How Do You Ensure Business Resilience Amid Disruptions?
In a world where disruptions are the norm, we’ve gathered insights from CEOs and presidents on how businesses can foster resilience. From agility and proactive adaptation in SEO to diversification and innovation in aviation manufacturing, explore the eighteen strategies that have proven successful in navigating through challenges.
- Agility and Proactive Adaptation in SEO
- Constant Value Focus Amid EV Industry Shifts
- Control What You Can in Digital Marketing
- Team Transparency Fosters Resilience
- Diverse Suppliers and Tech in Security Installations
- Proactive Risk Management in Manufacturing
- Conservative Growth Ensures Pandemic Resilience
- Technology Adoption for Predictive Resilience
- Robust IT Infrastructure Enables Agile Response
- Strategic Diversification Amid COVID-19
- Nurturing Customer Relationships for Resilience
- Global Mindset Cultivates Market Resilience
- Staying True to Core Offerings
- Proactive Succession Planning for Continuity
- Empowering People for Organizational Resilience
- Investing in Team Learning for Adaptability
- Documented Action Plans for Retrospective Learning
- Diversification and Innovation in Manufacturing
Agility and Proactive Adaptation in SEO
At SEO-Migration Services, our resilience strategy is rooted in agility and proactive adaptation. A prime example occurred during a major search-engine algorithm update. Anticipating the impact, we diversified our SEO tactics well in advance, incorporating more content marketing and social media engagement to reduce reliance on any single traffic source.
This approach not only mitigated potential negative effects but also led to an increase in organic traffic and client satisfaction during a period when many competitors struggled. This experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and the value of a holistic SEO strategy in navigating industry disruptions successfully.
Roman Borissov, CEO, SEO-Migration.services
Constant Value Focus Amid EV Industry Shifts
The best way to deal with uncertainty in business is to focus on the things that we know will remain constant, instead of everything else that is constantly changing. At ChargeLab, we know more people will drive EVs tomorrow than do today; we know they’ll want charging to be convenient, and we know that reliability will be paramount. So, whatever disruption comes, we can win by focusing on adding value in areas that will not change: great user experience, reliability, affordability, and scalability.
In 2023, we saw a big shift in the EV industry when every major car manufacturer announced that they would switch from the J1772 CCS to the NACS charging standard. We responded to this disruption by quickly prioritizing NACS support in our platform and proactively reaching out to partners and customers with a clear message about our support for the new standard. Thanks to that rapid response, we were able to offer stable footing for our partners and drive confidence in our product.
Shaun Stewart, President, ChargeLab
Control What You Can in Digital Marketing
Focus on what you can control on your end. The moment you start worrying about things outside of your control, it won’t be long until you’re overthinking and things become overwhelming. This can look like deep-diving into intensive research to gather data about the situation, reassessing your current systems and processes, making necessary adjustments, or pivoting when needed. Exhaust all efforts within your control so that thoughts won’t stray into the unknown or the negative possibilities.
This is the case for digital marketers like myself every time Google updates its algorithm. It almost always means that we have to overhaul our entire SEO strategy as we know it and pivot to align with the latest updates. Instead of wallowing in the cons of the situation, I’ve mastered the discipline of rolling up my sleeves, working with what I know, and making my way from there.
Baidhurya Mani, Founder, SellCoursesOnline
Team Transparency Fosters Resilience
In order to deal with disruptions and maintain resilience through difficult times, you need a well-organized and transparent team. This is something that we’ve been proud of at O+ because it has helped us get through some pretty difficult situations and still come out better while simultaneously building stronger employee relationships.
When your employees are transparent with one another and with you, you ensure that things are caught quickly before they start going severely wrong. If an employee is struggling with something, they should feel comfortable enough and confident in the team to be transparent about that so that others can step in and help if need be.
We’re always helping one another in our team because we understand that things can go wrong sometimes and delays or disruptions can happen. This culture of transparency and cohesion is ultimately what has helped us build an extremely resilient business.
Lauren Carlstrom, COO, Oxygen Plus
Diverse Suppliers and Tech in Security Installations
Resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s how we thrive, especially in the dynamic realm of security appliance installations. Our approach is flexible and laser-focused on top-notch service, making sure our clients’ security systems remain robust and dependable.
Our resilience strategy involves diversifying suppliers, keeping our team updated on cutting-edge security tech, and maintaining clear, proactive communication with clients. This comprehensive approach readies us for any curveball while upholding our service standards.
Back in the pandemic, we swiftly adapted by offering remote consultations, ensuring uninterrupted support for our clients. We expedited contactless installations and leveraged our supplier network to avoid equipment delays—showcasing our adaptability and commitment to innovation even in challenging times.
