Startups are frequently praised for their ingenuity, inventiveness, and willingness to take risks. However, these same characteristics might make fledgling enterprises more vulnerable during an economic crisis. With this in mind, founders must concentrate on improving their startups through the use of digital technology.
Why Are Newer Startups Particularly Vulnerable During Economic Downturns?
For a variety of reasons, new startups are particularly vulnerable during economic downturns. To begin with, startups have minimal resources, making it tough to withstand a financial storm. Furthermore, because new enterprises often have a smaller client base, they are more prone to see a reduction in demand during an economic downturn. Finally, newer businesses are frequently less skilled in dealing with adversity and may require greater preparedness for the obstacles that an economic downturn might bring. As a result, it is critical for entrepreneurs to understand the dangers that an economic downturn might pose to their enterprises and to take efforts to protect their firms during these trying times. For more information on why your startup might fail, read our blog post on the topic.
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The Value of Having a Clear Business Model
A business model is a plan for creating income and profits for a corporation. It contains the items or services that the firm expects to offer, the target market to whom it intends to sell them, and the channels via which the company aims to reach its clients. A well-defined business model is critical for every company, but it is more critical during a downturn. Cash flow is generally limited during difficult times, and firms must be cautious when allocating resources. A defined business model may assist a company in making the most use of its limited resources while focusing on revenue generation. During a downturn, having a well-defined company strategy might be the difference between prospering and barely surviving.
Inadequate Digital technology
For a variety of reasons, startups require the appropriate digital tools to flourish. For starters, digital technology may assist entrepreneurs in connecting with potential clients and partners swiftly and efficiently. Second, digital technologies may assist companies in tracking their success and identifying areas where they need to improve. Third, digital technologies may assist entrepreneurs in increasing brand recognition and reaching a bigger audience. Finally, by automating processes that would otherwise be done manually, digital technologies may help firms save time and money. When implemented correctly, digital technologies may provide startups with a significant competitive edge. For these reasons, entrepreneurs must invest in the appropriate digital tools from the start.
Using the Proper Digital Technology to Simplify Processes
Digital technology has transformed the corporate sector, introducing new methods for streamlining procedures and increasing productivity. The capacity to save time is the most important advantage of adopting technology in a company. Automated accounting software, for example, can minimise the amount of time spent on bookkeeping, whilst online buying systems can save time by removing the need for paper catalogues and invoicing. Aside from saving time, technology may help organisations boost their bottom line by lowering expenses. Online appointment scheduling solutions, for example, can assist organisations in avoiding the expense of missed appointments. E-commerce platforms, on the other hand, can help businesses reach a larger audience without incurring the costs of physical storefronts. In today’s competitive business environment, simplifying business processes with technology is critical for any firm wanting to gain a competitive advantage.
It’s easy to get caught up in pursuing the newest shiny thing in today’s fast-paced world. However, it’s vital to note that not everything in your business needs to be cutting-edge. Using tried-and-true formats like PDF for sales presentations, invoicing, and other formal paperwork will help your firm. PDFs are a business standard that is interoperable with almost any device or operating system, which means that your customers or stakeholders may access material regardless of where they are or what device or system they are using. Furthermore, PDFs are less likely to be influenced by technological developments than other formats (such as Flash), which means they will be available for years to come.
Focusing on Acceleration and Growth Rather Than Fundamentals
Newer firms tend to prioritise acceleration and expansion above fundamentals. After all, in today’s competitive economic environment, organisations must act rapidly to get capital and earn market dominance. This frequently entails abandoning excellent business procedures in the interest of expediency. This technique, however, is not long-term viable. Companies that lack a stable basis will eventually fall when faced with hardship. That is why it is critical for organisations to focus on the fundamentals even as they aim for development. Companies can build the resilience they need to face any challenges by laying a solid foundation.
While no one enjoys coping with a recession, startups and their founders must realise that difficult times make way for development and expansion if they’re ready to use digital technologies. Startups may withstand any economic storm by focusing on the fundamentals and sticking to tried-and-true forms. To learn more about proper digital technology utilisation, read our MarTech guide, which includes tips on building your MarTech stack.
Amit Khanna, 7startup Founder
Amit has 18 years of experience in the industry and an MBA. He supports entrepreneurs with every aspect of their business including concept and product development, investor presentations, and fundraising. Amit & 7startup assist startups in the pre due-diligence process and help connect them to our vast network of investors. Reach out to us today and see if we’re a fit!
