While there is still a level of uncertainty, Hayley Koseoglu consultant at IEKOS,  says now could be the right time to take a step back and plan ahead to make a positive impact in 2021

It’s fair to say our 2020 plans didn’t go as expected and business owners have gone through the biggest challenge the economy has seen in decades, so surviving is a massive achievement. Be very proud that you are still going in 2021!

To move forward, embrace the new opportunities that lay ahead and get your plans in place.

Get your plans in place Although you may feel a structured 12-month plan may not be possible, breaking it down and thinking how the year may pan out could be really beneficial. Previously, you may have had a very detailed approach, but start this year’s process with an overview plan looking at key areas:

  • Improvement
  • Change
  • Growth

Be prepared to take risks

If you wait for the perfect opportunity or the right time you will never make a move – so instead start with a decisive and positive mindset. I watched the Channel 4 documentary about Poundland’s expansion and the MD’s statement really hit home when he said it was a ‘calculated risk’ to continue with plans during the pandemic. Risks are part of any business strategy but you have to be sure of your limits – they should be evaluated against research and a robust ‘what if’ plan. So, let’s get things moving…

Getting started

To understand how you can learn from the past year, start a review process. Get feedback from your team, customers, suppliers, and peers, and use this to flesh out the three key areas.

Improve

Many of us have learned new things and some practices can now be implemented in a long-term strategy to improve the way we operate.

Questions to consider

  • Has your team been more or less productive working from home?
  • How has communication been affected with lockdowns and restrictions?
  • If you adopted new working practices, what level of improvement would this bring to the business?

Change

Change can be difficult – sometimes getting buy-in from your team and customers can be a hurdle but surviving last year has meant change was necessary so now is the time to pursue it while everyone is more used to it.

Questions to consider

  • With improved online services now available, can you better serve customers with an omni channel approach?
  • Would an investment in new software enable more efficiency?
  • Do you need to change your working hours and days?
  • Could you change your offering in the long-term?

Grow

Plans to grow must be carefully considered as commitment in both time and resources will be needed. If you can identify areas to improve and change, then growth should be the natural next step.

Questions to consider

  • Have previous growth plans been successful –if not, why?
  • Have you seen growth in business areas during the pandemic?
  • What have others within your industry done successfully that you could adopt?

I am offering free support calls in January for businesses needing help to move forward.

Get in touch to find out more iekos.co.uk

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