Week 15 Reading Reflection (It's OVEEEEEER)

 Business Basics at the Base of the Pyramid

Vikram Akula

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 
 Well what stood out to me right away was the whole "gang intimidation" thing happening to the loan officers over there in Nizamabad.  I think it is awesome how SKS stood up for themselves by not giving in to the gang's threats, and in turn they received a lot of respect from neighboring towns and villages.  It just goes to show that sometimes going against the grain pays off.  I also respect the fact that the author took into account how allowing the gang to extort them would affect their customers.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
 There was honestly nothing too confusing in this article.  Sure, at some points I ran into some terminology that I didn't quite understand, but overall it is very clear and concise.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?
 How did you determine that women would be more likely to repay their debt and reinvest their loans back into the household?  And also how consistent is this statistical model?
What are your plans to gain more traction in this microfinance industry?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?
I don't think the author was wrong about anything, but I do think he left out one factor when it came to the list of factors keeping microfinance businesses from growing.  Another reason I think that these firms can't grow is because of major banks preventing them from growing.  The World Bank, for example, probably doesn't appreciate all of these "insignificant" microfinance firms slowly but surely taking away from their business.  For people in power at these major banks, they can easily set up something to keep microfinancers from expanding.

This entrepreneur is a truly respectable person in my opinion.  He puts a whole new meaning to "putting the customer first", even if it means incurring a loss or enduring a complication.  He understands the endeavors that these impoverished people must go through, and anticipates /prepares for these events, such as a hut catching fire or a mother who can no longer work due to birth complications.  Many businesses can learn a thing or two (or ten) from SKS's policies and values.

Here is the link to the article if you'd like to read it for yourself.