The pandemic and the restrictions that accompanied it, which are set to be lifted on 19th July, forced thousands of small businesses to think on their feet to keep their customers happy and the wolf from the door.
While many rolled with the punches and pivoted to meet clients’ needs, other firms struggled to adapt or find new revenue streams.
As we gear up for reopening, it’s a good time to take a closer look at your business after the past 18 months. Here are four ways to get it in the best possible shape to deal with the next phase of the new normal.
Beef up your business plan
Every business has a plan but success lies not only in sticking to it, but also knowing when to screw it up, throw it over your shoulder and start again.
Covid has to be among the top 10 seismic events to shake up the business community, and the entrepreneurs who thrived were the ones who responded nimbly to the changes, drawing on services like ours to fill skills gaps, or identifying new trends such as working from home.
If you pivoted too, then chances are you’ve shifted away from your original business plan. Taking another look will ensure customer pain points still exist, and you have the means to solve them.
Check the kitty
Almost every business has taken a financial hit in the past 18 months, and getting your business back on its feet means looking at the numbers and making sure they add up.
There has been lots of government help available during the lockdowns, and it’s worth finding out what you’re entitled to as the furlough schemes wind down.
Plus, a revamped business plan that identifies new markets could also help you secure a small business loan if you need a cash injection.
Set achievable goals
Anyone who has ever embarked on a fitness plan will know it’s almost impossible to go from couch potato to 5k runner in a single step, and it’s exactly the same in business.
Instead, set yourself achievable milestones that will grow your business steadily. Ensure the goals are measurable so you can monitor progress, and impose a realistic deadline.
Each time you achieve your objective, you can set a new, more ambitious target, enabling the business to get back into shape without overwhelming you or your team.
Tell your story
Resetting and refocusing your business can be an intensive, emotional process, and it’s worth sharing with your customers.
Opening up about the challenges your business has faced and overcome is a chance to connect with clients on a human level, and bring a level of authenticity to your brand that would most marketing strategists pick up their mood boards and go home.
We support lots of businesses as they adjust to the new normal, and we can help you too. Virtual Assistant Whiz offers vital admin support on an ad-hoc or regular basis. Contact us at info@virtualassistantwhiz.co.uk and let’s find out what we can do for you.
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