“Back to square one”

~ Economic Journal – 1952 ~

Do you recall the board games you played as a child? Do you look at your school, work, or business experiences and think of the lessons taught in those games? 

While working with students I am reminded of these games. The business plan brings to mind the game “Chutes and Ladders”. Originally, the game was called “Snakes and Ladders” and originated in India. It was renamed when brought to the USA.

The fundamental idea of Chutes and Ladders is to teach the effects of good versus bad deeds. The goal is to reward (ladder) for virtuous conduct and discipline (chutes) for bad behavior.

You might experience similar ladder moves when you are excited or discover a Niche you hadn’t thought of before. There will be the corresponding disappointments of the chute experience when you discover you don’t have enough funding or you are not properly prepared or need to do more research. These are all the ups and downs you will experience during the business planning process.

Sometimes it is best to return to square one and rethink your plan. It is better to play this game on paper versus the real-life experience.