Navigating the Rising Tides: How You Can Master the Waves

Time… Arguably the most valuable thing we have. When I was younger, I felt like I had all the time in the world (then I started a business…!), but you soon realise that nothing has as much value as the seconds ticking away on the clock because you’ll never get them back! So, as someone that values BOTH of our time, believe me when I say reading this will be worth yours. 

Why do I go on about time? Add MONEY to the equation and you’ve got your two most precious resources in today’s fast-paced world, besides family of course. You want to have time and money to thrive and provide a happy life for your loved ones. A few months back, you probably noticed the gas and electric bills rising faster than a hot air balloon in a heatwave. Some businesses even contemplated closing their doors for good, and it’s easy to find yourself in that state of mind with all the doom and gloom in the news these days (give me a break…!). But we all know that it isn’t the case - at least it doesn’t have to be. The sad news is a lot of businesses are going to be lost, twiddling their thumbs in the coming months. The good news is that those who adapt are going to come out even stronger.

You have a choice – you can be directionless letting the waves steer you, OR you can adapt and sink your rudders deep. It’s the difference between driving a speedboat cutting through the waves or bobbing around in a flamingo floaty. You can’t change the world, but you can control the controllables. Whatever is going on, there will always be winners and losers.

So, how do you navigate the rising tides, and how does your business master the waves? I don’t claim to know all the answers, but I do know where a boat might spring a leak...!

One of the first things to think about in this modern world is (drum roll please…) your online presence! Put simply, this is having your business online so that your customers can easily find you. More and more of us are turning to the world wide web to solve our problems, whether you’re googling ‘hairdressers near me’ or getting next-day delivery on Amazon, the internet takes all the hassle out of your day-to-day. The importance of being a part of this has never been so crucial. It’s an ‘adapt or die’ kind of situation: Businesses that allow their customers to go online and learn about them, talk to them, buy from them (if they have an online store), all while in their long-johns binge-watching Netflix, are going to trump those that don't. 

It’s not only better for the customer, saving them some precious time, but it’s also better for you! The most effective way to combat these rising costs is by embracing technology and reaping the rewards it can give you.

Think about it this way…

It’s 3 am and you’re rudely awakened by your neighbour's labradoodle for the third time this week. You could:

(a) go downstairs and throw the pooch into a recycling bin

(b) bite the bullet and buy some noise-cancelling earbuds off Amazon, dream about throwing the dog in the bin, and avoid a visit to court.

At any time, day or night, the internet allows customers to interact with, buy from, and start a conversation with businesses. This may come across as obvious, you’ve used the internet before after all! But it’s easy to forget about setting all of this up and putting motions into actions. It does take time after all!

Even if you don’t sell online, if someone wants to know more about you and your business, they can go and find out where you are based, see a gallery of your work, and read what your best customers have to say about you!

All of this helps to give the customer a much deeper connection without even being in the same room as you. You’ll build up a positive image, and if your business works in person only, then you will have primed your customer ready for a good experience.

 So, take back your time and let the internet work for you!

Clive – Director of Dynamic