Avoid engaging in a strategic (i.e. unprofitable) transaction in the expectation that they will lead to future profitable transactions. If you do otherwise, you are likely setting yourself for a fall. All businesses have a finite capacity for unprofitable transactions. Don’t waste it on transactions that you know will be unprofitable. There is nothing more shameful than watching a healthy company wasting large quantities of resources over periods of time reaching out for strategic business that stays just a little ahead of its grasp. Follow and adapt to the world, but don’t fool yourself into believing you can out think it or impose your will on it. Don’t be reluctant to explore and experiment with strategic initiatives, just do it with other people’s money.