14 Jun Business planning in uncertain times

Business planning in uncertain times can seem like an impossible task and a mountain of hopes, but with challenges come opportunities and with opportunities come unknown territories.

The only way to see what’s behind that door is to walk through it, whole heartedly and fully aware of having to step out of your comfort zone. That’s the wonderful thing about change, it drives us to grow personally and professionally, whilst adding more value to what we do.

In the last few months, I’ve been busy taking our clients through the process of choosing the right set of tools, so they can be confident and as prepared as possible, to walk through uncharted waters. The common theme among all was the ability to let go of the old to explore the new. Ideas were just flowing through their heads and all I had to do was facilitate the project management plan and cash flow to back it up.

Every successful business has one thing in common – THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR DNA. Ask yourself some of these questions:

• Why does my business exist?
• Who are our customers?
• How to we add the most value to our customers?
• Does what we do align with our values?
• Does what we do align with our customers values?
• Has our target audience changed?
• Is there a different market opportunity for us?

Any given business has a draw card, a reason for people to walk in, or buy of you. Is it your location, your star product or the people? Why are people coming to you?

If it is your location, and you were banking on international tourists, can you re-purpose the way to tell the story? Think about how other industry sectors are operating and if there is an opportunity for them to utilise your historic site, i.e. retreats, school camps, glamping, and mountain biking huts.

None of us can walk it alone. Make sure you plan for troughs, time your next step and have a sound plan. Set yourself realistic milestones and get someone to hold you accountable. Partner up with other players in the industry to share the load and create an unforgettable experience?

Always remember, people don’t buy what you sell, they buy WHY you sell it. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is about the people, about our story and about who we are.