When the United States left Vietnam in 1975, it left behind a nation wracked with inflation, corruption and an identity crisis. The country staggered through the 1980s as a socialist-capitalist country – it tried socialism first, then modified it with capitalism.
For the families that lived through the early post-American years in Vietnam, it was one crisis after another. Yet one family not only survived and thrived, it built one of the largest businesses in Southeast Asia from scratch.
“My father started out with nothing more than two rice bowls and four chopsticks,” says Phuong Uyen Tran in her new book Competing with Giants, published by Forbes.
The company grew so large that Coca Cola wanted to buy it for more than $2 billion.
“He persevered because he had tenacity and placed his trust in his core values and people - his business associates, employees and customers.”
Her father, Tran Qui Thanh, is chairman and CEO of the beverage company Tan Hiep Phat (THP). He turned down the offer from Coca Cola. Thanh’s company now supplies beverages, including herbal and green teas, sports and energy drinks, soya milk and purified water across Vietnam plus 16 other countries, including China and Australia. It is Vietnam’s largest family-owned manufacturer in the “Fast Moving Consumer Goods” category, employing more than 5,000 staff members nationwide.
“It is never easy to compete with giants,” says Phuong, “let alone face them down.” But her family legacy is a story that proves David can indeed compete with (and even outperform) Goliath. Watching her father turn down a sum of money most could never dream to see was an event that shaped Tran’s entire philosophy from that day forward.
What has Phuong learned from the family values her father always applies in business?
5 Family Values to Business Success:
- Create an authentic local product. Authentic local products are hard to beat. That is because locals can beat the big guys in four critical areas – product, price, promotion and place.
- Govern growth. Many companies on an upward trajectory just assume that their success will always continue. The best companies prepare for the inevitable ups and downs of business by growing slowly and methodically.
- Motivate employees and foster community spirit. As companies get bigger, they must focus on how their employees work with each other, as well as senior management and customers.
- Adhere to standards. The best companies embrace standards rather than try to find ways to cut corners. Her company adopted international standards for her products even though they were not forced to do so.
- Take responsibility. The ultimate responsibility lies with each person at the business, regardless of if it is the owner, manager or employee.
Whether you start with rice bowls or owning the entire rice factory, scaling a business requires strategy, discipline and good old fashion family values.
About Phuong Uyen Tran
Please be advised that all the information in this course is provided to educate, enlighten, and broaden your views in life. The information provided is not a substitute for medical, legal, dietary, financial/accounting, or religious professionals. Always consult a professional before you act on any of the information you find in this course.
Please be sure to consult your attorney, accountant, and/or other professionals with any specific questions. There is no one right answer to any business question that will cover all circumstances.
That sounds good.
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