“Always remember that one day all this drug monkey business will be legal. They won’t leave it to people like me… not when they finally figure out how much money is to be made – not millions, [freaking] billions. Recreational drugs PLC – giving the people what they want… Good times today, Stupor tomorrow. But this is now, so until prohibition ends make hay whilst the sun shines. “

Layer Cake, (2004)

A film about the (obviously illegal) cocaine business may seem like an unlikely source of “good business” lessons but there are, amongst the expletives, the guns, the egregious drug references and wide boy gangsters – some fantastic nuggets of philosophy.

Please, in reading these, exchange any references to the drug trade to the legal service industry.

1.   On sticking to the plan and calling time:

“Well I’m honored. But for me this is all over. I’m getting out. What was true then is true now. Have a plan. Stick to it. So I’m sure you must have lots to discuss… but I have no business being here. I’ve got someone to meet. Adios, amigos”

2.   On availability for clients:

“England. Typical. Even drug dealers don’t work weekends.”

3.   On standing on ceremony and not getting on with it:

“What the [freak] is this? A vicar’s tea party?”

4.   On sustainable business models:

“It is vital that we work to a few golden rules. Always work in a team. Keep a very low profile. Only deal with people who come recommended. And it’s like selling anything else: washing machines, hand made shoes……. As long as you don’t take the p*** people will always come back for more……never be too greedy.”

5.   On being a businessman over a one-dimensional “professional”:

“I’m not a gangster. I’m a businessman whose commodity happens to be cocaine.”

6.   On seeing the big picture and avoiding micro-management:

“Details, details. Things to do. Things to get done. Don’t bother me with details, just tell me when they’re done.”

7.   On creating an exclusive brand:

“Everyone wants to walk through a door marked “private.” Therefore, have a good reason to be affluent.”

8.  On selling out:

“Opera Tonight. The damnation of Faust. Man Sells his soul to the devil. All ends in tears, these arrangements usually do.”

9.  On not seeing the benefits of staff advancement:

“You know why people like you can’t leave this business? Because you make too much money for people like me”

10. On the essence of business:

“The art of good business is being a good middleman”

The lessons of business are universal,remember just don’t take the p****, don’t be too greedy.

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