A recent column in Philstar Biz tackled the question of how businesses can transform failing assets into profitable ones, using the metaphor of a ‘dead donkey’ to describe operations that appear worthless. The author responded to a reader inquiry seeking real‑world examples of turning problems into opportunities.
The piece illustrated how companies in sectors such as retail, logistics, and manufacturing have repurposed outdated equipment, excess inventory, or underperforming product lines. By applying creative strategies like rebranding, finding new distribution channels, or selling to niche markets, firms turned liabilities into revenue‑generating assets.
The column emphasized that a ‘dead donkey’ is often a mispriced or overlooked resource rather than a hopeless case. With the right mindset and operational adjustments, what seems worthless can become a competitive advantage.