Viva’s Blog: Evolve or become extinct

Darwin was one sharp guy. Through observation, Darwin learned that animals adapt to survive. They don’t adapt to be different or get noticed. They adapt to live. The same thinking applies to your business.

Evolve or become extinct

Take the baby Sally Lightfoot crabs found in the Galapagos. The young crabs are black and well camouflaged amongst the black lava rocks. They’ve adapted to survive. The adults, which earned their name by being swift and able to quickly get out of harm’s way, can get away with being bright red and yellow.

Take the giant tortoises. As a result of the environmental nuances among the Galapagos Islands, the types of tortoises that have the best chance to survive and successfully rear young are also different. Their neck lengths vary based on the nearby foliage they need to eat to survive. The shape of their shells also vary. The dome-back tortoises live where there is plentiful vegetation to support their huge size. The smaller saddle-back tortoises tend to live in places where vegetation is sparse.

Evolve or become extinct

Take McDonald’s. They were a hamburger and fries joint, until they realized that some family members desired a healthy option. So, in the mid-80s, they evolved. They added salads, and their business continued to flourish. And how about specialty coffees? McDonald’s astutely watched as their customers opted for Starbucks on their way to work. Then in early 2008, 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants announced they were employing baristas to serve specialty coffee beverages. By late 2008, same-store sales had climbed 8 percent.

Take Chase Bank. Years ago they adapted to provide a more convenient banking solution for their customers. Goodbye branches; hello ATMs. Technology changed and so did they. Today you can take a photo of your check with your phone and deposit it in your bank account. It’s yet another evolution that allows this mega-brand to survive in spite of intense competition.

Evolve or become extinct

Take your company. What’s important to your customers? What will be important to them in 6 months? 12 months? 24 months? Sure, they might be satisfied today, but how about tomorrow? Think you can just leave your business as is? What are you doing to ensure your survival?

Evolve or become extinct.

Read more at: www.vivalabrand.com