Each year of the Chinese lunar calendar is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. According to tradition, the traits of each year’s animal foretell both the characteristics of people born in that year and trends for the coming year. Tiger years are particularly auspicious. After all, what do you think of when you think of a tiger? You think of strength, boldness, fearlessness, dominance.
Even if you don’t believe in astrology, you can't help but notice that the traits of the animal for that Lunar Year is remarkably aligned with the tracks of a business life.
For instance, both last year and 2009 were years of the ox. The ox was a fitting symbol for tough times when it takes a lot of hard work to just survive. So it’s not surprising that ox years found an economy reeling from a pandemic and another one dealing with the Great Recession. Business owners in those years need to be oxes, they need to be resilient in order to survive and thrive.
But this year: we are roaring back! A tiger year is a terrific symbol for a year of recovery and expansion. It’s a year to go for it. 2022 should be a great year for startups, business expansion, launching new products, taking on new directions. Tigers, as chinese tradition says, also drive off the threats to a household – and by extension, one hopes, the threats to businesses.
For those who own small businesses – or thinking of starting a business – the beginning of the Year of the Tiger means preparation for a year destined for boldness. It is a great year for thinking big and taking chances. It is a year of big wins, but also potentially of big losses. It is a year – as those of us who love football would say – to put the keeper up for a corner.
What should you expect in your business in the coming tiger year?
- Boldness
- Courage
- Risk-taking
- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Impulsiveness
- Speaking up against injustice
In particular, be on the lookout for:
Opportunities. Especially in a time when many competitors may be weakened or frightened, are there openings that can be exploited? Tigers are courageous.
Team building. We are currently in the most significant shift in the workplace in my lifetime. We have the rise of remote work, labor shortages, the great resignation and early retirements. This is the time for new thinking about your team and how to motivate and retain them.
New product development. In a year of creativity, are there new products or services that can be introduced with significant financial potential? Tiger years are perfect for innovation.
Impulsiveness. Be careful! The downside of all that tiger courage is that you may jump into things without thinking them through. Be bold, but be smart.
Seeking equity and justice. Tigers are known for their desire for fairness. How can you bring more fairness into your business, life, and community?
Since the Chinese new year is always a festival associated with money, this year is doubly oriented toward financial well-being. In fact, the traditional Chinese new year greeting focuses on material wealth, and the traditional gift to be given is a red envelope containing money.
If you are also born in a tiger year, this is a particularly auspicious year for you. Tigers are known for their courage, willingness to take risks, desire for challenge and hating to be told what to do to. Some people born in the Year of the Tiger include Usain Bolt, Michelle Yeoh, Queen Elizabeth II and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The year of the tiger is a year of power, passion and daring. It bodes well for financial gains, new enterprises, and growth. It’s a year for entrepreneurs. And it’s a year for the business owner. Go for it!
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