Image Credit: wp-content/uploads
.
A "Scavenging," Carcass–Filled, BUSINESS Lesson from Nature’s Vacuum Cleaner:
.
The VULTURE!
.
They’re considered to be disgusting, vile creatures. Completely and thoroughly misunderstood, they’re abhorred and reviled by many. As a nature enthusiast and hiker myself, one who sees them hovering all summer long above the hills, woods and valleys which surround our home, I actually happen to think they’re pretty damn cool!
.
In terms of nature itself, they serve a crucial purpose. And in the Business World, they provide an extremely valuable lesson!
.
Firstly, in nature, the vulture, quite morbidly, patiently waits for things to die. Yes, it’s a scavenger. Dead things tend to decay, fester and cause a lot of nasty bacteria to enter the ground and poison the water supplies that they enter into.
.
Image Credit: us.cdn2.123rf.com
.
The misunderstood and much–maligned vulture cleans things up just like, you got it, a vacuum cleaner. It makes our world a cleaner, healthier and safer place and the vulture gets a yummy, bloody, gutsy meal!
.
.
Business Vultures and Lions:
.
Image Credit: picturesdepot.com
.
In Business, so it seems, most everybody wants to be the proverbial LION! One of nature’s "apex" predators. So magnificent…the "King of the Jungle!"
.
Being a "Lion of the Business World" is fine, but with competition for customers and clients as fierce as it is, oftentimes it’s not enough to ensure success. Waiting for the opportunity of a dream–client, stalking, pouncing and making "the kill," can end in a very profitable outcome. But how often does that once-a-year or once-in-a-lifetime, huge contract and enormous payday come along? And competition? There are too many lions in the business jungle!
.
.
Seeking Out Carcasses:
.
Image Credit: globalwanderings.co.uk
.
As a freelancer and the owner of my small one–person writing business, I’m not often able to compete against the biggies in my industry.
Perhaps you face the same issue?
I have landed some dream-clients along the way. I have been the lion at times, fighting it out in this dog-eat-dog world of 21st Century business.
But at times, I have turned into a carcass-scavenger. Yes…a VULTURE?
Being a Business-Vulture entails a unique approach to Marketing and Advertising. And it necessitates a non-traditional method of job-search.
Rather than being reactive and responding only to job-openings and advertised positions, at some point, out of necessity, I became more pro-active. I became a "Business-Carnivore" with a penchant for seeking out carcasses.
.
Carcass. (my definition) Noun. A business arrangement between client and employee that is not satisfying for the client.
.
Image Credit: african-safari-pictures.com
.
Why a carcass? Economic need and downtime. How? I’ll tell you…
I began contacting prospective clients and customers who already had people with positions which I wanted in their employ. "Hello, I’d like to speak to you about the job…yeah, I’m aware that the position is already filled. I’d still like to talk to you about it! You see, I have some questions for you!"
Mostly they’d hang up on me if I phoned or not answer my email if I wrote. But if and when I got my foot in the door, I started asking them some very hard questions.
.
.
i26@photobucket.com
.
Questions to Ask Prospective Clients As a Business Scavenger:
.
"The key to wisdom is knowing all the right questions" John A. Simone
.
Are your business needs being met by your current employee or team?
Are you receiving uncompromising excellence?
Are you settling for a sub-standard product or service?
Is you current arrangement competitively priced?
Are you seeking improvement in VALUE and a greater ROI?
.
If the answer to any of these questions indicates dissatisfaction, here are some follow-up questions which need to be asked?
.
Would you consider changes in your current arrangement?
Would you consider replacing your current employee, freelancer or team?
Would you consider a meeting with me to see what I have to offer you and your company? If it beats your current arrangement, maybe you’ll switch to me?
.
.
Image Credit: bluecompass.com
.
You might be surprised how many companies and employers settle for sub–standard work simply because the thought of replacing that which is current is too overwhelming. Looking for someone new. Advertising the position. Interviews. The hiring process…
.
By seeking out "carcasses" (dissatisfying client/employee relationships) you create a win-win situation. You seek out those opportunities in which you might be hired and you introduce yourself as a skilled, competitive alternative. You get your foot in the door and come across as a motivated, "go-getter!" I have used this system lately with tremendous success!
.
Image Credit: llamabutchers.mu
.
Carcasses with a few bites taken out might not be beautiful to look at…
.
but they can create some tremendous Business opportunities…
.
Sometimes they have nearly as much meat on them as a fresh kill!
.
.
Dear Reader, Thanks for stopping by! If you’ve enjoyed this original business article, please consider giving it a re-tweet…I’d be most appreciative!
.
.
_____________________
.
.
Looking for a writer
yonatan@executive-penmanship.com
.
Yonatan Maisel is a business blogger, history buff and author.
.
If you’re looking for a "lap-dog," look elsewhere; if you’re looking for a writer who will "kick ass and take names," he might be for you! From corporate bios to ghost-blogging, from speeches to research…and everything in between, UNBRIDLED SATISFACTION is the goal!
.
Yoni started a business blog one year ago. 90% of his new clients now find their way to him as a direct result of having read one or more posts. He is a regular contributor here at www.jobshuk.com.