Be curious
Sharks are very intelligent, much more so than many researchers once thought. Like humans, sharks are very curious, with recent drone footage showing that their innate curiosity frequently brings them closer to us than we ever imagined. Sharks will often just bite into something because they are not sure what it is, or whether it is edible. If they don't like it, they will spit it out.
In business, curiosity improves engagement and collaboration. Don't be afraid to try something new, but don't keep doing it if it doesn't work. Also, never hesitate to ask a lawyer if you have legal concerns. When business functions to satisfy curiosity, it is often better able to adapt to uncertain market conditions and react better to external pressures.
Be faster than your competition for the same customers
The great white shark can travel up to 35 miles per hour in short bursts, generally to attack prey. It would not survive very long if it couldn't catch a meal (such as fish, rays, sea lions, or seals).
Competition is fierce in the business world, much like in the ocean. Even in specialized niche industries, it pays to be faster. If you cannot reach customers or get contracts signed faster than your competition, then you will not survive.
Be aware of all your audiences
The great white shark understands this concept to a tee—its coloration makes it invisible to the prey above and below it. They commonly position themselves directly below their prey, such as a seal. Then, they swim upward at a fast sprint and leap out of the water while grabbing the seal.
When you consider how large these animals can be, this feat is especially impressive. A great white shark can grow over 20 feet long (most great white sharks average between 15 and 20 feet). They often weigh over 2.5 tons, or 5,000 pounds.
As a business owner, you do not want to be hidden, but you should know how you are perceived by your customers. Understanding your audience, and how they see your business, will help with marketing and ensure that you are reaching a wide variety of potential customers.
Be recognizable in an instant
Marketing and advertising are a big part of a good business strategy, whether its formal marketing methods or good word-of-mouth advertising. You want your company's brand to be well-known for its great products and outstanding service.
This concept is much like the great white shark. Although these sharks can blend into their environment when they need to, when people see that telltale grey fin popping out of the water, they think: shark. And when people think about sharks, they are usually picturing the great white.
Be ready to use your teeth
The great white shark needs to have a big meal every month or two. That means that it is only aggressive when it needs to be. There is a time and a place to take an aggressive stance. Whether your aggression is against the competition or in enforcing your legal rights, you need to be willing to take action when necessary.
As a business owner, you know that you need to use your shark-like instincts. On occasion, you will need to exercise your legal options to assert your rights.
With the right contracts in place and effective remedies to enforce those contracts, you can be aggressive when it comes to your business. Contracts can touch virtually everything in your company—from suppliers to employees and especially customers. Valid, enforceable contracts give you more options to be aggressive when it's needed, which can mean you won't have to be as often.
Get help when you need it
Although sharks are loners when it comes to survival, you should not be running your business without help, even if you are the sole owner and operator. Sharks naturally work alone, while people work better together.
It is important to take the time to get the right help for your business when you need it, even if you're out to sea. You can use the Rocket Lawyer Mobile App to get legal help, manage contracts, and get even more done, from anywhere and on any device.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
