Tough Times, Stronger Business: 5 Strategies on How to Thrive, Not Just Survive, During Economic Downturns

Economic downturns are challenging for any business and we are currently in a state of great global uncertainty. If you are a CEO, COO, HR Head, Manager, or VP and feel the same way we have good news for you. In this blog post, we share five tips on how to make your business thrive, not just survive, during those difficult times. It is important that you prepare yourself and your business to withstand the financial shocks that come with an economic downturn, as the next one could be just around the corner. 

1. Focus on Core Competencies

As a business, it is crucial to stick to your core competencies when economic times are tough. Companies that can stay on top of their niche with expertise will have a better chance of weathering a recession. If your resources are limited, you should focus on the products and services that you do best, and increase sales on them rather than trying new things that can be a higher risk.

2. Improve Your Sales Strategy

Your sales team brings in the revenues for your success and you must make the most of their time to convert prospects into revenues. You can leverage technology and software solutions to help your team by providing them with useful data analysis tools, lead generation and sales automation, but specialized training for your team that separates you from your closest competition is a must. Increasing skills, closing ratios and ensuring a maximum ROI on every marketing dollar that you spend is a wise investment. Always align your sales strategy with the overall business strategy to ensure they complement each other. In tough times, it is also critical to give your sales team additional incentives to retain talented individuals, like offering extra bonuses and rewards for meeting targeted goals.

3. Look After Your Employees

The employees are the backbone of any organization. Treating them fairly in tough times can encourage them to be more loyal when things get back on track. Provide them with a safe environment, understand their work-life balance struggles, and offer financial assistance if necessary. Remember, happy employees equate to higher productivity and increased revenues.

4. Invest in Training Your Employees

Your employees are your biggest assets. Offering training programs may initially appear like an expense, but it is a smart investment. Increasing your top line revenues by helping them develop new skills, efficiency and increased performance is not only a revenue driver but also a tax deduction. In addition they’ll give back to the business with new ideas and increased motivation as well. Workshops, conferences, and webinars are some of the excellent ways to make sure your employees stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the market.

5. Monitor Your Progress Closely

When you're already in a crisis, implementing an excellent plan of action is paramount. However, it's not enough to create a plan and leave it at that. Regularly assess your progress to determine where you stand in relation to your short and long-term objectives. Assess your financial models, and use metrics to track your performance. 

An economic downturn may seem like it has no silver lining, but in reality, it’s actually an opportunity for businesses to regroup and come out stronger. The key is to stay calm and focused on the plan. By implementing product cost-cutting strategies, focusing on your core competencies, investing in employee training and improving sales efficiency, businesses can thrive and not just survive during economic downturns. Use the tips and strategies shared in this blog post to prepare for the worst, and gear up for a brighter future.

About Betsy: Featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC, Betsy Allen-Manning is a high-energy leadership keynote speaker, high-performance expert, and workplace culture strategist who helps organizations develop world-class leaders, build high-performing teams, and create workplaces where people stay, grow, and thrive. She’s the creator of the DNA of Excellence™ keynote series: data-backed and highly interactive presentations that strengthen leadership behavior, elevate performance, and transform workplace culture. Betsy is also the founder of Destination Workplace™, an award-winning leadership training company in Dallas, known for advancing leadership excellence and transforming workplace culture for some of the world’s most elite brands.