"En affaires ce qui est dangereux c'est de ne pas évoluer"

Evolving is crucial in business. If you don't adapt and change, you risk becoming irrelevant and losing to competitors who do. Think about it: the market is always shifting. New technologies, consumer preferences, and economic conditions can flip the script before you know it. This idea isn't just abstract wisdom; it's a survival tactic.

Let's rewind a bit. The notion of evolution in business isn't new. Charles Darwin's theories on evolution and natural selection have been analogized to business for ages. Companies, like species, need to adapt to their environments to thrive. If you look back in history, businesses that failed to evolve often vanished. Take Kodak, for example. Once the giant of the photography world, Kodak couldn't pivot effectively to digital photography, even though they invented the first digital camera. They stuck to their film business for too long, thinking it would always be their cash cow. Fast forward, and you barely hear about Kodak today, aside from historical context.

Imagine this: You're running a small bakery. You’ve got a loyal local customer base, and your traditional recipes are a hit. Then, one day, a new bakery opens up down the street with a modern twist—gluten-free options, vegan treats, online ordering, delivery services. Your customers start trickling over to the new place, drawn by the novelty and convenience. If you don't adapt, maybe by incorporating some new recipes or offering an online order option, you're at serious risk of losing out. It's not about changing your core identity but about being flexible enough to meet new demands.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, stay informed. Keep an eye on industry trends, emerging technologies, and shifts in consumer behavior. You’ve got to be proactive, not reactive. Second, be willing to take calculated risks. Experiment with new ideas, products, or services. If something doesn’t work, learn from it and pivot. Lastly, foster a culture of innovation within your team. Encourage creativity and be open to suggestions from all levels of your organization.

Here's a scenario to bring it home: Picture a small, family-run bookstore in the age of Amazon. They’ve seen foot traffic drop as more people turn to online shopping. Instead of throwing in the towel, the owner decides to evolve. They launch an online store, host community events like author readings and book clubs, and start a loyalty program. They even partner with local cafes for book-and-coffee deals. The bookstore becomes a hub for the community—both online and offline. They adapted, and because of that, they thrived.

So, take a moment to think about your business or the work you do. Are you evolving, or are you stuck in your ways? Change can be daunting, but staying stagnant is even riskier. By embracing evolution, you can navigate the turbulent waters of business and come out stronger on the other side.