Managing stakeholders

Max is now nearly 20, and in his teenage school years he ran a business called Max Snax.  (I have to admit to being the proud father, here.)  He bought snacks from the local cash and carry and sold them at school every day, at break and lunch.  He worked hard, kept excellent records of sales, stocks and profitability on his spreadsheets, and generated enough cash to pay for a major expedition to Namibia at the end of sixth form. 

What impressed me particularly was the way he managed the various stakeholder involved.  He kept the head of school on board by seeking and taking advice.  He kept his parents on board by demonstrating the learning he was gaining and how it contributed to his end of school expedition to Namibia.  He kept his customers on board by buying what they wanted, and adding extra products in response to what they were talking about in school, such as electrical items and drinks.  He worked out what each stakeholder was interested in and he demonstrated he was delivering it on a regular basis.