Today's Name of the Game....

     Throughout history, there have been monumental paradigm shifts that have shaped, re-aligned, or restructured the world we have lived in. Whether it was the taming of fire, discovery of precious metals, the Renaissance, or World Wars, the name of the game for survival was MALLEABILITY. This holds true for today's business world as well. I am a strong believer in this term. Malleability is usually used when referring to metals, but is also a terrific metaphor for survival. Initially in history, metals were heated, distressed, bent, smashed, hammered, and reshaped into new and useful items of value. The more malleable and durable the metal was, the better it became as an asset (steel vs. iron vs. bronze, etc).
     In an ever changing and rapidly shifting business world, this term is key for survival and longevity as well. Today's most successful new businesses have this ability and do it remarkably well. They adapt to new markets, non-traditional techniques, they break from the norm, invoke new business mantras to meet new needs. Think of Newsweek dropping paper print and offering only digital copies of their media. The development of cloud service industries that have eliminated tangible store houses, rooms, and entire departments staffed by people saving millions for businesses is another great example. Amazon is a juggernaut in this sense. Also think of social media enterprises and the promise they offer, mobile apps and the ease of interaction with consumers now available. New businesses should move and flow fluidly, increasing the chance of start-up survival. Ebb and flow is necessary in todays world. Adopt new technologies, develop fresh ideas in new markets/industries, research what has been done, and invest on what has not.
     If new businesses are married to traditional business styles, plans, marketing, and advertising, they will be devoured by quicker moving, adaptable, and malleable businesses. Traditional business plans and styles will become the likes of Ancient Rome, Greece, or the Inca. Unable to adapt or shift to a new world rising around them, they crumbled to the ground as the rest of the ranks swelled, gradually drowning these once great empires into memories. Change is inevitable, and good for business if you can survive it.