The human nature is so contradicting – what is allowed to one individual, is restricted to the other. Double standards?

The plot of my business novel is developing, events happen in different regions of Russia and on different continents of the world. The second part of my piece is complete. The circle of readers from the European part of Russia, Chechnya, Canada, Moldova, and France, who were familiar with the first part, have expanded – friends from Romania and Bulgaria were added. It is interesting how the characters of the novel are beginning to live their own life, often contradicting my vision. I will be honest, such turn of events intrigues not only future readers, but me as well, as an author…

This is a question about the quality of projects that are eligible for venture financing. Why is there such a deep ditch separating Russian project initiators from venture capitalists? Without touching global topics – role of a government, imperfect legislation, etc., why capital and projects do not find each other? What should concrete entrepreneurs and venture funds working in Russia (or other subjects of economic activity as well?) do for the fundamental mutual interest to become more constructive-productive and effective, in particular and across the country as a whole? Any opinions of interested persons? Any wishes to each other as potential partners, and for yourself?

Chairman of the Board of Directors of IC «SMOLENTSEV and Partners», Ph.D., Academician of IIA, Konstantin Y. SMOLENTSEV gave an expert interview for the National Business magazine.

The theme of the interview was devoted to world news of 2011 that were significant for the Russian business, as well as recommendations to the Russian government and business on how to increase competitiveness and investment appeal of the domestic regions and companies.

EXPERTS OF THE ISSUE

Konstantin Y. SMOLENTSEV

Business consultant, Academician of IIA (Canada, Ottawa)

Good news for the beginning of 2011 – unity of the London and Toronto stock exchanges. This is a new chance for Siberian and Ural companies to actively enter the capacious and attractive North American market.

The main goal of the Russian government and business in the near future should be to improve competitiveness and investment appeal of the domestic regions and companies. Venture funds, that are present in Russia, want to see actively developing perspective businesses as their partners. The priority in search for objects for investment has shifted in recent years to the regions. This gives regional authorities and companies a good chance to not only receive long term financing without collateral for a company’s stake, but primarily to obtain «smart money», which means access to industry experience, experience of corporate development, access to the knowledge and business connections of investors in financial and investment communities. But do not be deceived only by technical innovations or the dynamics of economic indicators. Investors, first of all, estimate the potential of a team. Therefore the quality of management and organizational development must become key priorities for business owners.

In today’s environment I would recommend regional authorities and businesses to actively implement modern systems of management, move from «manual management» to management with motivating key performance indicators. A government official and businessman have to see the profit in the civilized development of his region and business. Only this approach, which does not require big financial resources by the way, is the key to sustainable development.

National Business, March 2011

It was the first time I watched Mariinskiy Ballet «La Bayadère» with Valery Gergiev outside of Russia. Natural nervousness of artists was felt. The solo ballerina fell… Sigh in the completely filled auditorium. Support, applause. And the rapturous reception of the appreciative audience! Fantastic show!

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

The other day my daughter and her friend invited me to have lunch at a vegetarian restaurant «The Pantry» – one of the oldest of public eateries in the capital of Canada. It is a small room for ten tables with an open kitchen in an old public building in one of Ottawa’s central districts. The restaurant is interesting for many reasons: first of all, it operates only during week days and only during lunch time – form 11:30 to 15:00. Secondly, the modest menu is different every day – one complex lunch, plus you can order a sandwich, some dessert (a crepe with nut spread inside and fruits on top was wonderful!), tea, coffee. It is a very simple setting, like at grandma’s – cupboards, plates, books, souvenirs… The food was home made, literally. I talked to the eldest owner Caroline. Very nice, 84 year old Austrian woman, who speaks perfect Russian, remembers Russian songs, was married to a Moldovan. The younger owner and two of their helpers are just as nice. There is some resemblance between Ottawa’s «The Pantry» and Moscow’s «Lavka» – same atmosphere, organic food, friendly environment, regular clients. Maybe they are so similar because people on different continents do their work with soul and love? And a soul and love have no citizenship.

How not to thank Christian Orthodox and national traditions? For several years I’ve wanted to plunge for Orthodox Baptism, but each time I ended up in a geographical location where it was impossible to do. This year I was, again, away from any ice holes. Then I thought, how does snow differ from river water? Same substance… On the Baptism morning I went outside and washed myself with snow, head to toe. I received the greatest pleasure! I decided not to stop at that and now I do it every morning. The feelings of pleasure and happiness are hard to describe with words. It’s better if you try it yourself. I recommend!

Konstantin Y. Smolentsev
http://smolentsev.com

I am writing the second part of my business novel. One of its guidelines shows the relations between two business people and, at the same time, a Man and a Woman. I wonder if the development of their love story will interest the reader. Is there a risk to switch the readers’ attention from the main subject?

What is your opinion?