Having a long-term vision
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There are so many examples of how you've got to constantly look ahead.
Recently, I was on my way back from Las Vegas in the States and we were flying over the Grand Canyon. I sketched out where I see Cobra Beer in 2010 and it was a drawing with a map of the world and what we'd be doing in each country; what we'd be brewing, where we'd be brewing, what sales we'd have in different parts of the world, what products we'd have and what turnover target we'd try and reach in 2010. I call it my Grand Canyon plan. We're really going for that and it's a long way away but it's a goal; it's a target.
The long-term vision is one thing, but you've always got to break it down and set yourself achievable bite-sized targets along the way. So you've got to have this ability to take the overall big picture view, but also be able to go right down to the smallest detail.
You've always got to look ahead, and look very far ahead. On the other hand, you've got to have your finger on the pulse with what's going on in your business every day—right there at the coalface.
view textWhatever stage you are at in a business, always think long-term. By looking ahead you can set yourself targets and goals, and have a real, defined benchmark by which to measure your progress and success.
Lord Bilimoria
Founder and CEO, Cobra Beer
Lord Karan Bilimoria started his career at Ernst & Young in 1982, where he spent four years working in audit, tax, training and accounting.
He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1986 and graduated in Law from Cambridge University in 1988. He then worked at Cresvale in London (part of S&W Beresford) as a Consulting Accountant.
In 1989 he moved to European Accounting Focus magazine as its Sales and Marketing Director.
Later that year he founded Cobra Beer, realizing his ambition to develop a less gassy premium lager brewed to appeal to ale drinkers and lager drinkers alike, while complementing the food.
He then extended into other markets with the launch of General Bilimoria Wines in 1999, and Tandoori Magazine and tandoorimagazine.com. He has also founded curryzone.com, and is the Founder and Chairman of Cobrabyte Technologies.
Additionally, Lord Bilimoria is Chairman of the Government's National Employment Panel's Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Board. He is also Vice Chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Asian Business Association. He received his peerage in 2006.