Eugene Klimaszewski, President, Mammoth Security
Proactive Risk Management in Manufacturing
Working in manufacturing has taught me the value of a solid risk management strategy. It’s not only a theory; it’s a lifeline that protects our operations’ durability, especially when faced with unexpected obstacles.
I remember one incident that demonstrated our proactive risk management strategy. A natural disaster that devastated our region severely damaged our industrial facility. Despite the initial shock and uncertainty, our risk management systems kicked in.
We had painstakingly discovered operations and supply chain weaknesses before the incident. Regular assessments and careful planning gave us crisis management strategies. We were prepared for the calamity.
Because we were prepared, we quickly implemented our contingency plans and moved our business. Our rigorous risk management strategy guided us through the chaos and uncertainty of inevitable challenges and hurdles.
Overall, our proactive approach worked. We resumed production quickly after the natural tragedy. Strategic risk management proved beneficial, demonstrating the value of foresight, preparation, and resilience in preventing disruptions.
This incident taught me the benefits of proactive risk management. Instead of just checking boxes or following procedures, it’s about creating a culture of preparedness and adaptability that helps firms weather the storm.
Matthew O’Sullivan, CEO, Subsidence Ltd.
Conservative Growth Ensures Pandemic Resilience
The best tactic for ensuring resilience is operating well within your means and being scrappy. Think about this like how the big banks have liquidity requirements to ensure they remain solvent even in times of crisis.
Create your own liquidity requirements that are extra-conservative to ensure your business can handle rugged terrain. I had fellow founders who kept trying to convince us to be more aggressive and hire to keep up with growth in a period when we were growing 100%+ YOY from 2018-2020, and while we knew this would accelerate growth even further, we decided against it.
When the pandemic hit, since our business is in the hotel sector, our revenue dropped by 80% overnight for a three-month period. Had we been more risk-seeking like our peers, we would have never been able to weather that storm.
Because we were conservative in good times, when bad times inevitably came, we not only didn’t lay off a single person, but we actually had the means to scale up our team more cost-effectively while others were laying off. There’s the saying in the stock market to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful—that saying holds true in operating businesses too.
Jordan Hollander, CEO, HotelTechReport
Technology Adoption for Predictive Resilience
I’ve found that adopting technology has transformed my resilience. I learned early on that cutting-edge tools could transform our ability to adapt to and succeed in a changing world.
We integrated data analytics, automation, and IoT devices into our operations to demonstrate the power of technology. We used these technologies to strengthen our resilience against unexpected difficulties, not only to follow the latest trends.
We found useful insights in the massive sea of data through careful data analysis. These insights were more than numbers—they pointed us to risks and opportunities. It was like developing a sixth sense, an instinctive comprehension of our surroundings that helped us make confident decisions.
Automating procedures and saving time and resources became our efficiency foundation. Once laborious tasks were now automated, allowing us to focus on innovation and growth.
The integration of IoT devices and predictive analytics may have been our most impressive technological achievement. It was like looking into the future and predicting problems before they happened. We used predictive analytics to accurately predict equipment failures, allowing us to execute proactive maintenance plans and reduce downtime to nearly zero.
This wasn’t theory; it happened. I remember the empowerment we felt when we saw our technological efforts in action. The goal was to establish a strong foundation that could withstand any storm, not only to optimize procedures or cut expenses.
In retrospect, adopting technology was essential. We integrated it into our operations, molding our problem-solving and innovation. As I reflect on our journey, I’m grateful for technology’s role in strengthening our resilience and moving us toward a better future.
Brett Berger, Co-founder & COO, Flow Sparrow
Robust IT Infrastructure Enables Agile Response
In my Information Technology (IT) company, resilience is built on a foundation of robust infrastructure, agile methodologies, and a culture of continuous learning. We invest heavily in creating a scalable and secure IT infrastructure that can withstand various types of disruptions, from cyberattacks to natural disasters. This involves implementing redundant systems, robust data backups, and disaster recovery plans.
Agile methodologies enable us to adapt quickly to changing market demands and technological advancements, ensuring that our services remain relevant and effective. Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous learning among our team members ensures that we are always at the forefront of technological innovations and best practices.
A concrete example of our resilience strategy in action was during a major cyberattack that targeted our industry. While many companies struggled to maintain operations, our preemptive investment in cybersecurity training for our staff and advanced threat detection systems paid off. We were able to quickly identify and isolate the attack, minimizing its impact. Our agile response teams worked around the clock to mitigate risks, implement additional security measures, and restore any affected services with minimal downtime. Moreover, our transparent communication with clients throughout the ordeal strengthened their trust in our capabilities.
