2021 & The New Normal

Though we couldn’t possibly have predicted what 2020 would hold, there are plenty of ways small business owners can prepare for whatever 2021 might have in store. And while we hope to see a lot more success and a lot fewer germs, the truth is that there’s no way to know what we’ll encounter in the next 12 months. That’s why the most important qualities you and your small business should bring to the table in 2021 is the ability to adapt and stay nimble. We’ll dive into why this is so crucial, and share a few tips to help you and your business transition into a more adaptable model. 

Nimble is the New Normal

Staying light on your feet and preparing for the unexpected can make tackling unexpected hurdles less stressful and more straightforward. If your business is rooted in “old ways,” keep reading to learn more about how you can uproot yourself to remain adaptable. Businesses that were able to thrive in 2020 did one thing especially well, they adapted to a new consumer climate, adjusted to meet buyer demands, and made changes that allowed them to operate in a new normal. They didn’t spend 9 months of a pandemic trying to make their old ways work in a new environment. They changed, and that has made all the difference.

How to Achieve Adaptability 

It can be scary to think about uprooting the foundation of your business to make serious changes. The good news is that it doesn’t require a total, overnight overhaul. There are plenty of baby steps you can take with your business to inch closer and closer to reaching your goals of being more adaptable and nimble in the new year. 

• Start by examining your business model, are you accessible online and in person? Does your audience know where and how to find you on their smartphones, desktops, in the app store, on their Maps app, and in person? 

• Next, examine your mission statement and goals for the year. Do they include callouts that showcase your dedication to meeting your customers where they are? Do they highlight your commitment to showing up in whatever means necessary to provide great service no matter what? Make adjustments that reflect your mindset heading into 2021. 

• Finally, focus on what’s ahead of you. Continue to push on areas of your business strategy, marketing strategy, and beyond with the goal of being flexible and accessible in any environment. This can look like a commitment to your customers, cutting ties with anything that keeps you stuck in “old ways,” or investing in a new approach to your business plans in 2021. 

By, Ahmed Abusharbain