One of the most difficult things business leaders have had to do throughout the pandemic is ensure not only their business survived but that staff morale and client confidence was maintained.
A year ago no one knew what to expect and the economic landscape was much more uncertain than it is now.
According to Northern Ireland business coach Bernie Allen experience in how the pandemic is shaping the world around us isn’t enough for businesses to survive.
She said: “With the new of a general plan of exiting the lockdowns and restrictions and a bit of hope that a new normal isn’t far away business leaders can now start really planning for their future.
“However, whilst planning for the future is absolutely essential the threat to our businesses hasn’t gone away and survival should, for many leaders and business owners, still be top of the agenda.”
Here are 5 things Bernie says you can do to continue surviving:
- Know Your Vision
“Successful business leaders not only know where they are with their business at any given time, but they know where they are going” said Bernie, adding: “Especially during uncertain times, it is essential that you exert as much control over your vision as you possibly can, while remaining suitably prepared for the odd bump in the road.
“You should know what you want, know what you need to do to get it and most of all know why you want it. Knowing your why is the single best way to stay connected to your vision, and achieve it.”
- Make A Plan
Bernie explained: “So you know what you want, and you know roughly what you need to do to get there. Now it’s time to make a plan. As a business owner, these unprecedented times can cause us to feel defeated by our plans, because the plans we once had now seem so far removed from our current reality.
“However, it must be said that poor preparation produces poor results, and if you are a business leader who is hell bent on surviving this pandemic, then it is essential you have a plan up your sleeve.”
- Focus On Action
As you make your plan, I cannot stress enough the importance of focusing on action. Centre all of your planning around tangible actions that you can take to move the needle forward in your business.
“It’s true, for many of us Covid has thrown the needle in the air completely, but getting back on track relies on focusing on action. Once you begin taking relevant, positive action, motivation will follow.” said Bernie.
- Break It Down
Bernie said: “Have you ever felt as though you have so much to do that you don’t know where to start? Me too. We all have. However, the important thing is that you start somewhere.
“Take the actions that you know you need or want to complete, and break them into smaller, bitesize tasks which are more easily completed. This will make it much easier for you to survive the pandemic as a business owner.”
- Serve
Bernie’s final words of advice: “Finally, there has never been a more important time to adopt the service mindset. Serve more than you ever have before.
“Focus on adding value, on helping. That way, when we are finally out the other end of the pandemic, you will be the one still standing.
“These five but simple strategies, if implemented, will help you have clarity, focus and a clear path on your journey to recovery out of this pandemic.”
If you would like to find out more about what you can do as a business leader or owner to keep on top of your game and not let challenges or situations change your direction contact Bernie Allen at bernieallen.com or by emailing [email protected]
Bernie Allen’s book How To Succeed In Business & Life is out now published by Excalibur Press and available from excaliburpress.co.uk.