However, mushrooms do not stop growing if there is a lockdown in the city. With thirty five permanent employees and another seventy of them on contract, it got her worried about paying salaries on time and selling the 500-600 kilos of mushroom lying in her farm.

She started her new distribution channel through brightly postered auto rickshaws blaring nutritional value of mushroom instead of music. She says, “We got permission from the local administration and went to the nearby villages in those autorickshaws to sell the mushrooms. My employees took all the necessary precautions and we managed to sell all the produce. I did not have to fire any of my employees or cut their salaries.”

She further added, “We continued getting orders for mushroom spawns and compost from farmers in nearby villages (during the lockdown); but we didn’t know how to deliver them to our customers. So we sought the requisite permissions and spoke to the local correspondents of Hindi newspapers and TV channels who were touring villages and districts in Bihar to report on the Covid crisis. The spawns would be loaded in the press vehicles and we stuck a note with details of my bank account so that they could transfer the payment. We coordinated with the journalists to ensure they did not have to travel even a kilometer extra for delivering the spawns.”

On days when there would be mushrooms left unsold, she would make pickles, preserves, and dried mushroom powder, which would get sold along with the next batches.

In business terms, this is not a story of pivot, this is Rebound!

Manorama’s story is similar to that of Kiranas who came back in the business faster than their organised counterparts. Speaking of local kiranas, D-Mart recently mentioned that kiranas have been more agile in action and resourceful in sourcing. These stores have been fleet footed as compared to retail chains. Here is again a story of rebound.

What Is A Rebound In Basketball?

A rebound occurs in basketball when a player gains possession of the basketball after a missed shot. Rebounding is one of the most important aspects of winning basketball games. Offensive rebounding gives the team extra chance and the defensive rebounding is a key part of good defense in general. Rebound is the pillar of strength.

All good rebounders “have an attitude”, a mind-set, that every rebound is theirs and are very aggressive on the boards. You’ve got to want it! Coaches love good rebounders and will reward them with more playing time. You may not be the best shooter or ball handler, but if you are a strong rebounder and defender, you will get to play.

Rebound is not just a natural talent. It is a skill that is taught and learnt. Here are some skills for rebounders in basketball. These skills translation in your business will make you money.

1. Desire : the mindset

The first thing that every great rebounder must have is the right mindset. Rebounding must be a conscious choice that you make as a player. You must decide to give maximum effort every time that a shot goes up.

Business learning: The mindset to be prepared for a rebound at any point is a necessity for people.

2. First to React

The player that is able to locate the ball first is going to be at an advantage and will be able to make the first move to the ball. So it is important that you are able to quickly locate the ball as it comes off of the rim.

Business learning: Across any good team, there is always someone who is faster to react and come up with solutions. Spotting rebounders in the team, no matter how small their idea seems, will turn out to be rewarding.

3. Out of Area

Be willing to pursue the ball out of your area. Rebounds are not always going to drop right into the spot that you are boxing out at, you need to go pursue the ball when it is out of area.

Business learning: This is a significant skill to look for opportunities that are not in your domain. For example, the mushroom farmer tied up with journalists to help her in spawn distribution. This is completely out of the area for her regular business.

4. Finish the Play with Two Hands

Your goal when rebounding should always be two hands. This makes you stronger with the ball and will help to keep your opponent from wrestling the ball from your grip.

Business learning: It is all about rolling up sleeves. One reason for Kiranas agility is that owners of the store are deep into operations and didn’t shy away from delivering in absence of delivery boys. The owners were quick and resourceful in meeting demands of their customers. Retail chains took time to come in action, as the managers manoeuvred through the teams.

Rebounding is used in other sports too, like Ice Hockey and Soccer. It is a skill that is nurtured in athletes and strong rebounders become an asset to the team. As business leaders, one has to bring the mindset of identifying rebounders and nurturing them. Rebounding occurs when we miss a shot, not only during pandemic, but otherwise too. This mental model of rebounding is a great business strategy that works both in the short term and the long term. The strategy for making money.