Time to learn lesson from the crocodile
Aug 14 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal
I’D never thought of the crocodile as a metaphor for a business before now but, when you think about it, it’s rather a good way of looking at how companies need to act to survive a harsh economic winter.
Crocodiles have been around since before the dinosaurs, so they've been through some turbulent times and survived.
Sadly, the same can almost be said about the tax man, but that's another issue…
Every kind of attack this world has thrown at it, such as famine, drought, ice ages and various other climate changes, have failed to finish off the croc.
The fashion industry handbag, belt and shoe makers have had a good go, too, but still the crocodile lives on.
Some of the key attributes to this survival against the odds are adaptability, creativity and sheer bloody-mindedness. Now do you see where the link to companies preserving their existence comes in?
How do we, in the business world, survive these turbulent times? Adaptability and creativity are vital. We must continue to change with the market, provide the services that our customers require, as well as developing new products and offerings that will help them to survive.
The food chain analogy is simplistic. If your clients die, you die. Likewise, supply chain companies need to ensure they are not outrun by their clients.
When a predator in the animal kingdom finds its prey is no longer lured by its methods of hunting, it must adapt. In business, when customers no longer feel they need their core product, suppliers must adapt.
The bloody-mindedness of the croc is a lesson in determination and tenacity. There is nearly always a way. If you give up, you will never succeed. What we are seeing in the current economic climate is that businesses which do not adapt and persevere are becoming endangered species.
Constructing Excellence in the North East is working with business development specialist Nick Bramley, managing director of NBA4Business to deliver an event exploring the need for businesses to learn such lessons if they are to survive.
Crocodile or Handbag… The Choice Is Yours takes place in the Kirst Suite at Durham's Radisson Hotel on Thursday, September 17, from 8.30am to 11am.
It’s a jungle out there! If the economy doesn't get you, beware the fashionistas!
For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East or to book a place at the event, please contact chief executive, Catriona Lingwood, on 0191-3837435 or catriona@cene.org.uk .
Catriona Lingwood is chief executive, Constructing Excellence in the North East
Businesses which do not adapt and persevere are becoming endangered species.
