We fantasize about the day we start our own business or make our first million. Maintaining success is the ultimate objective that many entrepreneurs fail to consider. But achieving success is only half the battle; sustaining success is the challenge because the only constant is change. We are dealing with continual flux now more than ever. The keys to surviving and thriving in this environment are flexible strategies, processes, and organizational culture so your company can go with the flow.
Flexible Strategies
The future isn’t clear. Experts, scholars, and even economists did not predict the dot.com bubble burst, the financial meltdown in 2008, or our recent Covid experience. Succeeding despite uncertainties is where Scenario Planning is essential. This planning approach helps decision-makers incorporate ambiguity, challenge conventional wisdom, and question core assumptions in current thinking. Scenario Planning helps us avoid two significant planning pitfalls: Overprediction and underprediction. Both can be obstacles in moving to the next level of success.
Download our “Scenario Planning Guide”
Powerful and Flexible Processes and Procedures
Sustainable success depends upon talent, teamwork, and reliable systems for your people to follow as the business transforms with change. Remember that every market is different, and so are core values and organizational culture; some systems are unique to your organization. Take time to communicate with your managers and leaders regarding what is and is not working and ask them for ideas and feedback for improvements. Review and collaborative discussion will strengthen your systems and create an ownership mentality among the leaders in your organization.
Culture
Innovation is a crucial component of corporate sustainability. Develop a creative culture in your company as a business owner and offer a forum to bring new, unique strategies that appeal to customers and clients. Innovation isn’t only about the trendiest new idea, thing, or service; it’s also about how it’s communicated and how the community receives it. The most crucial component of innovation is convincing your customers that they want a product before realizing it. Identify areas of opportunities where it makes sense to collaborate with your strategic vendors to adopt a fresh concept or service offering
Pay attention to all three of these simultaneously, rather than just one of them separately. You can assess how well your company and leadership team are set up for the future and aligned with your vision by considering these three critical factors as you interact with your team daily, weekly, and monthly.
Contact Us and we can help you with insights, and other resources, and see if it makes sense to work together. At the very least, in 30 minutes, you may get some ideas you can apply to your business right away.
The article was originally published on the Franchising.com website: The Keys to Surviving and Thriving in Today’s Business Climate
Scenario Planning Guide
We know the future isn’t certain. Experts, scholars, and even economists did not predict the dot.com bubble burst, the financial meltdown in 2008, or Covid in 2019; this is where Scenario Planning comes into the picture.
In short, Scenario Planning helps us avoid two significant planning pitfalls: Overprediction and Underprediction. Both can be barriers to moving to the next level of success.
Download our Free Scenario Planning Guide
Strategic Planning
The only constant one can plan for is change. Strategic planning positions the business to address the probable, possible, and potential contingencies impacting business success. 
Click the following link for more drill-down resources on Strategic Planning
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We can help you with insights, other resources, and see if it makes sense to work together. At the very least, in 30 minutes, you may get some ideas you can apply to your business right away.
