The Covid-19 pandemic took the world by storm and had a global impact unlike anything else in modern history. It took a toll on people physically, mentally, and financially and left much of the world scrambling to adapt. Given how quickly the disease spread, the speed at which our lives changed was sudden. Not only were individuals caught off guard, but millions of businesses both large and small felt the impact all over the world. Some industries such as cleaning products and healthcare related items soared while industries like travel, retail, food, and hospitality came to a sudden halt. Companies around the world struggled to respond to the chaos that came with Covid-19 and they were forced to adapt quickly in order to survive. These external events are out of our control and have brought chaos and disorder to our lives, so businesses need to know how and when to respond if they want to stay afloat. Now is the time for many businesses to radically rethink their business model and make real changes across their organization. Here are a few tips for changing your business model in order to embrace this new world.
Take Advantage of Major Trends
It’s important to pay close attention to major trends that are becoming widespread. For example, many businesses have adopted a remote working model which can be more appealing to workers. As for customers, home delivery has become increasingly popular. Many businesses are now looking for ways to provide their goods and services more conveniently. When you notice a major trend, ask yourself, “How can we adapt our business model to better fit this trend?”
Know What Your Customers Want
The most successful businesses are those who really know how to cater to the needs of their customers. It is extremely important when you adopt a new business model to keep your customers’ needs at the forefront of your mind. This starts with knowing who your target customers are and what motivates them. For example, an eyeglass company began sending multiple frames to customers because they knew their customers wanted to be able to try their glasses on at home and take their time making a decision. Likewise, grocery store chains have begun offering mobile ordering services because they know that’s what customers want.
Bring in Fresh Talent
Sometimes it can be challenging to implement a new business model with current employees. That’s because existing employees are thinking along the lines of how the business works now. They are used to things so it’s hard for them to think outside the box. A real game-changer can be to bring someone new to the table who can look at things through a different lens. Hiring fresh talent allows businesses to stay innovative.
Place Small Bets
In the midst of chaos, many businesses might not be prepared to bet big on a new idea. Rather, this is the time to look for ways to bring about innovative ideas cheaply, quickly, and efficiently. It is critical that businesses are able to reduce their risk by making small investments during times of uncertainty.