2025 symbolizes the year of the snake. For centuries, snakes have been unfairly associated with negative connotations, often used to describe undesirable instances. However, these silent hunters play a crucial role in our ecosystem, embodying remarkable adaptability and resilience. Their ability to survive in various environments, sense opportunities, and take on challenges headfirst makes them fascinating creatures to study. These fascinating creatures provide valuable lessons for businesses seeking to thrive in today’s competitive environment.

Masters of Survival

Snakes are masters of survival, renowned for their adaptability and ability to thrive in diverse environments. They can slither, climb, swim, and even glide, conquering forests, deserts, and everything in between. The same can be applied to businesses, where it is constantly presenting challenges from fluctuating market trends to unpredictable economic conditions. On the other hand, business today has evolved beyond mere selling; it now focuses heavily on the marketing aspect, crafting compelling narratives that engage audiences. Take e-commerce for example, which has shown a shift towards connecting and building relationships with end consumers. Additionally, the focus today has much to do with utilising social media platforms for education and entertaining content as well as real-live engagement through live streaming. The flexibility in adapting to the current needs is the key to ensuring that your business stays relevant to diverse changes in the industry.

Shedding the Old

Another interesting fact about snakes is their ability to shed their skin in order to grow. This process is crucial to accommodate growth, proving to be fatal if they are unable to do so. This natural process symbolizes the importance of continuous renewal in e-commerce. Just as snakes cannot grow without shedding, businesses must also ‘shed’ outdated strategies, obsolete technologies, and inefficient practices to stay ahead. Additionally, businesses are constantly going through changes, adapting with the latest technologies, systems and practices. While certain procedures may work for a period of time does not necessarily mean it will be viable for the long run – just as the saying goes: what’s old may not be gold. Sticking to these dated and ineffective methods can stifle growth, while embracing change leads to fresh opportunities. Whether it’s outdated practices, beliefs or even work procedures, review and shedding the old is essential for thriving in the fast-paced digital world.

‘Eat’ Like the Snake

Ever wondered how snakes are able to take on large prey, often multiple times their own size? Snakes have the remarkable ability to dislocate their jaws, allowing them to swallow prey much larger than them. This incredible flexibility enables them to consume food that sustains them for extended periods. Businesses can learn from this remarkable feat. Sometimes, the biggest opportunities may seem overwhelming, whether it’s entering a new market, acquiring a competitor, or launching an ambitious product line. Additionally, even if an opportunity presents itself, it can be daunting to proceed further without the right resources, manpower and knowledge, especially when businesses decide to take the leap from going offline to online. But hey, this is where BIC comes in! We have helped numerous brands and businesses to navigate through the world of e-commerce.

Final thoughts

Therefore success in business, like in nature, is not about sheer power. It’s about understanding your limitations, leveraging your strengths, and adapting to the competitive landscape to survive and thrive; just like snakes which have survived and evolved thousands of years.

Sam Kon is the COO from Beyond Infinity Consultancy (BIC) with 15 years of ecommerce experience. He is a Shopee Certified Enabler, TikTok Agency and a certified trainer by Alibaba Business School & Taobao University; Enabling and empowering businesses to boost their revenues by going from offline to online (O2O). To learn more, reach out to samkon@beyondinfinity.asia.