The economy took a big hit during the pandemic, and it continues to feel its effects this year. Currently, the unemployment rate is around 3%, which is lower than during the pandemic but still much higher than before the pandemic hit. And unfortunately, it’s not just the unemployment rate that’s been affected. Wages have also stagnated and even decreased in some cases.
Many businesses continue to close their doors for good, only adding to the problem. However, if you don’t want your company to become a statistic, there are things that you can do to help keep it afloat during these difficult times.
Here are five ways to keep your company afloat during the pandemic:
Diversify Your Income Streams
If your business is heavily reliant on one income stream, now is the time to start diversifying. Look for other revenue streams you can tap into, even if they’re not related to your core business.
For example, if you own a restaurant, you could start offering delivery or take-out options. Or, if you have a brick-and-mortar store, you could start selling online. The more income streams you have, the less likely you will feel the effects of a downturn in one particular area.
Apple is a prime example of a big business that diversified its services during the pandemic. In addition to its core product offerings, the company started selling its products through other retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart. Diversifying where their products can be sold.
During this time, Apple was able to prosper despite the effects of the pandemic. The diversification has led to increased revenues during the pandemic.
Build an Emergency Fund
For your business to succeed during the pandemic, you have to make personal sacrifices, including using your own money. One way to do this is by building up an emergency fund that you can use when things get tough.
An emergency fund is crucial for any business, but it’s a must during a pandemic. You never know when you might have to shut down your operations or reduce your staff. Having an emergency fund will help you cover these unexpected costs.
If you want to build an emergency fund, you should consider opening a new savings account. First, you should look for some of the best high yield savings accounts. Look into the interest rates of each and compare them. This kind of savings account can help you earn more interest on your money to build up your fund quicker.
Cut Back on Expenses
Another way to grow your emergency fund is by cutting back on expenses. This includes both personal and business expenses. For example, you could reduce your travel budget or cancel subscriptions that you don’t use often. Every little bit helps when you’re trying to save money.
You should also review your business expenses and see if there are any areas where you can cut back. For example, you might be able to negotiate better rates with your suppliers or reduce your marketing budget. But, again, every little bit helps when you’re trying to save money.
Focus on Your Core Business
During a pandemic, it’s essential to focus on your core business. This is the part of your business that generates the most revenue. For example, if you own a restaurant, your core business would be serving food.
It’s essential to focus on your core business because this will keep you afloat during tough times. Therefore, you should continue to invest in your core business and look for ways to grow it.
At the same time, you should cut back on non-essential activities. For example, avoid doing discretionary spending and unnecessary projects. These are the things that can drain your resources and make it harder for you to focus on your core business.
One example is how Amazon cut back on its investment in new projects during the pandemic. Instead, the company focused on its core business of selling and shipping products. As a result, it allowed them to continue to grow despite the effects of the pandemic.
By focusing on your core business, you can ensure that your business can weather the storm during the pandemic.
Keep Your Employees Engaged
Finally, it’s essential to keep your employees engaged during the pandemic. This includes both full-time and part-time employees. The pandemic has been tough on everyone, and it’s essential to stay connected with your team.
There are a few ways you can keep your employees engaged. First, you can hold regular team meetings. This is a great way to stay connected with your team and keep everyone on the same page.
You can also use technology to stay connected with your team. For example, you could use video conferencing software to hold virtual meetings. Or, you could use a chat tool to keep in touch throughout the day.
Whatever you do, make sure you keep your employees engaged. This will help ensure that they’re productive and motivated during the pandemic.
The pandemic has been tough on businesses, but there are ways to weather the storm. By focusing on your core business, cutting back on expenses, and keeping your employees engaged, you can keep your business afloat during these challenging times.