How to be Like a Crocodile

We are more than 18 months into one of the toughest economic times our generation has ever seen, and there is still no insight as to when it will end.  Companies have been forced to tighten their belts, layoff employees and change they way they do business.  In retrospect we are seeing the “Survival of the Fittest”, where individuals or companies that have any sort of advantage; no matter what it may be, will have the best chance of surviving and making it through these troublesome times.

It doesn’t matter if you are a company or an individual, learning how to adapt and conform to the current economic climate could make or break you.  You can see proof of this through science; many would agree that the crocodile is a legitimate example of the “Survival of the Fittest”.  Due to their distinctive ability to adapt and accommodate the crocodile has passed the test if time and survived on earth for over 240 million years. There are many things you can learn from the ways of the almighty crocodile that will help you stay afloat and pull through any situation placed in your path.    

Unlike most other reptiles crocodiles do not shed their skin but grow into it instead –

• Work with what you have.  If you are a company cut back your expenses, reevaluate your business plan to make what you have work, and train current employees on multiple tasks to free up the money you would be spending on hiring another employee. 
• As an individual, try to make the best of your current employment.  It is not smart to quit your job and have nothing lined up; companies are still hiring but are looking for someone to be a 10 out of 10 match.  Until the economy improves and companies lower their hiring criteria stay put.  If you are bored and feel unchallenged with your current job, ask your employer for additional responsibilities.  This will not only keep you busy but it will look good in your employer’s eyes.   

Crocodiles may live in groups numbering into the hundreds –

• Always be networking.  This keeps you in contact with the outside world and keeps you informed as to what is happening with your market.  Companies and individuals need to embrace social media sites like FriendFeed, Facebook and Twitter
• As well as online networking, be active in face-to-face networking.  By being around others it helps keep up your morale, could possibly lead to innovation of new ideas and gets your name out in the public    

Crocodiles are opportunistic hunters and can eat prey underwater as well as on land –

• Take every opportunity to be better then your competition.  As a company use this time to find out what other companies are doing and how you can do it better.  Make a plan and act on it so when the time comes you will exit the recession 10 steps ahead
• As an individual, find out what skills you lack and go out and get them.  Technology is constantly changing, so what you knew 5 years ago might seem like an outdated textbook today

Crocodiles are most easily spotted while basking in the early morning sun –

• Make yourself visible.  Establish a presence in your industry so you are the go to company or person when someone needs advice or guidance. 
• Take time to start a blog and write about topics specific to your industry.  Also comment and be active on industry specific blogs and groups.

They are extremely tough and robust with an incredible immune system that helps them to sustain severe injuries and they have an awesome capacity to deal with starvation. They can survive an entire year without food, yet remain active –

• Have a solid business plan or career plan with room for error, so if something happens down the road you will not feel the pain from it.  Know where you want your career or your company to be 5-10 years from now and make sure you have set goals to get there.  

They learn quickly to avoid dangerous situations and adapt to changes in their situation –

• Learn from your mistakes and make changes quickly.  Don’t leave too much time for uncertainty.  When making a drastic career or business change research every avenue possible and then proceed forward.  You don’t want to regret yourself for making an on the fly decision.

• Be unexpendable.  Provide a service that everyone needs and everyone wants.  Provide a work environment where candidates are lined up at the door to work for you or a work ethic where companies couldn’t thrive without you. 
• Be the office morale booster and know how to work around those in your industry who could bring you down.