If the last few years has taught us anything, it is that things can change very quickly. In order to stay relevant and maintain success, you have to make sure that your business is able adapt to the market around you. Here are 5 tips on how to make sure you keep your business relevant in an ever-changing market by Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson, the founder of Goho.
Never stop learning
Whatever position you are in, never stop learning. Challenge yourself each week to learn something new. Encourage your team to do the same and then spend time sharing what you have learnt with one another. Schedule thirty minutes into your calendar every single day to watch a webinar, read about a subject you’re interested in and keep up to date with what’s happening in yours and your clients’ industries. Knowledge is power, so keep building it and never get complacent.
Be flexible
The world of work has changed. Employees and clients want flexibility in how they work. We are no longer in a 9-5 world. Some clients still like an old fashioned phone call rather than a zoom. But it changes quickly. For example. Once lockdown lifted last Summer, clients were all crying out for face to face meetings. Some had worked with organisations for a whole year and not met them in real life, but fast forward six months, and everyone is back to video and phone calls. Make sure you’re flexible and aware of the situation at any given time.
Look at your business and delivery model and see if it reflects the world we now live in, change it if it doesn’t.
Stay personal
Spend time getting to know your clients. Find out what's keeping them up at night and ask yourself honestly if you are providing a service that can help them? Don’t assume you know what their troubles or needs are. Every business and business owner is different, dont just use a templated scattergun approach for all your clients. By making sure you go the extra mile to learn about others, and tailor your work specifically for them, You’ll even discover some things about yourself and your own company that you put into practice.
In a time where so much is done online, remember we are all human. Include personaltouches wherever you can. It’ll go a long way.
Data
Constantly monitor and analyse everything that you do. If it's not working then stop doing it! Don’t fall into the trap that lots of startups and small business owners do; collect data and do nothing with it. If you’re unsure of how to analyse traffic to your site, social media metrics, email marketing results, financials etc, either hire someone to help you, or follow the first tip and learn how to do it!
Build up a loyal team
Spend time building up a team that believes in and lives your company's values. You want a team that is willing to adapt and change to the market alongside you and support you with every step!
