Agency New Business: Survival of the Fittest

Guest post by RSW/US New Business Director Rita Baker

To those of us who have spent our lives trying to drive business by selling something …whether its fruit flies or atomic bombs we’ve all heard the adage at one time or another “it’s a jungle out there”.

For many, that conjures up images of terrifying large animals, with big sharp teeth that can attack you at any moment, ripping you to shreds.

For others, it’s the creepy crawly many legged things that land on your skin or slither underfoot waiting to bite into every tasty morsel of you.

The jungle is deep and dark with things unknown.

So, how does selling and the jungle equate?

Selling is all about being prepared and waiting anxiously for the right time to strike.

Haven’t you seen those National Geographic films where the hyenas are lollygagging around the water and the lions are right around the corner…. I can’t watch.

I have to cover my eyes!

Recently a client asked me how I was able to snag an appointment for him with one of those highly aspirational and unbelievably large corporations we all know.

An icon of the civilized world.

Lions at the Gate

I told him, I outlived the gatekeeper.  Say what?

Yup, it’s a jungle out there and it’s survival of the fittest.

You see, being prepared is one thing, eyeing the prize and laying in wait is another.

For months as I had approached the gatekeeper attacked.

I wasn’t completely torn to shreds but bloody enough that I slithered away vowing never to get in the way again.

I wasn’t going to win against this opponent.

But as the months rolled by I’d occasionally sniff out the place.

Success!

It was treacherous but maybe this time…Surprise.

As I approached, this time, a beautiful lioness.

She was eager to learn more about me and wanted to please.

I had survived and the prize was mine for the asking.

Tenacity, a thick skin or a big gun are what you’ll need if you plan on working in the jungle.