Jellyfish vs. Salmon

Would you bet on a jellyfish or on a salmon?

Hold that thought.

What if you learned that jellyfish are more efficient than salmon? And, that for each contraction of their bell they travel 30% farther without expending more energy? And that leaves jellyfish with enough energy to cover more distance, grow and hunt for more prey?

In a recent New Scientist article entitled “Lazy jellyfish use vortex power to rule the waves,” scientists share their discovery. When the bell relaxes after contraction, a natural vortex is formed beneath the bell which generates extra thrust allowing the jellyfish to travel 30% more distance.

At first glance, it is unlikely that anyone would bet on a jellyfish. It doesn't help that we have negative connotations when it comes to this fish. A salmon, on the other hand, is cute, moves fast and is good for your health.

When developing a strategy for your business, which one would you pick? A slower, methodical and efficient forward movement, or the fast-paced, slick strategy? Think of “energy” as business resources. If you could achieve an additional 30% of forward momentum without spending more energy or resources, wouldn’t you adopt this strategy?

The key, of course, lies in the formation of a ‘vortex.’ In business, the vortex represents the sum of all business development activities, working in-sync to draw new leads, convert new customers and create the revenue that moves you forward. However, whereas the jellyfish benefits from a natural creation of a vortex, business must invest in order to create it.

The vortex creates efficiency for the jellyfish -- spending some energy to contract and expand the bell, but reaping 30% more rewards for the same action. Are you achieving this level of efficiency out of your business development and marketing?

Can a business ever get to a point where existing resources (energy) are creating forward momentum without the need to spend more? Absolutely.

If all the moving parts of your marketing and sales are fine-tuned and in-sync, the forward momentum is called good-will, repeat customers, referrals and brand recognition, to name a few.

The challenge many small business owners face is salmon-like behavior. Fast isn't necessarily better, and slow isn't necessarily efficient. Deliberate actions that create efficiencies and forward momentum will win every time.