Things to consider for your post-COVID19 business strategy

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First I would like to acknowledge that not all businesses are currently thinking of what lies on the other side of this situation, as some are simply fighting for survival. My thoughts are certainly with them and those who work for them.


Although most businesses have Disaster Recovery plans with different maturity levels, most weren’t fully prepared for it. 

Many businesses already had operationally mature IT systems, e.g. ability to work within different scenarios, had the right leadership metrics, controls and data security in place. However, most weren’t fully prepared for en-masse and sustained disruption and working.

What stage is you and team at? Respond, Recover and Opportunity 

Response Phase –  

  • Protect you, your family, your team
  • React to update the business financial & strategy plans
  • Operational Changes required – safe distance, new process, different materials

Recover Phase –

  • Leadership and Management changes required
  • Business Technology system changes
  • Staff development and training
  • Company structure and operational changes
  • Client identification and risk list

Opportunity Phase –

A few weeks into this global pandemic, the dust is ‘temporarily’ settling for some businesses. Those business leaders are now thinking how the other side is going to look and what steps they need to take to survive and, in due course, thrive. In reality what’s on the other side is going to make, break, or seriously impact a business. 

Things will change, technology is going to play a big role in streamlining services and operations. This creates huge opportunities for the savvy, innovative and ambitious. It’s certainly time, at the very least to get the virtual whiteboard out and get back to basics with a SWOT assessment!


So, here is my take on what SME business leaders should consider at a high-level

Office space & agile working

Business leaders now know that their teams can remain largely productive without being in the office every day, and fell a little more comfortable with this. They know that buildings are a big chunk of the overhead and can now see a real opportunity to drive those costs down. That coupled with staff understanding that they can generally get as much done out of the office whilst having a better work/life balance is going to fuel the shift from big expensive offices. Staff are going to be expecting more flexibility in how they work with remote working methodologies – and why shouldn’t they? If employers don’t give them choices on the other side of this, they may have talent retention issues in some sectors.


Financial Changes

Your revenue has probably changed from constant regular monthly recurring revenue to ad-hoc projects and so you will be looking at how you can be more effective and productive with less. This is a key time to be reviewing your software tools and support of them, along with the time it pulls from your people daily when not aligned to the business. Coupled with a possible new way of working remote – do things need to change in this area?


Security risks grow

As people work more flexibly, very likely on different devices in different locations, this does increase a business’s threat landscape. However, the security threats themselves aren’t new and can be controlled through effective IT managed policies and systems. In due course, the key thing will be to establish the right IT partner to navigate this risk and add measures/systems where required.


Video over voice

The standard office phone isn’t going to cut it now. After years of resistance, people are now expecting to chat on video; it’s the new normal to video call prospects, clients and colleagues. Create a plan of engagement with prospects and clients to align with there needs while the pandemic risk is still in front of mind. Can you offer effective remote meetings over the video, if a contact does not want to meet face to face? The businesses that adapt to this quickly will have a new edge.


Data is still the “Crown Jewels”

Utilising and securing data is also a hot topic at present as people use the new hot topics to try and trick you and your people to gain unauthorised access to your data. Now more than ever you need to review what data you have, where the data is and is this secure, who has access to this data and how can this be recovered “if required”. Maybe we can utilise subscriptions you may have with your email from Microsoft and utilise MS Teams?


Virtual teams become common

Now we know teams can remain connected and engaged while apart, the makeup of many teams will change. If you want specific skills – does it matter if don’t live within a certain radius or even the same country? Do they need to be full-time? Do they even need to be employed by you? If a business has the right technologies, management frameworks, measurements, and the right culture then everyone wins. Sure, we do miss some dynamics, but they can and must be overcome. Many sectors have been reaping the benefits for some time, it’s just come to the masses.


Business structures and operations will change

New KPIs and technology will lead to widespread changes within the business to create alignment and improvements. Automation will rise, customer and client engagement will change, selling and buying methods will alter, everything is up for review. The major factor is that technology’s place in business has changed, Although it will be a cost to the business, it is now more accessible than ever (with access to the cloud etc) and should be viewed as an investment; significant gains are there to be had if the right decisions are made. If you can see the cold hard facts decisions have to be made. Your businesses greatest asset is your people and you need technology to enable them not hinder them at this time.


Strategy is everything

Getting the right strategy, particularly around business and IT alignment, is critical right now. Now more than ever you should have a minimum twelve-month business plan that is also aligned to an IT/Technology plan with risk alignment and budgets. You need to understand the alignment, risk, financial budgets and ultimately how this aligns to your vision.


The list above is just things that I expect to change. They aren’t exactly revolutionary, but it’s important to acknowledge and take note of the obvious as we often get lost in the heat of battle, in the good times and the bad.


How can Focus Technology help you?

Our consultants have decades of experience helping businesses adapt to and thrive in new situations. Our business was born with the whole team working using remote strategies, so we have the first-hand experience.

From entering new markets and expanding operations, through to improving processes, rolling out new software and effectively managing digital transformation projects, we’ve assisted and delivered measurable results in a variety of situations.

If you would like to start preparing your business for post-pandemic life and want to know where to start, our consultants are available for a no-obligation review, make contact now.

Ready to switch to an IT Service Provider who puts your business needs first?

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Phillip Duffy

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