"Survival of the Friendliest" is the key to business success - just ask a dog!

During a winter snowstorm this past weekend, I watched Inside the Mind of a Dog on Netflix—and had one of the biggest "aha" moments of my business career.

I’ve always been a fan of the “collaboration over competition” approach in business, but this documentary helped me understand why it works so well.

We've all heard “survival of the fittest,” but scientists now argue that "survival of the friendliest" is what really helps species thrive. Just ask any dog curled up next to its owner, warm and cozy while the winter winds howl outside!

In the documentary, the “survival of the friendliest” theory reveals that dogs succeed not by being aggressive, but by forming strong, cooperative bonds with humans.

This same approach can transform the way small businesses approach success.

In today's small business world, “survival of the friendliest” challenges the old-school idea of empire-building at all costs.

Instead of competing to be the biggest or the best, many are realizing that collaboration is key.

Source: Netflix

Businesses that share resources, collaborate, and learn from one another find better solutions and unlock faster growth and greater success.

So, when you think about how to succeed as a small business owner, remember: it’s not about being the fittest—it’s about being the friendliest.

Let’s continue to work together and lift each other up. Because in the world of small business, it might just be the secret to not only surviving -- but thriving.