Is your company prepared to require advantage of an economic upturn? If not, it is time to arrange a strategic growth plan.
Initial, you may want to ask yourself many questions.
- What is my current financial position?
To require advantage of economic growth it is best to be in an exceedingly robust money position. Strive to reduce debt, improve short term credit, and sock away some cash. You'll want that money to improve your growth position and increase market share when the time comes.
- Are my operational systems scalable?
During economic exhausting times, most firms tighten their belt to survive. They lay off staff, reduce services and cut back on marketing. This can create a "Where can we have a tendency to cut back?" mentality. Instead, start thinking in terms of "How will we tend to create scalable systems?" Each facet of your business should be totally understood and systematized. That way, when you start to determine growth, you do not have to create new systems, you just upscale existing systems.
- How efficient is my marketing?
Most companies slash marketing budgets during hard times. I think that's as a result of most promoting doesn't work. Currently is the time to spot your ideal customer and find artistic ways of reaching your ideal customer. Solely place cash in an exceedingly selling campaign that is paying for itself. If you can not verify a positive money flow from an advertising source, drop it. Analysis low price guerrilla promoting techniques or even social media strategies.
- Is my management team lean, powerful and ready to grow?
Ultimately, management goes to see whether or not or not you succeed. The last economic boom fostered some of the foremost poorly managed companies imaginable. Several of those are now out of business or on their means out. Focus on a small management team that's empowered, capable and ready to take action. That approach, your company can be versatile and ready to quickly reply to changing economic conditions.
- Are there any locations left vacant by competitors who have gone out of business?
This recession has left many geographic holes where there is untapped market share looking ahead to you to maneuver in. Develop an ideal client demographic profile in terms of family size and income. A good industrial realtor will help you identify pockets where your ideal client demographic can be found and any areas where your product or service is below-represented.
- Will I require extra space for expansion?
If your company is space restrictive, now is the time to start brooding about new space. Nice deals will be had now, whereas the economy is still sluggish. If you look ahead to the rebound to be in full swing, you may pay a premium for space.
It's a good idea to run these questions by your management team. Develop a written strategic growth plan. Have pre-set criteria that will trigger completely different aspects of the plan. That manner you'll be ready for steady sustainable growth. Believe it or not, rapid uncontrolled growth is as deadly to a company as a recession. Do not survive the recession, solely to be killed by the rebound.
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