in another two months?"

"It is up to you. I am not going to take your business decisions for you. All I will suggest is the Feng Shui changes in your house." I said as I took the audit of their house and two business premises.

First the house:

It was clear why Benjamins were into a low profile business and why the staff was not very useful forcing the veteran to toil for hours despite owning a successful business. It also explained why the franchise was not working out.

The Fame & Recognition sector was the troubled area and the Helpful Friends & Patronage corner was missing. The Wealth, the Career & Opportunities, the Marriage & Relationship corners were problem free but, like I believe, could have been better. After all, Feng Shui is all about getting more from life.

Removing a painting, that depicted stagnating water, from the Fame sector and installing the paintings of the Dragon in the Helpful Friends sector, the Phoenix in the Fame area and placing tourmaline rock at the appropriate place for backing and patronage were some of the nearly 40 `cures` I suggested for this hard working , ambitious and honest father-son duo.

Noting every suggestion meticulously they implemented everything.

The progress report of their business seemed like the progress card of my Feng Shui consultation! When the time came for the renewal of the Franchise, another attractive offer changed the course of things. In place of 35 percent commission, the new offer, for a different fast selling brand, was for 22 percent commission. But the Franchiser was to provide their own trained staff, an opportunity to dispose off the unsold product in an end of the season sale and the premises! Benjamins only needed to invest money in the stock of the company!

"It appeared too good to be true. We were so used to find a catch everywhere; I was looking in the mouth of the gift horse." Benjamin said. But they grabbed the opportunity. Less than three months later Sam told me, "It is clear that an improved Fame sector brought a more famous and fast selling brand to us. We are the sole dealers in this part of the city and have an identity. Moreover, the problem of the staff is solved as the responsibility of paying for the trained staff is of the Franchiser. As there a point of sales software I don’t need to visit the shop for more than an hour at the end of the day. There is no pilferage."
Miraculously, the earlier shop – in another premises – recovered. "I came across an honest, god fearing, hard working man who is very good at sales. He also suggested some changes in our business pattern. His purchases were just right. He seemed to have an uncanny knack of knowing what will be in fashion and what will go out of fashion. Things are moving fast. He suggested a neon sign that increased the business in the late evenings too."

Today, a year after they first approached me, they have two successful shops and an interesting experience of the older Benjamin. Says he, "I was effortlessly elected the President of our association and this has given me an access to the minister. And now I am expanding my business. Moreover, I have got more reliable staff now. Your Dragon has really been helpful for the Helpful Friends sector! And here is the best news. We have got the dealership rights of a famous brand of electronic items like TVs, Refrigerators, Ovens, and Washing Machines. We need you for the Feng Shui of the new shop."

Three successful shops and one manufacturing unit in a year…Should we call it Miracle or the Magic of Feng Shui?