As a small-business owner, you face a constant stream of new methods, tactics, and strategies coming at you from self-proclaimed gurus. “The experts” will always have high-powered, high-complexity ideas about running a small business to sell you. Sometimes you need to get back to basics, and nothing is more basic than nature. Here are a few small-business lessons from the animal world.
Get a Bird’s Eye View
If you’re like most small-business owners, you can get sucked into the many tactical decisions that come from being on the ground. Birds take to the air to see the lay of the land, scout for food and identify potential predators. Taking a different look at your business and its competition can give you unique insight that might give you an edge.
Burrow Deep into Data
Groundhogs don’t just sit on the surface of the ground. They get down in the dirt and explore the world beneath the tangled mats of roots and grass. If you’re currently doing surface-level business, digging into analytics and metrics can reveal pay dirt that is lying just beneath the surface of your operations.
Find Your Crocodile
At a glance, the dainty plover bird would seem like crocodile chow, but these two animals have achieved a mutually beneficial relationship: The plover cleans the crocodile’s teeth and gets a meal in the process. Businesses that don’t naturally align can still profit through joint ventures. By combining resources, you and a partner can develop products and services that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Run with a Pack
Herds of deer, pods of whales, and colonies of ants benefit from communal living. Membership in professional groups and trade associations lets you connect and learn from others who share your passions. These groups also provide benefits, such as discounts on products and insurance, and give you access to professional-development programs.
Take a Note from Man’s Best Friend
There is no pretense with dogs. They growl when angry and wag their tails when happy. You know what you’re getting because it’s genuine. Keeping your marketing messages genuine allows potential customers to know what they stand to gain when buying from you.
