If the past 2 years has taught us anything in the business world, it is that we need to keep our minds positive and agile. Those who are ready to adapt and evolve will be the ones to succeed. But how can you do this? How can you get your business to grow and thrive even amid a global pandemic?
We have continued to grow throughout these trying times by being able to adapt and remain positive by following some of the tips below:
- Be Adaptable: First off and most importantly is to make sure that you have multiple backup plans and different ways for your business to operate and succeed. The pandemic has shown us the importance of being able to adapt to situations like working from home, resource shortages, business closures. All these factors have to be something that you need to be able to adapt to. For example, ensuring you research and contact suppliers to check ahead for issues. Making sure you adjust your business promises. For example, if you are a sofa making company, you may find that you can still manufacture your products, but your delivery time may take another week. Communicating any changes to your business during a time like this is key. Be prepared to adapt your business, do what it takes to stay afloat.
- Stay Positive: When you are faced with a difficult situation, take a step back, think about how far you have come and how hard you have worked, do not let hard times defeat you. If you have employees, it is essential to keep your attitude up to keep them positive and motivated as well as yourself. Allowing negativity to seep in could lead you to make poor decisions. Negativity can very easily have a domino effect as well, this could lead to a decrease in staff morale and productivity. Lead by example, lead with positivity.
- Value the People: People are your most valuable assets! Whether this is your customers or your employees, they are extremely important. When faced with tough situations, or when you are looking to expand and grow your business, this should be one of the first things you look at. Are you rewarding loyal customers? Are you enticing in new customers? Do your employees feel valued? Do you discuss new ideas with your employees? The people around you will have so much more to offer than you may think. Customers and employees who feel appreciated are more likely to remain loyal and to support you and your business.
- Look for a New Angle: Businesses who thrive through difficult times are the ones who can think outside the box. Looking for a new angle to take your business to the next level could be something as small as creating a new tagline, signing up for a new social media, or it could be a big change such as a rebrand or product change. Being open to new ideas can be scary, but it could lead your business to grow and improve significantly.
- Make the Most of Free Resources: Can you receive help from the government during difficult times? Are there any employment aids such as internship or apprenticeship schemes? Have you looked at local council help and advice? It can be worthwhile to do your research around your options for free local or national resources for your business. These schemes are there to help you for a reason. Do not let them go to waste!
- Work of Your Online Prescence: The internet is free! Social Media is free! Get yourself out there and do it in the right way. Think about your brand image and tone of voice. How are you coming across currently? How can you improve this? Social media can be an extremely powerful tool for your business when you use it right. There are plenty of free courses and tutorials if you are ever unsure. In this era, it is important to make sure you are up to speed with the appropriate social media platforms for your business to be on. If it is something you don’t have time for then make sure to look into investing in a marketing team. Whether you can bring employees in-house for this, or if you want to go down the route of an agency.
- Remember the Big Picture: Why did you begin? What was your original plan when your business began? Often when disasters strike you can lose sight of your true goals. Take time to remind yourself of the important reasons your business exists. Think about what you are working towards. Keeping your goals in mind will help you focus and stay on track. If you have to make a new plan that aligns with your goals then so be it!
- Relax: Last but certainly not least, take time off. Many of us over the pandemic have found it more difficult to switch off and relax. Working from home has blurred the lines between work and home life. Make sure you are taking proper time out to switch off from the stress and madness of the business world. Reward yourself for your hard work! Whether this is a meal out, a spa day, a movie and treats with your loved ones. The more you appreciate the separation between work and home the happier your balance of life will be.
These points would benefit businesses and Entrepreneurs to grow and thrive, whilst helping employees to be more positive about the future.