The ongoing pandemic has shown us what is absolutely essential, and what goes beyond our basic needs. It has also shown us which startups are likely to thrive in the post-COVID world, and which may need major overhauls.

What’s different now is the way those needs are fulfilled, due to the restrictions we all have to observe in our daily lives.

 

Signs of hope and challenge

The suddenness of the COVID-19 has caused some VC (venture capital) funding to be dropped, leading to disruption in supply chains and market activities.

However, nine months into 2020, there’s a steady increase in market activities, just like a steady increase in demand. This has shown that startups can actually thrive in all market conditions, although they may need to redefine their structures.

Now is the time to strategize, so we can adapt quickly to the changes being faced by everyone. Let’s have a look at some ways a small business or entrepreneur can redefine the startup ecosystem.

Related: How supply chain management can help your business grow

 

1. Reset your mindset

Given the pandemic, all our preconceived notions have to be thrown out of the window. It’s time for a hard reset of your mindset.

Depending on your business niche, you may be able to find a solution in the problem itself. For example, a teacher might not be able to teach his/her students in person, but it can be done through video conferencing.

In many cases, all it requires is opening your mind to new ways of delivering your product or service.

 

2. Reassess

Before you take any step, reassess your business. This is not because of the pandemic, but because you need a clear plan of action. If you don’t know the points to improve on, you’d never be able to improve them. And you may have to redefine what is essential.

With a startup, assessment or reassessment at each stage makes it easier to stay on course.

Anticipating a situation before it happens is one useful outcome of regular business assessments. That way, you can have systems in place to help you counteract any negative situations that might arise.

 

3. Reimagine

We reimagine our goals and ambitions daily, except we often do it unconsciously. But when you are trying to implement it in your business, you need to do it consciously. Never be afraid of roadblocks or changes.

A great way to stay up-to-date is to study the trends, and keep an eye on your competitors.

How do you think the market trends will affect your business? What needs to change to provide a better service or product? These are some of the questions that can help you reimagine the whole idea.

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4. Rethink

One of the most important strategy exercises that entrepreneurs can perform is to compare the present form of the startup with their initial vision. For a second, let go of all the details of the business — money, customers, systems and processes.

Close your eyes, and check out the overview of your present business. Does it match with your vision? Chances are, you will find some common points. If that is the case, you will be able to pivot, even during the extreme conditions.

However, if there is no common point between your vision when you started and the present scenario, it is time to rethink your business and its implementation. Here, you have two choices: fix what’s broken or start something new.

 

5. Implement

Once you have found the things you want to change, it’s time to actually make the changes. Due to the nature of the pandemic, cutting down on financial costs will likely be one of them. Let’s see how you can do that.

Related: Looking for government assistance for your small business?

 

Rethink your expenses

If you have discretionary expenses, cutting those would be a good first step. For example, the coffee machine in your office is a great way for employees to mingle — but you don’t need it in a pandemic.

Look around you, and see what you can live without for a few months. And, then let go of that.

 

Redeploy your assets

Instead of firing your employees or offering them pay cuts, think of how else you can use their skills. Revenue generation is something every startup needs at all times.

On the other hand, if you have administrative staff with reduced hours, offer them other options based on your business model. Rather than letting go of these experienced people, try to redeploy them. This will save you training down the track.

 

Find new sources of revenue

To stay afloat, all startups must regularly look for new sources of revenue. If you are hitting a roadblock, hiring a business strategist and consultant would be a good option. That way, you also get an unbiased view of your business systems and the changes needed.

Seek out pitching opportunities and teach your team how to explore these avenues for revenue generation. At the end of the day, your strategy matters more than your implementation for a sustained and continuous revenue generation method.

 

The way forward for startups

When it comes to business solutions, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. However, the steps of assessing, identifying, imagining and thinking will help you to understand where your business is. It’ll also help you to plan out a course of action to not just survive, but thrive.

Keeping a customer-centric mindset and doing your best to keep your team, would help you go a long way to stay afloat in this unique time.

 

Credits to: au.godaddy.com