Opportunities!
Most definitely.
Opportunities to redesign a business model, pivot the strategy, redeploy assets, fulfill an emerging or unmet need, build a stronger team, drop low performing products and services, lean up operations and supply chains . . .
But I have also observed it’s the minority that embrace and exploit them.
Finding these opportunities has more to do with having a ‘can do or will do’ mindset, a bias for action and a creative approach to observing customer and market behaviours, what Edward De Bono called ‘Green Hat’ thinking. It’s a way of looking at a challenge with no restriction or inhibition on what could be done, no limitations just being creative. Once the ideas are down then it is a process of assessing their merit in your current state of play. Those who have a positive mindset and easy access to knowledge and can position themselves during this time will be able to move fast on opportunities they spot.
Darwin’s observation . . . It is not the strongest of the species that survives but the most adaptable . . . has more meaning now than ever before. Here is a list of proactive ideas our clients have for not just surviving but potentially thriving in adversity:
– Cold store trucks converted to delivery vans
– Real estate agents already hosting virtual open homes via Face Book live
– Taxis converted to parcel transport
– Face to face training by gyms and dance studios shifting to virtual platforms
– Professional service firm advisors connecting more regularly for fast advice sprints with clients via zoom calls
– Online fitness and yoga classes etc run at same time as the normal class, that are recorded, and clients can join in when it suits them
– Bars running Virtual happy hours where drink packs are delivered along with cocktail making classes offered online
– Pick up & return mechanical servicing and repairs that also details and sanitises the car before delivery
– Knock & drop food deliveries, ordered before 2pm delivered the same day
– Deliveries starting at midnight, so items are waiting for customer when they get up
– A training company using Virtual Reality tools instead of face to face training
– Collaboration of previously competing companies working together to provide all in one value proposition – what I call co-opetition
– Packing excess stock with other items to make package deals eg: Wine & Curry Dinner
– Travel agent offering a trip refund recovery service, then use refunds to plan a future trip of a lifetime
– Dining Bonds – Pay now, dine later at your favorite restaurant
– Converted loading dock into a drive by/pick up solution
– Bottle shops offering groceries and fruit and veg convenience
– Restaurant kitchens and chefs shifting to chilled and frozen meal prep and distribution for those isolated at home
They are also looking to the future and planning to:
Each day we are hearing of new and creative ways our clients are tackling the challenge of keeping their business operating in these difficult times. The important thing is to not give up. Tough times are always about opportunities . . . opportunities to do things differently, to spawn new industries and business models.
Regards Sean
PS: Whenever you’re ready . . . here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:
1. Join the Business By Design Facebook community & connect with other businesses who are wanting to improve like you. It’s our private community where we share the latest insights, business tips and ask questions about business. – Join now by just Clicking Here.
2. Download The Profit Booster Hacks for Business E-Book. These 12 simple strategies guarantee more profit in your business without having to find any new customers! – Just Click Here . . . it’s free
3. Learn more about the Future Leaders Program. Specifically designed to give future leaders the necessary insights and tools to close the skills gap, regardless of seniority or experience. Our interactive two-day workshop, we help you high-potential team members to: make the transition from “mate” to manager; recognise the difference between managing, coaching, and leading; and understand the 5 levels of leadership – Click Here
4. Work with me and my team privately. If you’d like to work directly with me and my team to take you from 6 to 7 figures… just reply to this message and put “Private” in the subject line… tell me a little about your business and what you’d like to work on together, and I’ll get you all the details!