Exactly a year after the fall of the Roman Empire, this company was created and is still in the market today.

Since the year 578 A.D till present. That's exactly 1445 years in existence.

This is the world's oldest company.

In this letter, you'll learn about the 3 principles that this business has implemented to stay in the market for so long.

Kongo Gumi is a Japanese construction company.

The company works on the design, construction, restoration, and repair of shrines, temples, castles, and cultural heritage buildings.

If a company can exist this long, it's only evident that they have important principles that they put in place generation after generation.

Principle One: Focus

Focus. A word tossed around like a temple coin, landing on different faces with varying degrees of fortune.

This company didn't dabble in tea shops, noodle joints, or bathhouses.

They held temples as their mantra, their obsession.

Now they're industry leaders, a testament to the power of singular dedication.

Now, you, with your kaleidoscope of skills, want to help the world, to paint your name in the annals of your chosen field.

It's quite noble but therein lies the risk of the scattered self, a jack of all trades, master of none.

When I first delved into the world of design, I found myself pulled in every direction. Logos, web design, web development—I wanted to do it all.

But as I juggled these diverse skills, I reached a point of overwhelming exhaustion.

It was then that I made a pivotal decision: I had to let go of something to truly excel in another.

You see possibilities everywhere, and you, like a butterfly drawn to many different opportunities, move quickly from one thing to another, full of potential, but ultimately just a small part of the bigger picture.

Direction is not a treasure map that is gifted by fate, but a compass forged in the furnace of clarity.

You have to question, why this niche?

Why this singular niche of all the others I could do?

Imagine yourself as a sculptor.

Just like a block of marble has endless possibilities, so do you.

As you work with purpose, your vision will take shape and become a masterpiece, just like Kongo Gumi.

The company has maintained its focus on building Buddhist temples for over 1,400 years, which has allowed it to establish itself as a market leader in their niche.

Big companies hire specialists, not generalists is what you should take from that.

The key to staying focused isn't about denying yourself, but about understanding yourself better, in the case of a personal brand.

It's about creating your path with a clear purpose. So, choose your tools, decide on your direction, and let the world see you.

Principle Two: Stop Talking, Start Listening

Think about all the empires that have risen and fallen, the technological revolutions, the cultural shifts - and yet, this company not only endures but thrives.

How do they do it? They listened!

Kongo Gumi has built and maintained some of the most sacred and intricate structures in the world. They've weathered earthquakes, fires, and wars, yet their dedication to their customers - in this case, Buddhist communities - has never wavered.

This is what they did differently:

- They understood their customer's "why."

They don't just build temples; they build sanctuaries of peace and spiritual connection. They understand that their customers aren't just buying structures; they're investing in faith, heritage, and community. This deep understanding of their customers' "why" guides every decision they make, from material selection to construction techniques.

- They embrace tradition

Kongo Gumi's methods have been passed down through generations, honed over centuries. They haven't abandoned their traditions for every fad. Instead, they've built upon them, incorporating new technologies and materials while staying true to their core values and ancestral wisdom.

This respect for tradition fosters trust and loyalty from their customers, who know they're getting the best possible care for their sacred spaces.

- They listen, adapt, and evolve.

While tradition is important, Kongo Gumi isn't stuck in the past(like most of us). They actively listen to the needs of their communities and adapt their approach accordingly.

For example, they've developed earthquake-resistant construction techniques and incorporated fire-retardant materials to ensure the safety of the temples they build.

This willingness and urge to listen and evolve ensures that their services remain relevant and valuable for generations to come.

Kongo Gumi's story is a powerful reminder that customer-centricity isn't just a buzzword; it's a philosophy that will stand the test of time.

By focusing on understanding their customers' needs, respecting their values, and continuously adapting to their changing world, they've not only become the oldest business in the world but also one of the most beloved and respected.

Stop talking, start listening.

It's the oldest and most effective customer-centric strategy there is.

Principle Three: Build for excellence, Brick by Brick

Craftmanship isn't just another word for Kongo Gumi, it's a way of life.

Where every object held the whispers of generations past, each detail a testament to unwavering dedication.

This is the world of companies like yours, where commitment to quality isn't just a policy, but the very blood that pulses through your veins.

Client satisfaction can become a natural consequence, a chorus of testimonials sung by those who've experienced the magic of your touch.

Repeat business isn't something you should hope for, it should come by default.

It should come as a testament to the trust you've built, brick by brick.

But more than that, it becomes a legacy.

Imagine being known for something and being known for doing right most of the time.

I know you read that twice, but we’re humans, we’re not always going to get it right.

It is a whisper to future generations.

So don't underestimate the power of dedication to quality. It's not just a promise to your clients, but a pact with history, building brick by brick.

The world today is fleeting with trends and disposable products. Your commitment to quality is a revolution. It's a rebellion against mediocrity.

Build your legacy, brick by meticulously crafted brick, and let the world experience the magic of what true quality can create.

These three principles – focus, listening, and excellence – are not mere words on a page. They are the lifeblood of Kongo Gumi, woven into the very fabric of their existence.

They are the lessons etched in the wood of ancient temples, the whispers echoed in the serene gardens they have cultivated.

They are a testament to the enduring power of time-tested values, offering a roadmap for any business, young or old, seeking to carve its own legacy in the ever-shifting landscape of time.

So, the next time you face the uncertainties of the future, remember the wisdom of Kongo Gumi.

Sharpen your focus, lend your ear, and build your excellence, brick by meticulous brick.

For in the grand tapestry of time, it is not the loudest voice, nor the flashiest innovation, but the quiet dedication to timeless principles that truly stands the test of history.