The biggest news among the business world this week would be the 20% stake that Virgin Airlines will be taking in FAX, the low budget Airline helm-ed by Tony Fernandez of AirAsia.
AirAsia started from scratch and grew to what it is today with solid management styles and a willingness to take risk. Although it is a household name in this country that few conglomerates can match, it is still considered a baby in the world’s Airline industry. So the fact that they can get the attention of a giant like Virgin Airlines to invest in the company is indeed a remarkable feat. It just goes to show that you can be a small player, but if you do well even being small, the bigger boys will take notice.
I think everyone, whether they are working for someone or whether they are running their own business, should take AirAsia as an example. For those who has joined a company as a low ranking executive not befitting his qualifications should strive to do well and not be lacklustre in what they are being paid to do. If they work real well, there will certainly be a day when his superiors will take notice and give them the promotion that they deserve.
For those running a business, they should practise good management styles. They should be very adaptable to current situations and see to it that their business is in line with recent developments so that they are not left behind. Show to the world that they are good in what they do and one day, a big listed company will take note that there is an emerging competitor. Once they began to notice you, offers will come. They will want to invest or maybe takeover your company offering attractive terms.
There have been many examples of corporate takeovers. Smaller companies are being bought over by public listed companies into their stable. More often than not, the owners of these smaller companies are offered very attractive terms. Some are even offered shares and management roles in the public listed companies.