What-if?

This is the one single question I constantly ask myself in year 2020.

This year I have seen traditional business models are rapidly changing, some are even diminished or struggling to survive. In many cases, longer-term strategies seem daunting.

Maybe it is time for a re-think?

Rather than worrying about uncertainty or worse hide from it until it goes away, would it be better to grasp it with both hands and exploit the "once in a lifetime" disruption and uncertainty?

While others are running around with their heads on fire or sitting on their hands, why not move forward with your plans?

Take a look at the innovative technology out there or go back to basics to strip down what you do and shape your ideas, services, offerings and products into something new better and relevant as this might be the best time for making significant changes in your business.

What if – we think through the following thought processes?

1. What if – we can increase sales?

Sales enquiries and making the most of your marketing channels and budgets are vital for all businesses. Asking the right questions, to the right people will allow you to understand your customers better. Enabling you to overcome objections and create a simple sales process which encourages them to speak to you. 

2. What if – we can expand to new markets?

Knowing what's possible and where your competitors are going wrong are valuable insights.

Combined with team expertise and timing, you will be able to launch your products and services into new markets.

If it is not working or a competitor has tried it and failed, it is best to know early: why they failed and what can you do to improve the chances of success.

Knowing the right direction to go, with the right map and equipment will ensure you are in the market sooner, getting customers quicker and making a return straightaway.

3. What if – we leverage technology better than before?

The technology used correctly and at the right time will make you more effective and efficient.

Technology can give you the first-mover to catch your rivals on the back foot, which will help you:

• Develop new sales channels
• Know your customer inside out
• Ensure your products and services are needed
• Increase certainty and confidence
• Understand the direction you are taking

4. What if - customer experience is the new marketing?

Today, everyone has no time or patience. Everything is instant and within one-click, your customers have moved onto something else. They expect a tremendous slick user experience. Your ability to create that seamless customer journey, so customers remember you and buy from you and not from your competitor is something to think about. 

There are still opportunities for us to lead our businesses by asking (and answering), all of these “What-ifs,” but that time might be quickly coming to an end as we are heading towards the end of 2020.

Jakarta, 4th November 2020.