A case for the need for Consultants from Donal Rumsfeld's famous quote
Here is the quote: "Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns - the ones we don't know we don't know."
I am trying to apply this to companies: There are 3 combinations: known knowns: Since we know these things, we do not need outside help known unknowns: Since we know that we do not know these things, we take training or recruit people or acquire companies to solve this unknowns unknowns: These could hit you hard and this is where I hypothesise that we need Consultants - the McKinseys of the world!
Interesting isn't it?
Tailpiece: BTW if this framework where to come from McKinsey or BCG it would have 2 axes and 4 combinations. That made me curious what the fourth otion is: It is and here I am extending Rumsfeld, unknown knowns. Prey, what are these?
These are things we know, but do not know we know. For an individual this could be what is in the sub-conscious mind. For a company, this could be the knowledge residing in the company which others do not know exists. This is the problem that is solved by Knowledge Management Systems within a company!
The idea is simple. A healthy balanced diet food combo meal that is packaged and delivered fresh to your house/office mainly during lunch.
Genesis of the idea: I have been eating in hotels for 10 years now. Just celebrated the 10th anniversary and I am sick of it. Not because of taste issues or because I am bored. These can be corrected by changing restaurants. What however cannot be corrected anywhere is non-availability of healthy, balanced-diet food. Restaurants are designed for once-in-a-while eaters. They do not recognise the changing social demographics and see that some of the guys n gals are coming everyday. They cannot customise food for you due to various constraints. And they are so uneducated about nutrition and health that the more-than-needed oily food that they serve, lacks proteins and vegetable content. This is a huge problem for bachelors and couples who do not cook. (solutions like keeping a cook at home solve the problem for the older couples and certain segments, still it doesn't solve the problem for everyone)
More about the food meal: This is a meal that has the right combination of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins etc and is avaialable in Veg n Non-Veg. It could be a modification of the existing Thali to remove the junk like pooris, oily curries etc. Basically remove anything that is fried and/or oily. Add to this more vegetables and protein-rich components. The food needs to be tasty and you do not get the same thing everyday but maybe same thing with once in a fortnight or something (just so that you can keep eating it and not get bored)
Delivery: Made fresh, packaged and delivered to your home or office similar to Dabbawalas. You can order in any city in India through phone or internet. Reliability and freshness is of supreme importance. I want it packaged, preferably in bio-degradable material.
Pricing: Can be slightly different city-wise. Let's say around Rs. 70-80 per meal.
Promotion: Put some Sani Mirza or Abi Bachchan etc just to make me feel good that I am eating something trendy. (just kidding :-) )
Can someone deliver this product/service combination? I think there will be a huge consumer segment for this. Comments? Sunday, November 12, 2006
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