Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Milo Minderbinder in the Levant

Milo was not only the Vice-Shah or Oran, as it turned out, but also the Caliph of Baghdad, the Imam of Damascus, and the Sheik of Araby. Milo was the corn god, the rain god and the rice god in backward regions where such crude gods were still worshipped by ignorant and superstitious people, and deep inside the jungles of Africa, he intimated with becoming modesty, large graven images of his mustached face could be found overlooking primitive stone altars red with human blood. Everywhere they touched he was acclaimed with honor, and it was one triumphal ovation after another for him in city after city.
Catch-22

Opportunities for energetic entrepreneurs

al-Qaeda is a thriving brand that began in caves of Afghanistan several decades ago.  Our "signature strike" is 9/11.

Recently, we have experienced rapid growth and, like lululemon, had challenges in our supply chain. We are seeking to develop franchises in promising parts of the world. Examples are AQIM (al-Qaeda in the Islamic Mahgreb), AQAP (al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula), and now AQIL (al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Levant).  The usual pattern of development is first being an ally of the United States, then being designated as a "terrorist organization" by the United States, and then being bombed by the United States.  This is followed by an influx of new consumers who are "early adopters" loyal to the brand.  Needless to say, a certain stamina is required during the early phases of new franchises.

We see potential in central Africa, Turkey, Indonesia, and Myranmar, to name a few.  Western China, Chechnya, and Nigeria are obvious but more distant possibilities.

The wonderful thing is, everybody has a share. Interested persons are invited to apply through the "classified" section of Inspire, if you can find it.  It's like applying for a job at Google.