Business owners aspire for expansion, yet frequently it is another person's ambition that is realized

In a thought-provoking speech at the II Fresh Blood Entrepreneurs' Forum, Boris Dyakonov, Senior Vice President of "HMBC-Open" and Director of Entrepreneurial Service Management for "Tocheka", challenged the status quo and encouraged entrepreneurs to think differently.

Dyakonov began by discussing the concept of the "Grasshopper Syndrome", an analogy involving fleas in a jar. According to him, this demonstrates why traditional businesses may struggle to innovate and adapt to changing markets. He warned against pursuing growth solely because of what has been heard at conferences or because everyone else is doing it.

One of the key points Dyakonov made was the importance of taking a leap of faith. He suggested that one way to find out if you can do something differently is to jump in with both feet. This approach, he argued, can lead to breakthroughs and market changes, often driven by outsiders, not industry insiders.

Dyakonov also touched upon the concept of the glass ceiling, a term often used to describe invisible barriers that limit opportunities. He believes that this glass ceiling for entrepreneurs can be self-imposed, and many business failures can be attributed to people being trapped in their mental cages, unable to see beyond their current limitations.

Typical glass ceilings for entrepreneurs, as mentioned by Dyakonov, include limited access to funding, lack of mentorship, restrictive market conditions, and regulatory barriers. He urged entrepreneurs to break these barriers and seek innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.

In his speech, Dyakonov also highlighted the history of civilization and innovation, built on people jumping higher and doing something just because they can. He questioned the feasibility of working without an office, as demonstrated by the success of businesses like Tinkoff before Tinkoff Bank.

Interestingly, the text of the article was written by Ekaterina Tarkhanova, and the speech was not limited to theoretical discussions. Dyakonov's business is in its early stages in England, but his practical approach is evident in his ventures. For instance, a small family-owned restaurant in Croatia, run out of the family's home, operates without a menu, and customers call in advance to order fish or meat. The restaurant serves everything they have, including cheese, salad, soup, appetizers, greens, and wine, for 250 kuna (around 2,500 rubles).

Moreover, the restaurant only uses produce from their own garden, reflecting Dyakonov's emphasis on doing things differently. In the realm of business, this approach could mean challenging traditional practices, seeking innovative solutions, and embracing change.

In conclusion, Boris Dyakonov's speech at the II Fresh Blood Entrepreneurs' Forum was a call to action for entrepreneurs to break free from the constraints that limit their potential. By taking a leap of faith, challenging the status quo, and seeking innovative solutions, entrepreneurs can overcome barriers and drive change in their industries.

Business owners aspire for expansion, yet frequently it is another person's ambition that is realized