Business After Coronavirus: How To Manage A Crisis With the Future In Mind

As countries across the world slowly emerge from lockdown, the global economy is coming back to life. The longer-term ramifications of coronavirus remain to be seen. Some commentators predict significant changes, while others believe that things will return more or less to the way they were before. 

Irrespective of what the future holds, managers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, marketers and a host of others are formulating strategies for the coming months and years. Yet a great deal of uncertainty remains. And many business leaders are unsure about how to plan for a post COVID-19 future.  

While there aren’t any easy answers, there are some general guidelines that will help companies navigate the uncharted territory in which they find themselves. In this post, we’re going to outline six of the most important points.  

1. Realize There Are Limits to What You Can Do  

Some businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector, won’t be able to resume trade immediately. And even those that can get up and running straight away will likely have to deal with lower demand and restrictive safety measures.  

Most business models are geared towards concrete results, profits and greater efficiency. And in normal circumstances, this kind of approach is invariably successful. But sometimes it’s necessary to understand that patience is the best possible strategy.  

Accepting this reality will enable business leaders to focus on essential tasks like maintaining employee morale, limiting losses and putting in place a survival plan for when trade resumes. 

2. Use Periods of Downtime to Evaluate Your Existing Business Strategy  

Periods of inactivity caused by coronavirus are good times to reevaluate your corporate strategy and processes. Many competitor threats will be dormant and resources usually allocated for growth will be available.  

Consider the following points: 

• Goals and KPIs – What are your long-term goals and how do you measure key areas of performance? 
• Marketing strategy and positioning – When demand starts to increase, are there any aspects of your positioning and value proposition that will need modifying? Do your current marketing materials cater to the needs of post-coronavirus buyers? 
• Market understanding and buyer personas – What new needs and desires will your buyers have because of coronavirus? Have any new markets opened up?  
• Operational infrastructure – Which business processes can you make more efficient and streamlined? 
• Supply chains – Do you have supply chain contingencies in case current networks are affected by ongoing disruption?  

A modified business strategy which accounts for the challenges and opportunities of a post COVID-19 marketplace will put you in an excellent position to bounce back. It will also allow you to take full advantage of any pent-up demand in your market.  

3. Prepare for Safety Measures 

Failure to adhere to government-issued safety regulations will deter customers and might even land you in legal trouble. Preparing premises, offices and equipment to be in-line with new protocols should be a priority for all companies.  

Ensuring that staff are fully educated about how to adhere to regulations is also important. Companies will likely need to create training materials and purchase protective equipment, like face masks and hand sanitizer, for their employees.  

Spending a little time taking care of these essential tasks will save you lots of headaches further down the line. You can also assure your customers that they can return to shops and offices without any risk.  

4. Explore New Market Opportunities 

While coronavirus has detrimentally affected most businesses, it has also created new opportunities for companies that are able to weather the storm. Ensure that you’re aware of these opportunities so you can take advantage of them going forward.  

Many businesses will have to shut their doors. While nobody is celebrating this fact, it will open up new markets and customer segments that might previously have been out of reach. Equally, companies that can respond quickly to new purchasing habits, like home deliveries and online shopping, will gain an edge over their competitors.  

Keeping track of shifting customer behaviours and pinpointing unserved areas of your market should be a central part of your future strategy.  

5. Carry Forward Any Positive Insights  

Coronavirus has given some managers and business leaders insights about how to run their companies more effectively. This is especially true in regards to remote working, but also applies to other areas like employee wellbeing and maintaining customer loyalty in times of difficulty.  

With many day-to-day tasks sidelined, crises like coronavirus provide an opportunity for companies to try new things. Successful initiatives can then be carried forward with a view to driving greater efficiency.  

Many businesses have already decided to encourage their employees to work from home after seeing a reduction in office costs, and there’s even talk of home office stipends.  

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new things, both in relation to your workforce and your customers.  

6. Take Advantage of Aid Packages and Loans 

Most governments in Europe and around the world have vowed to protect businesses and bolster national economies in whatever way they can. It’s likely that companies will have access to a raft of financial aid packages in the coming months and years, in addition to what’s already been offered.  

Business leaders should make it a priority to understand the assortment of loans, grants, relief initiatives and so on that are available to them. They will likely prove invaluable when navigating future challenges and obstacles that arise.  

Also, remember to take full stock of any emergency reserves and contingency funds and allocate them appropriately.  

Are You Considering a Career in Business? 

Now more than ever, the world needs innovative, committed and enthusiastic corporate leaders. A career in business offers many exciting prospects, including the chance to make a difference by steering companies through an increasingly complex and crisis-prone world. 

A degree from EU Business School will provide you with the academic training and hands-on experience you need to launch a successful career.