Let’s be honest, when we decide to run our own businesses, our lives become a series of increasingly enjoyable and difficult challenges, or at least it can feel that way sometimes. So, a good idea for this roller coaster ride is to do all we can from the start. That way, we can ride all the highs and lows more easily, with less panic, and WAY less stress.

1. Get an A-Team

A great team is our first line of defense. And just like in any good action movie, every hero—AKA employee—needs to have exceptional skills. Invest in training that not only enhances their current abilities but also prepares them for the unexpected. Cross-training is key; it ensures that if one player is down, there are others ready to jump in without missing a beat. Think of it as creating your own team of workplace ninjas, ready to tackle any task with stealth and precision. I pity the fool who doesn’t. (Just call me Ms. T)

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It is my Universe, after all.

2. Communication is Key

Ever play the game of telephone as a kid?

📞**☎️**📞**☎️**📞

Remember, how a simple word phrase like “please cook dinner” could hysterically end up “beets and rooks are winners” which makes absolutely zero sense. Poor business communication can end just as confusingly. Ensuring clear, open channels of communication within teams is EVERYTHING. Whether through an open-door policy, regular meetings, or one of the many planning and communication apps, make sure every team member is heard, understood, and connected.

Call me! Or text, DM, Snap, What’s App. Whatever it takes to stay connected.

3. Use the Tools

Today, not using all the tech is like trying to row a boat with your hands. Explore tools and platforms that can automate mundane tasks, enhance customer service, and streamline operations. But beware—over-dependence on tech can backfire. I read a tweet about an AI rejection letter accidentally sent out based on a birthdate. The human element still matters.

Balance is key.

Use technology to enhance your capabilities, not replace the human touch.

4. Be Adaptable

The only constant in business is change. It’s an old saying but a true one. Creating a culture of adaptability means encouraging creativity, fostering an environment where new ideas flourish, and being open to change. Our teams need to be more than ready to pivot, they need to be excited to turn challenges into opportunities. It’s like being a Pavlov the chameleon, blending into new market landscapes with ease and flair.

5. Gird Your Loins

If the AWFUL year 2020 taught us anything, it’s that having a financial cushion can make the difference between weathering a storm and being swept away by it. We have to ensure our businesses have enough reserves to handle the unexpected. Again, the double 20 taught us the “unexpected” can really be UNexpected or in the overused word of that year “unprecedented”. This might mean tightening our belts (just make sure their cute belts) or take a second look at financial strategies (or get one!!!). Call us Noah but we’ll be ready before the floodwaters rise.

6. Keep Your Enemies Close And Friends, Yah, Yah, Yah

Understanding the market is pivotal. Keep an eye 👁️ on your competitors, but also on potential allies. Building relationships with other businesses can open up resources, referrals, and support networks. Going back to #1, think of this as the crossover episode. Join up with other superhero teams. These can be the alliances we need to tackle larger challenges that might be too daunting alone.

7. Listen, Learn, Iterate

Continuous improvement is the secret sauce to staying relevant. You don’t need golden arches for this to be your mantra. It’s super important to not just gather feedback from customers but also employees. Treat feedback like gold dust—it’s valuable, and it can point the way for us, in needed changes and innovations. Regularly updating our practices based on a feedback loop keeps us agile and responsive.

8. Be Prepared

I hope you heard that in Scar’s voice because that is how I wrote it. Seriously, though, long before the craziness that was 2020, my husband worked in Emergency Response Management in the military. It’s always good to have a solid disaster recovery plan in place even if you are 100% SURE you won’t need one. Consider it an insurance policy.

This can be an IT crisis (Crowd Strike, anyone?), or it can be something completely outside the company. Again, that ugly, Ugly, UGLY year comes to mind, but there can be so much more. Natural disasters, especially climate-related ones, can affect our ability to access power and internet, or our customers to do the same. Hurricane Beryl just kept millions offline for a week or more! Market crashes, political changes, and other swings can affect unprepared businesses.

We need the 3 Ps. (and not like in the Life Insurance commercials.) Plan, prepare, and practice. When disaster strikes, and eventually one will, we’ll have a plan, a backup plan, and a backup for the backup. Redundancy for the win!

9. Strategize Reviews

Believe it or not, a look back can help us look forward.

Regularly conducting reviews of business strategy because things can change lightning fast in the business world. If we’re not ready, we could end up being left behind. Quarterly reviews are ideal as they’re not so often as to get in the way or frankly, be annoying, but often enough that we can spot emerging trends, adjust current strategies and stay proactive.

Ensuring our business is up for any challenge takes effort but can be easier than we think, and most definitely worth it. Is there anything you would add to my list?

Up for the Challenge