From the Great Depression to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns have tested countless companies. While many have not only survived but thrived, many others ended up losing in the waves. Currently undergoing a political shift, Bangladesh again finds itself at a similar crossroads after the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic reformation is on the horizon, and businesses must be prepared to navigate the coming changes and challenges.
Many times, the probability of survival depends on the type of business. Disney was founded at the beginning of the Great Depression and is still thriving. Netflix, Citigroup, Lego, etc. are some examples of businesses that thrived during the 2008 Great Recession. Netflix’s low cost per rental and lower subscription rate satisfied the customer base looking to cut down on entertainment costs, proving their business model to be recession-proof. Pharmaceuticals, the food industry, news media, etc., are some kinds of businesses that are more likely to find their way out of an economic crisis than others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses that deal with medicines, hospital equipment, sanitary products, etc., boomed due to the growing necessity.
Adaptability is Key
The 2008 recession saw a global decline, with businesses facing rising costs and hesitant consumers. Yet, companies like Netflix emerged stronger. How? By focusing on their core strengths – an expansive library of content – and adapting their offerings. Netflix didn’t shy away from innovation, venturing into original productions and expanding its online streaming service. This adaptability allowed them to reach a wider audience and cater to changing consumer demands.
Similar lessons can be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The “stay-at-home” orders forced businesses to rethink their operations. Some Michelin-starred restaurants, for instance, pivoted from their high-end menus to offering gourmet burgers for takeout. This showcased both their ability to adapt to a new market reality and their commitment to maintaining quality, even with a modified service.
Abul Faiz Azad, a businessman from Dhaka, shared how his imported house dealt with economic downturns: “We originally used to bring only textile machines from different countries, especially Turkey. But with time, we started dealing with equipment like oxygen cylinders to diversify our indenting base. Sometimes, it takes longer than usual to procure the machinery and spare parts from foreign companies. In situations as such this, we pivot to our local companies. This not only maintains the flow of our trade but also facilitates the local manufacturers and saves our cost and time to a significant extent.” Companies that prioritise adaptability and remain flexible in the face of change are more likely to survive economic downturns than others.
Bangladesh’s political shift presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. That being said, the changing policies are very likely to impact business operations. To navigate this transition effectively, companies must actively engage with the new administration, understand the anticipated reforms, and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Investing in strengths
Many a time, businesses are recognised by what sets them apart. It is important to identify the core competencies, continually invest and set the marketing strategies based on those. The strengths can be anything like exceptional customer service, high-quality products, or a strong brand reputation. During economic uncertainty, consumers might prioritise familiar brands they trust and thus, the company may survive off this simple, strength-focused marketing strategy. By maintaining your strengths, you’ll stay ahead of competitors who resort solely to cost-cutting measures.
Adapt to Changing Demands
Consumer behaviour is elastic and thus changes according to the changes in the economy. Analyzing how the new economic landscape will affect your target audience and their spending habits is imperative. It is always wise to be prepared to adjust your product offerings, pricing strategies, or marketing tactics to cater to the evolving needs of the customers.
For instance, if a luxury clothing brand anticipates a decrease in demand for high-end apparel, it could introduce a more affordable clothing line to cater to a wider audience. Skincare and makeup brands can introduce and sell sample-sized products to maintain the flow of sales. Samples are also a great way of publicity; you’re basically strengthening your consumer base for future sales.
Optimising Operations
Operational optimisation involves identifying and implementing methods to streamline processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency without sacrificing quality. By focusing on operational excellence, businesses can enhance their competitiveness, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately boost profitability.
A comprehensive evaluation of the cost structure is essential for identifying areas where savings can be realised. This can be done by analysing expenses across various categories, such as labour, materials, overhead, and marketing. By identifying cost drivers and understanding the underlying factors contributing to expenses, businesses can make informed decisions about resource allocation and cost-saving measures. Once the cost structure has been analysed, areas where a reduction in expenditure is feasible need to be identified. This might involve periodically renegotiating contracts with suppliers, exploring alternative sourcing options, or implementing cost-saving initiatives such as energy efficiency measures or waste reduction programs. It’s important to strike a balance between cost reduction and maintaining quality standards.
To streamline the processes effectively, businesses should analyse existing workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement changes to eliminate unnecessary steps or redundancies. By simplifying processes, businesses can reduce lead times, improve productivity, and minimise errors. For example, automating repetitive tasks can free up employees to focus on more strategic initiatives. Here’s where embracing digital transformation comes in.
Embrace Digital Transformation
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the importance of digital solutions more than ever. A lot of businesses in Bangladesh are now investing in online platforms and e-commerce capabilities. This can streamline operations, expand reach, and allow customers to engage with the company in a convenient and accessible way. Partnering with established e-commerce platforms can be a cost-effective way to reach a wider online audience.
Besides, automating mundane tasks can significantly improve efficiency and productivity. By leveraging technology, businesses can automate repetitive and time-consuming activities, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic and value-added work. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction, improved decision-making, and faster time-to-market.
Prioritise Your Workforce
As the saying goes, “People are your greatest asset.” Invest in your employees by offering training and development opportunities to enhance their skills and equip them to adapt to changing business needs. Consider offering flexible work arrangements to boost employee morale and productivity. A content and engaged workforce is critical for surviving economic downturns because it is only natural to want to shift to better opportunities when times get tough.
In times of economic uncertainty, the businesses that survive and thrive are those that are adaptable, resilient, and forward-thinking. By leveraging core strengths, adapting to changing consumer demands, optimising operations, and embracing digital transformation, companies can position themselves for success even in challenging times. Additionally, prioritising the workforce and fostering strong relationships with both customers and stakeholders can help ensure long-term sustainability. As Bangladesh faces its next phase of economic reformation, businesses that remain agile and proactive will be better equipped to navigate the shifting landscape and emerge stronger. Ultimately, success in any economic climate comes down to the ability to innovate, evolve, and maintain a customer-first mindset, ensuring that businesses can weather the storm and continue to grow in the face of adversity.
