Even if your business has survived without facing too many issues in the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic is a big part of your history. It is a bookmark moment, which is why you should be determined to start the next chapter in the very strongest fashion. And now is the time to ensure that the right preparations are in place.
It sounds like a daunting prospect, but simple preparations can bring significant upgrades. Focus on these seven areas, and you won’t go far wrong. While 2020 was the year of surviving, 2021 can be the year of thriving! What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
#1. Adapting to the new workforce
Employees have always been the greatest asset to your business. If anything, this sentiment will be even more noteworthy in the post-pandemic era. The dynamic of the average workforce has changed, and the companies that adapt to it best will see the best results.
Knowing how to modify your business settings to welcome gen z in the workplace will have a major influence. They are the future of the company, and will spearhead the transition into a modern way of working. Moreover, they will have the best chance of building strong connections with youth customer bases.
Furthermore, you should think about the diversity needed to create a successful workforce. When supported by remote-based employees and outsourced contractors, success is assured.
#2. Embracing growing industries
Your business doesn’t have to abandon its fundamentals or switch sectors in 2021 to succeed. Nonetheless, it should appreciate the changing landscapes. Embracing the best features of thriving industries can lift you to greater heights in the years to come.
Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the industries that are most likely to thrive over the next decade. Working with firms in those fields will allow you to stay one step ahead of the curve, leaving your competitors behind. This process can extend to concepts like taking digital crypto payments too.
Tech advancements have seen major generational shifts over the past 50 years. We are currently in the middle of another transition. Ignore it today, and it will cost you dearly tomorrow.
#3. Adapting the commercial spaces
Even as normality returns, millions of consumers will be wary about daily activities. Shopping in packed and unorganized stores will be one of the most noticeable mindset hangovers. Creating a floorplan layout that promotes social distancing will have a positive impact.
This could include using mobile POS systems that allow employees to handle interactions away from the cash registers. One-way systems, wider aisles, and foot traffic limitations are all good solutions. It might last another year or another decade. Either way, you must be prepared to keep consumer fears at bay.
Likewise, you should make sure that all spaces are equipped with hand cleaning and sanitizing stations. It will deliver peace of mind for visitors and employees alike. Embrace it.
#4. Prioritize customer experiences
Consumer habits and mindsets were changing before the pandemic. Still, COVID-19 has accelerated the transition. A growing percentage of interactions, including transactions, are now completed online. It’s something that even local businesses must encourage.
The research shows that customers will happily pay more money for a better consumer experience. A responsive customer care team, as well as the use of live chatbots, will set a winning tone. Fair returns policies and tailored packages can promote a positive atmosphere too. In turn, clients will visit more frequently, and spend more.
A greater focus on customer experiences should be present in telesales and face-to-face interactions as well. Ultimately, when customers are valued they will consciously repay your efforts.
#5. Keep financial waste to a minimum
As a business owner, you need to consider client perspectives at all times. Millions of people have lost jobs or feel that their finances are on less stable ground than before. Consequently, then, this will influence purchasing decisions. It could reduce sales figures for some time.
It is an issue you’ve faced throughout the past year. Nonetheless, if revenue will continue to suffer, you must learn to cut costs without cutting corners. Regular analysis of spending habits can identify where capital is wasted. Whether changing suppliers or losing time-consuming meetings doesn’t matter.
Reduced expenses without lost quality will remove the pressure to sell quite so many items. It’ll also put you in a stronger position with regards to pricing structures, which can lead to greater conversions.
#6. Focus on influencer marketing
Making customers aware of your brand won’t be easy, not least when people are at home. Thankfully, they are constantly glued to their devices. This gives you an opportunity to target them through social media and your website. Still, your content will have limited impacts.
After all, prospective clients interact with thousands of ads every single day. They will take your words with a pinch of salt. You can overcome the problems linked to this issue by using other people. Social media influencers are a great example. Their words carry weight and their followers will check out your company.
Moreover, testimonials from previous customers are great. They can answer the questions posed by interested leads. The insight can put their fears to bed, which pushes the sale over the line.
#7. Build contingencies
It’s one thing to create a business model that thrives when things are going well. But being ready for any changes that may be thrown your way is another altogether. If the last few months have shown anything, it’s that you cannot expect smooth operations at all times.
As such, preparing for setbacks is vital. What happens if another lockdown occurs? Will you be able to provide a delivery service or complete online sales? Other issues to consider include the loss of employees due to a breakout. Working with an agency can solve this problem. The sooner you act, the better.
Contingencies extend to managing teams remotely. Or recovering from security breaches and reacting to payment defaults. When you are prepared for all outcomes, you can focus your attention on plan A.
