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04 September 2024200 min

Think Smart, Go global, Build Your Life

with Bakari Akil, Nomad Noir
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Being adaptable isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for any entrepreneur who wants to see their business thrive for years to come. Flexibility in business helps you to navigate unexpected challenges, seize new opportunities, and pivot when necessary. My interview with Bakari Akil reminded me of just how important it is to build your business with that flexibility at the core, so that you can effectively address any changes in the market without having to reinvent your operations every single time.

About Bakari Akil

Bakari Akil is an experienced entrepreneur and investor with a strong background in acquisitions and business development. As the Managing Director of Graves Hall Capital, Bakari has successfully led the acquisition of several companies, demonstrating a keen eye for identifying valuable opportunities. His approach to entrepreneurship is rooted in flexibility and adaptability, allowing him to navigate complex deals and build a diverse portfolio of businesses.

Other than his work in acquisitions, Bakari loves sharing his knowledge and experiences in digital nomadism. He has traveled extensively while managing his ventures, proving that with the right strategy, business can be conducted from anywhere in the world.

How to Embed Flexibility into Your Business Structure

There are a few things you can do to keep your business adaptable in a constantly changing industry. Start by embracing a portfolio approach—building a diverse range of investments or businesses, as Bakari Akil did, can cushion against market shifts.

Next, don’t overlook the power of virtual operations. With today’s technology, you can run your business from anywhere, manage teams remotely, and even close deals online. This flexibility not only reduces overhead costs but also allows you to tap into talent and opportunities across the globe.

Another smart move is to delegate operational roles to experts in their fields. Bringing in experienced professionals or hiring a COO to handle day-to-day operations frees you up to focus on bigger-picture strategies and growth.

Finally, stay flexible in your negotiations and deal-making. Being open to different deal structures can help you secure favorable terms even when conditions aren’t perfect. Flexibility is key to staying resilient and thriving in the long run.

Bakari’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

As an investor, it’s important to be on location to see the business and evaluate it. […] You really need to come there and make sure that the operations actually exist, that somebody’s not selling you a business that actually is not there.”

Episode highlights:

  • Diversify your investments. I’ve always believed in spreading your business interests across different industries. This way, if one area faces challenges, others can keep your overall business stable.te
  • Delegate to experts. Hire experienced professionals to handle daily operations. This frees you up to focus on strategic decisions and big-picture growth instead of wasting your time on small tasks.
  • Prioritize recurring revenue. Look for businesses with steady, recurring revenue. This ensures a reliable cash flow and helps your business stay resilient.
  • Do your homework. Always visit and verify business operations in person before making any big decisions. This ensures you’re getting exactly what you expect.
  • Avoid depending on key individuals. Structure your business so that its success isn’t tied to one person. This makes transitions smoother and reduces risk of making your operations stuck because someone isn’t there.
Connect with Bakari Akil
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Transcript

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