No. 5 需, Necessity, Waiting, Awaiting
Hexagram 5 Meaning: The Secret of Patience and Perfect Timing — Love, Career & Personality Guide
Hexagram Xu (需): The Road of Demand Decisions for an Entrepreneur
Initial Line Nine: "Demand in the suburbs, use perseverance, no blame."
Explanation: After graduating from university, Wang Lei chose to start a business in the suburbs, opening a small processing factory. At this stage, what he needed most was patience and persistence. He, like waiting in the suburbs for the right time, did not rush into the highly competitive urban market but focused on improving product quality and production efficiency. This wisdom of "demanding in the suburbs" allowed him to avoid the early market risks and laid the foundation for future development.
Line Nine Two: "Demand in the sand, small words, ultimately auspicious."
Explanation: As his business gradually stabilized, Wang Lei began expanding into the market. At this stage, he faced various doubts and challenges, much like walking on sand—difficult but ultimately successful. He patiently answered customer inquiries, took every piece of feedback seriously, and gradually built a good market reputation. Correctly handling disputes during development is an essential path for business growth.
Line Nine Three: "Demand in the mud, causing bandits to arrive."
Explanation: During the company's rapid development phase, Wang Lei encountered a shortage of funds. This "demanding in the mud" situation put him at risk of being overtaken by competitors. He decisively introduced strategic investors, though it diluted some of his shares, but he gained the much-needed development capital. At crucial moments, one must know how to make sacrifices, using temporary concessions to secure long-term development.
Line Six Four: "Demand in blood, emerging from the cave."
Explanation: When the industry underwent significant changes, Wang Lei realized that a transformation and upgrade were necessary. At this stage, he needed the determination of "demanding in blood," diving deep into industry pain points and developing innovative products. He led his team in intensive efforts, and they eventually launched a revolutionary product, successfully seizing the market opportunity. When facing industry changes, one must have the courage to burn bridges and push forward with bold determination.
Line Nine Five: "Demand in food and drink, perseverance brings good fortune."
Explanation: After the company went public, Wang Lei began to focus on corporate culture development. He understood that what was needed most at this stage was the "food and drink" warmth to help employees feel a sense of belonging. He improved employee benefits, established a comprehensive training system, and cultivated a loyal and efficient team. When a company reaches a certain stage, cultural development becomes more important than material incentives.
Upper Line Six: "Entering the cave, three unexpected guests arrive; treat them respectfully, and in the end, it will be auspicious."
Explanation: After becoming an industry leader, Wang Lei faced new challenges: emerging enterprises catching up and competition from international giants. He adopted an open attitude and established strategic partnerships with competitors, jointly developing new markets. This wisdom of "treating them respectfully" allowed the company to maintain its leading position in intense competition. When facing challenges, cooperation is often wiser than confrontation.
Wang Lei’s entrepreneurial journey proves the wisdom of Hexagram Xu: At different stages of life, the emphasis on demand changes. The key lies in accurately judging the most urgent demand at the current stage and making the right trade-offs. In the early stages of entrepreneurship, patience and accumulation are required; in the development phase, breakthroughs are necessary; and in the mature phase, openness and cooperation are crucial. Hexagram Xu tells us that the secret to success is not in fulfilling all demands but in satisfying the most critical demands at the right time. This wisdom of demand applies not only to entrepreneurship but also serves as a guide for everyone’s survival and development in society.