Many small businesses either changed the way they operate or completely shut down because of the effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Running a business successfully is always challenging, but not impossible. No one can predict the future, but there are ways you can prepare for unexpected challenges and future-proof your business.
One way to ensure that your business is protected from the stresses of future events is by securing small-business insurance. It can help cover expensive damages and lawsuits from natural disasters, accidents, or worker’s compensation. Failure to acquire insurance can be financially devastating for business owners in the long run.
When it comes to customer behavior, always anticipate what changes might happen in their purchasing decisions. For instance, there was a 57% increase in online shopping in the first half of 2020. So business owners who predicted this trend started selling online in addition to their physical stores.
Coming up with future-proofing ideas is not as hard as long as you constantly plan ahead. Here are other ways to ensure your business stays ahead of the curve:
Adapt and innovate
Simple shifts in your operations can help create huge changes in your business. Think of ways to reuse existing resources, then transform them to appeal to new customers. Opt for automation, spice up your product line, or go for sustainable choices. For example, use biodegradable food wraps as they are eco-friendly and cost-effective. You’ll also attract more customers as they prefer sustainable brands.
Now that it’s all about being instant and fast, you can use QR (Quick Response) codes to promote quick interaction through mobile phones. This digitalization effort allows your business to safely continue during the pandemic and also improves your marketing strategy.
Anticipate the future
Consider how customers’ needs constantly change, and don’t just focus on competing with your rival’s current products. Figure out ways on how you can provide solutions today for tomorrow’s demands. Gather new strategic ventures regularly, then learn from them along the way.
Not every venture will go as planned, but maintaining this process will improve your business’s ability to keep up with changing markets over time. It is all part of strengthening and enhancing the growth of your business that withstands any challenges.
Reevaluate your past strategies
Keep in mind that some successful strategies you’ve done in the past may not work today. The plans that you used for acquiring your current customer base may not be useful in the future. For instance, if you used print advertisements at one point to attract customers, it may not work anymore due to current shifts to digital platforms.
In the world’s current situation, ensure that your strategies fit the new normal. Consider some health-related factors like how anxious people are to resume pre-pandemic behavior, or if there is a possible resurgence of the virus. These factors will likely affect their purchasing behavior, so it’s best to have flexible plans that work for various scenarios.
Identify and manage risks
Find possible points of failure in your business so you can take the necessary steps to plan ahead. These risks can be in data security, legal compliance, business processes, and more. Don’t depend on other people for this process. You are the best person to identify and manage these risks before they turn into bigger problems, regardless if it’s about customer support, new purchases, or quality of deliverables.
Risk management is one of the most important tools in your business, especially when a market comes across an economic decline. Make sure you have good risk management strategies to avoid or mitigate any potential damages.
Be aware of factors that can influence your business
Keep an eye on the advancements around you, even if they are unrelated to your industry, as these may influence your business. For instance, smartphones have taken over the camera industry and other successful products such as portable gaming consoles, music players, telephone directories, paper maps, and more.
Economic conditions can also affect how an organization performs in the market. An example would be an economic recession that can lead to a lower discretionary income. When discretionary income is low, nonessential businesses like jewelry, toys, or electronics tend to be less successful than essential products like groceries and pharmacies.
Future-proofing your business is essential for its longevity. You can always prepare to face the unexpected with the right mindset, tools, and strategies. Follow these tips above to help you find resilience, respond quickly to changes in the market, and keep ahead of your competitors.
