Four strategies to steer your business through extraordinary times
Many industries are feeling the effects of recent events and chances are everything is up in the air at the moment. We’re all adapting to a new normal, embracing new ways of working if we can during these troubled times. But just because the situation feels uncertain and we’re facing more hurdles than normal, it doesn’t mean business has to stop in its tracks.
Whether your organisation is now working remotely, running with a skeleton staff, or if you’re taking each day as it comes just to make ends meet, here are four simple strategies we are using to steer us through these extraordinary times that you can use too.
Look after your people
Without your staff, your business wouldn’t be able to accomplish much. Often, they will be the ones who are there with you for the good times and will hopefully still be here during the bad ones. So it’s only fair that you return the favour and show them how much you appreciate them. And it doesn’t take much to look after your staff during a tumultuous time. Try your best to keep everyone in the loop and provide comfort and assurance where possible.
The worst part for your staff will be the not knowing. By maintaining open and honest communication about where the business is at, what your plans are, and what the future might look like, you’ll generate a greater sense of ease and comfort across your workforce.
Also, if your staff are working remotely for the first time, be sure to check in on them regularly. Working from home doesn’t suit everyone, and a quick phone call could go a long way in reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness during troubled times.
Be selfless
Now is not the time to try to gain a competitive edge. With so many businesses and individuals unsure what the next few months will hold, or even if their businesses will survive, now is a time to be compassionate, tactful, and supportive.
Instead of going for the hard sale at a time like this, think of ways you can add value to your network. Offer free advice, support, or guidance to those who are struggling most. Make sure people know you’re available and willing to help.
People will remember the businesses that rose to the challenge and showed their value just as much as those who appeared insensitive, cold, and uncaring. Pay it forward and ensure you’re on the right side of this.
Embrace technology
What being forced to work from home will reveal is how much can be achieved through technology. Video calls and conferences are great at filling the gaps when your team can’t physically be together during troubled times.
With your team spread apart, harness technology to maintain productivity and a sense of connection. 89% of respondents say video conferencing helps them to feel connected to their team and 94% of businesses say it improves productivity.
Technology provides the means to maintain effective and productive business relationships and communication, even when you’re all working remotely. Scheduling regular, virtual team meetings will also significantly boost morale and positivity.
Productive downtime
Some businesses are finding themselves forced into downtime until the COVID-19 crisis ends. But just because you can’t operate as normal doesn’t mean you can’t do anything.
Use this time to strategise and plan ahead for the future. Spend your days achieving everything you wished you had more time for when things were busy and thriving. Brainstorm ideas for new services/products, how to enhance your marketing strategy, or better yet, how to incorporate CSR into the fabric of your business.
Even though your business operations aren’t what they were, you don’t need to switch off altogether. No business is immune from the effects of this global crisis. But we can all take some comfort in the fact we’re not alone in these troubled times. Whether you’ve had to adapt to remote working, are unsure what the next few months will look like, or have halted completely, these are simple things you can do to make things easier for yourself, your staff, and your business.
At Impact, we understand how complicated business is right now. But we also believe there are plenty of ways for us to work together, give back, and reach the other side stronger than before. If you have any questions or want more advice on navigating your business through this time, feel free to email or call us on 0161 532 4752.