It’s a Jungle Out There!How to Navigate It, Tame It

and Make Business Fun Again”

Joel StromArizona Business Bank

CEO Lunch Series

Presentation Progression• 2002 - 2007 – Managing Growth• 2008/9 – Surviving and Thriving• 2009/10 – New Reality • 2011 – It’s a Jungle Out There

Why the Jungle?

Jungle Survival and Business Success now have a lot in

common

So let me be your guide today

through the business jungle of 2011 and beyond

Think about what Jungles are likeDense and dark – hard to see very

far aheadCan’t see what’s lurking around the

next corner – Snake or QuicksandContinuously changing - day and

night, hour by hour, area by areaScary – strange sounds - imagination

takes over – fear - panic

Think about what Jungles are likeDense and dark – hard to see very

far aheadCan’t see what’s lurking around the

next corner – Snake or QuicksandContinuously changing - different day

and night, hour by hour, area by area

Scary – strange sounds - imagination takes over – fear - panic

UNCERTAINTY

No matter what the challenges of the jungle – some seem to thrive on them

They have figured it out -How to look around the corner

How to deal with the uncertaintiesThey have mastered the

Jungle Strategies

9 Critical Jungle Strategies

Jungle Strategy 1

Conquer your fears• Respect it but don’t fear it• Take back control • Listen through the noise• Learn and make the unknown known

Jungle Strategy 2

Be prepared • Learn what to expect • Know the terrain and the pests• Have the right tools and know how

to use them effectively

Jungle Strategy 3

Carry a light load• Don’t carry more than you need• Be efficient • Treat resources as limited and

conserve

Jungle Strategy 4

Have a map, a route, a compass• But have alternatives • Remain flexible and adaptable• Explore new routes and territories

Jungle Strategy 5

React quickly • Or risk being dinner• Don’t wait to make a perfect

decision

Jungle Strategy 6

Innovate • New and better routes • New uses for what you have available• Utilizing competencies and resources

Jungle Strategy 7Stay focused, alert and aware• Stay focused on the customer• Watchful of hidden menaces• Be aware of changes in conditions

Jungle Strategy 8

Invest in your resources• The best workers and guides• Communicate the goals• Have some fun• You don’t want them deserting

you in the middle of the jungle

Jungle Strategy 9

Its not about outrunning the leopard

• Be the best but be realistic

9 Jungle Strategies1.Conquer your fears2.Be Prepared3.Carry a light load4.Have a map, a route, a compass5.React quickly6.Innovate7.Stay focused, alert and aware8.Invest in your resources9.Its not about outrunning the

leopard

Joel StromYour personal guide through the

business junglewww.joelstrom.comjoel@joelstrom.com

602-276-3033www.slideshare.com