Business Description
It is evident that the economy is slowing and that we stand on the brink of another possible recession. As alarming as this seems, it mustn’t be a death knell - the business environment tends to go through these cycles of peaks and valleys every few years. Most companies tend to weather this storm in the short term and manage to turn it around. So, what does it take to stick it out in a tough economic environment?
Communicate transparently:
A company should always be transparent with its employees about the headwind it is facing. Don’t shy away from openly communicating to all your employees, investors, and other stakeholders. Be honest about what the business is going through and outline your plan of action. These collaborative sessions help align the company’s vision with stakeholders and encourage a united front.
Improve efficiency:
Doubling down on operational efficiency is a crucial way to recession-proof your business. Streamlining processes and developing innovative, strategic business plans will help you make the most of your resources on hand. Identify any underutilized resources and trim the fat where necessary. Put regular checks in place to drive team performances and analyze any gaps. Review performances regularly and touch base with internal teams to address bottlenecks early.
Set a sense of security:
Tough economic conditions can leave your employees with a sense of discomfort and insecurity which may eventually affect their productivity; be supportive of them during this time. Display sincere empathy and assure them of their job security. If you have to take cost-cutting measures, make sure that the transition is smooth enough and doesn’t endanger your employees and other stakeholders.
Track your cash flow:
In an economic downturn, protecting your cash flow is what will keep you afloat. Now is not the time to test the water with new ventures - ensure that any expansion plans are carefully deliberated or shelved for more stable times. Make a sustainable cash plan for the foreseeable future and identify all counterparty risks. Monitor all your expenses at a micro-level and eradicate any unnecessary expenditures. The smallest expense can add up over time and make a huge difference in the bottom line of the company.
Hustle harder:
Once you face a crash, you need to fill potential gaps to run your business at an aggressive rate. This requires an extremely proactive approach, with an increased focus on business development and retention. The company needs to hold frequent meetings for business development, follow up with the clients, and most importantly maintain relationships with existing customers. You need to handle the economic turmoil without it affecting the core competency of the business.
Final words:
Ebbs and flows in the economic climate are inevitable and no business is immune. With the right approach, a recession can actually prove to be an opportunity to improve efficiency and build stronger, more efficient teams. By keeping operational efficiency at the forefront and a close eye on potential pitfalls, any company can brave the impending recession without going under and even come out on top.
SILA has made its space in the business of Facility Management by providing Facility management services, real estate advisory and project management.
