Think Differently in 2022
Three Things Small Businesses Should Do Differently in 2022
No sector of the U.S. economy was hit harder in 2020 than small business. As small businesses across America hope and prepare to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 and once again flourish, their leaders face a multitude of new challenges. More compelling than the challenges, however, are the promising opportunities such a restart presents. Whether it’s renewing an entire vision, revising a particular strategy, or simply reopening the doors, here are three ways all small business leaders can–and should–do things a bit differently in 2022.
Resetting Expectations
Even as small businesses look ahead to a more prosperous future, the pandemic won’t subside overnight, and its societal effects will outlast the virus itself. Resetting expectations to match the unpredictability of a pandemic’s cessation or aftermath isn’t easy, so business planning in the new year requires adaptability and versatility. Whether it’s budget considerations, business partnerships, goal setting, or employee and customer engagement, small businesses have the advantage of being agile enough to easily–and literally–go back to the drawing board. Forbes small business strategist Moira Vetter suggests that a willingness to do this might be the key to 2022 success.
Talent Optimization
Closures, layoffs and furloughs were the small business reality in 2020, and bringing a workforce back to full strength will require a new approach in 2022. While many small businesses pride themselves on simpler and convivial in-person methods, these will likely prove ineffective in 2022 According to business.com, leveraging a digital strategy and applying targeted automation may incur some up-front expenses for businesses with scant resources, but the long-term benefits will far outweigh the costs. Efficiently sifting through a bloated talent pool, attracting optimal candidates, and avoiding bias require thinking outside the box of a “now hiring, inquire within” sign on the building façade, or a generic social media job posting. Successfully revitalizing a small business begins with rebuilding the right team, and that necessitates change in 2022.
(Re)Building the Customer Base
As consumers found increasing comfort in e-commerce throughout 2020, most small businesses have had some work to do in 2021 to rebuild the portion of their customer base lost to closures and reduced offerings. While the lynchpin of small business remains the personal touch it can provide, virtual offerings, innovative payment methods, and an increased online presence are critical to success. The U.S. Small Business Administration advises businesses to emphasize these ideals as consumers regain confidence in a safe, worthwhile in-person experience. Although consumers are anxious to return to normal ways of supporting small business, it’s important to be realistic about what normal will look like for the successful small business. In other words, e-commerce is simply here to stay.
From staffing to strategic planning to customer growth, small business success in 2022 hinges on seeing things differently. In so doing, small businesses will keep their finger on their community pulse and provide the desirable experience that made them successful to begin with.