Tips For Creating A Recession Proof Business Plan
“You can’t be married to any specific strategy, product, or service,” said Abhi Lokesh, CEO and co-founder of Fracture. “You’ve got to be willing to try everything you can, see what works, and pivot accordingly.”
Lokesh, who launched Fracture at the height of the Great Recession in 2009, acknowledges that change can be difficult. Still, entrepreneurs can’t let pride, stubbornness, or tradition get in the way of survival.
“It’s a matter of being incredibly detail-oriented and leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of being as financially stable as possible,” he told CO—.
Listen to your customers’ current needs
Understanding and serving your customers’ needs is important at any time. But it’s crucial to empathize with their struggles in the midst of a recession.
Eli Diament, founder and director of Azurite Consulting, recommends using primary research to understand these changes better. By conducting customer research via surveys or focus groups, you’ll understand how your customers’ needs and buying habits are shifting.
“If done effectively, primary research will allow you to tap into the decision-makers and users you want and need to hear from,” Diament added. “A well-designed and precisely targeted survey can collect these insights far better than any panel, ‘gut feel,’ or word-of-mouth.”
Cut unnecessary costs
Keeping a close eye on expenses and cash flow can help you plan for your financial future and avoid overspending. Of course, it can be hard to cut back on your costs and maintain a high level of quality in your products and services.
That’s why Lisa Vitale, business matchmaker at BarterPays!, recommends getting creative with your spending. “This is going to be a long, financially lean road. Seek out alternate revenue streams to continue building your client base, allowing you to preserve your financial stability, even when existing customer sales are down.”
William Vanderveer, CEO of Redefine Healthcare, always recommends keeping six months’ worth of expenses in savings in case your sales drop. However, this isn’t always possible, especially for businesses that depleted their savings trying to stay afloat.
If you constantly find yourself short on cash flow, you may want to explore financing options. It’s always better to have access to a line of credit before you need it.
Article courtesy of the U.S Chamber of Commerce