The American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.
“Only a little while,” replied the Mexican.
The American then asked, “Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?”
“I have enough to support my family’s immediate needs.”
The American continued. “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my friends. I have a full and busy life, señor.”
The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, and eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA, and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise.”
“But señor, how long will this all take?”
“Fifteen to twenty years,” the American replied.
“But what then, señor?”
The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right you announce your retirement, sell your company stock to the public, and become very rich. You would make millions.”
“Millions, señor? Then what?”
The American replied, “You could sleep late, fish a little, play with your children, take siesta with your wife, stroll into the village each evening where you would sip wine and play guitar with your friends.”
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