~by Anica Oaks~
Economic downturns are hard to predict, but they happen regularly. Some businesses are affected more than others by economic conditions. There are certain steps you can take to ensure that your business doesn’t face catastrophe every time the economy goes south.
Here are some of the best ways to keep your company a step ahead of economic downturns.
Always Seek More Customers
Even if you’re comfortable right now, it’s always best to focus on ways to grow and acquire more customers. When the next inevitable economic downturn hits, you may lose some of your customers. In earlier times, people who subsisted on their own farms and animals knew they had to store provisions for long winters. The same is true for businesses – you must store customers for times of hardship. Keep marketing, ask for referrals, and research ways to expand your customer base. That way, if any shrinkage occurs, you’ll be able to withstand it.
Learn About Economics
Many business owners and executives only understand economics as it applies to their own company. When you understand economic principles in a broader sense, it gives you a greater sense of perspective. You’ll be able to recognize clues that indicate where the economy is headed. You might read books and articles on economics in your spare time. Earning an online master’s in financial economics is another possibility, or you can simply hire a specialist with that degree to advise you on economic conditions and predictions.
Seek Ways to Improve Cash Flow
During economic downturns, you can’t afford to waste any money. You should keep this in mind while times are still good. Make sure you track your cash flow carefully. Most businesses can find ways to save money on everyday business expenses, technology, and other expenses. In addition to reducing expenses, you can improve cash flow by increasing sales, receiving loans, and collecting on past due accounts.
Encourage Customer Loyalty
When times are tough, consumers typically cut back on spending. This forces people to make difficult choices about what to keep spending on and what to give up. Which category your business falls into depends a great deal on how loyal your customers are. This has to do just as much with your customer service and your relationship with customers as it does with your actual products or services. The more you personalize your business, the more you make your customers increasingly loyal and less likely to abandon you during lean times.
Always Add Value
During recessions and even depressions, some businesses still thrive. These are often businesses that are indispensable to their customers. If people can find similar products elsewhere at a better price, they will most likely do so when they’re feeling financially challenged. The best way to keep your customers in all economic climates is to offer the very best value in your industry, niche, or region.
You should always be ready for economic downturns. That way, if conditions keep improving, you’ll be pleasantly surprised, but if they do get worse, you’ll still be prepared. The best approach is to run your business with the assumption that the next recession is right around the corner.
Meet the Author: Anica Oaks
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean and anything outdoor related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
