How to Create an Effective Post-Pandemic Business Plan

As we come out of the pandemic, prospective entrepreneurs are starting to take a crack at business ownership. Not sure where to start? The success of any new startup lies in good planning. Developing a great post-pandemic business model is all about finding an unmet need that you can fill for a target demographic and providing immense value with your product or service. Thankfully, you don’t have to do this alone. Online resources and experienced pros — like professional development coach, Tywana Williams — can help you navigate the startup phase and get the ball rolling! Ask the Right Questions Before you charge headfirst into entrepreneurship, make sure it’s the right path. Asking yourself a few key questions can help you determine whether or not your business idea is viable and sustainable in the long term. For example, it’s important to establish your “why.” Are you starting a business to earn extra income? Work from home? Share your passion with others? Solve a problem? Defining your “why” will ensure you can maintain the motivation you need to keep going, even after that initial startup excitement wears off. Tap Into Top Talent Most small businesses begin as one-person startups. While doing everything on your own can help you save a lot of money, it may not be the most efficient approach. You just don’t have the time to be a marketer, copywriter, designer, developer, social media manager, accountant, and lawyer. And even if you did, you can’t possibly be an expert in everything! Consider hiring a few team members to take some weight off your shoulders. Managing employees is easy with the help of digital scheduling tools and online payroll platforms. For example, Intuit offers automatic payroll scheduling, automated tax filing, same-day direct deposit, and mobile payroll options so you can handle payroll and run reports on the go. Prioritize Your Digital Presence After the pandemic, building a digital presence for your business is non-negotiable. Today’s consumers expect everything to be available online. They shouldn’t have to visit your retail store or office to learn about your business, purchase goods, or engage your services. Build a basic, user-friendly website — drag and drop website builders offer an affordable option if your needs are relatively simple — and start driving traffic through digital advertising. Create a Personalized Shopping Experience Beyond accessible online products and services, post-pandemic consumers are increasingly expecting elements of personalization in their business interactions. Personalization is all about tailoring each experience to the individual customer. Personalizing your marketing, promotional offers, recommendations, and even your website content can help you connect with customers on a deeper level. This isn’t as challenging or time-consuming as it sounds. CMSWire recommends learning how to leverage data to offer unique and custom experiences to different segments of your audience. Develop Resilience The pandemic taught us all a valuable lesson: that nothing in business is guaranteed. Unprecedented events can upend your entire livelihood, so it's important to build resilience from day one. Make investments in your company that will increase your ability to withstand adversity. For example, hire employees with diverse and adaptable mindsets. Develop training programs that help your workers learn new skills that can be used if you suddenly need to pivot. A flexible team will ensure your business is ready to adapt to anything the world throws at it!

Embracing technological innovation is another great way to build resilience into your business model. Technology can help you navigate various changes in the business landscape. For example, if the economy plummets and you have to lay off staff, the right tech tools will enable your remaining team members to handle your day-to-day operations without being overworked. Certain online apps even allow you to monitor consumer trends so you can stay one step ahead of your competitors.

Aspiring entrepreneurs are up against some unique challenges in the post-pandemic era. To set yourself up for success, take advantage of all the available resources that can help you build a solid foundation for your new business. Knowledge and planning are key to overcoming challenges and establishing a business that will thrive in the years to come!

Are you looking for business advice? Tywana offers personal and professional development coaching and consulting. Get in touch today!