This experience underscored the importance of being prepared and proactive in the face of unforeseen challenges. By leveraging our resilient IT infrastructure, agile practices, and a well-informed team, we not only navigated through the crisis but also emerged stronger, with enhanced security protocols and an even more committed client base. It’s a powerful reminder that in the fast-evolving IT landscape, resilience is not just about surviving disruptions but also about seizing opportunities to innovate and improve.
David Shuster, Managing Director, Managed IT Experts
Strategic Diversification Amid COVID-19
During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, our resilience strategy was invaluable. We promptly shifted to remote work, maintaining seamless service delivery despite unprecedented challenges.
Additionally, we adjusted our marketing approach, focusing on digital solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients in the online sphere.
This adaptability not only sustained our client relationships but also facilitated newfound growth opportunities. Grounded in strategic diversification and agility, our resilience strategy not only safeguards against uncertainties but also bolsters our market standing, reaffirming our brand’s credibility and fortifying our position.
Vincent Iachetta Jr., President, Peppermonkey Media
Nurturing Customer Relationships for Resilience
At our company, we’ve discovered that the key to resilience lies in nurturing customer relationships. We go beyond just providing services; we focus on genuinely helping our clients, fostering a community of mutual support. This approach has been crucial, especially during business downturns.
When facing such dips, we proactively reach out to our clients for referrals, asking if they know anyone in need of design work. This strategy has not only helped us control dips but has also reinforced our client relationships, keeping our business resilient through challenging times.
Juan Carlos Munoz, Co-Founder, CC Creative Design
Global Mindset Cultivates Market Resilience
Our global operations are underpinned by a culture of adaptability and a global mindset, allowing us to navigate the complexities of international markets with sensitivity and agility. This approach enabled us to quickly adapt our marketing strategies and offerings to align with local cultures during a rapid expansion phase, ensuring successful entry and growth in diverse markets.
By fostering a work environment that values cultural diversity and global perspectives, we enhance our ability to understand and meet the needs of customers worldwide, strengthening our resilience against local and global challenges.
Chad Sultana, Founder, Chad Sultana
Staying True to Core Offerings
A big part of resilience is staying true to your core offering and not trying to “jump” from one trend to another in the hopes that you’re going to catch a new product wave or be able to compete with a new service offering. If anything, you can use a disruptor as a case study on whether you need to pivot your offerings or keep doing what you’re doing (and, more importantly, have faith in your offering).
Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll
Proactive Succession Planning for Continuity
In my capacity at MAH Advising PLLC, I’ve learned that resilience in business is primarily about foreseeing potential disruptions and proactively establishing strategies that enhance business continuity. From our expertise in succession planning and regulatory compliance, we’ve advised numerous organizations on implementing resilient frameworks that cater not just to immediate challenges but are sustainable long-term. One pivotal strategy is investing in succession planning, which ensures that businesses are prepared for leadership transitions without losing momentum.
A prime example of this strategy in action involves a client from the financial sector, where leadership transitions can significantly impact both internal operations and client confidence. By working closely with this client, we developed a comprehensive succession planning process that included identifying potential leaders early, providing them with tailored development opportunities, and creating a transparent transition roadmap. This not only mitigated the risk associated with abrupt leadership changes but also ensured that the organization remained agile and its strategic vision consistent, even in times of transition.
Moreover, leveraging technology has been another cornerstone of our approach to building business resilience. For instance, during the recent shifts toward remote work, we advised another client on integrating cloud-based tools to ensure their team’s productivity remained unaffected. This technology shift not only allowed for seamless internal and client communication but also ensured that critical projects progressed without interruption. This proactive approach to adopting new technologies and processes underscores the essence of resilience—it’s about preemptively identifying potential points of failure and innovatively securing them before challenges escalate.
Michael Hurckes, Managing Partner, MAH Advising PLLC
Empowering People for Organizational Resilience
Resilience is a defining factor for success in today’s rapidly changing, unpredictable business world. Companies that help create a culture built on adaptability and emotional intelligence can empower their people to thrive amidst change. Consider Microsoft’s response to COVID-19: rapid shifts toward digital solutions, mental health support, and flexible work.
This strategy didn’t just ensure business continuity; it fueled long-term productivity and employee well-being. They demonstrate how the power of proactive resilience, anticipating disruptions, and building a workforce capable of quickly adapting can lead to lasting organizational success.
Andrea J Miller, ACC, SHRM-SCP, CEO, LeadWell Company
Investing in Team Learning for Adaptability
Our business ensures resilience by deeply investing in our team’s continuous learning and well-being. This strategy has been crucial, particularly during periods of unexpected market changes.
For example, when an industry disruption challenged our operations, our team’s diverse skill set and adaptability allowed us to swiftly modify our services to align with evolving customer demands. This not only helped us navigate through the challenge successfully but also enabled us to explore new opportunities.
Tobias Liebsch, Co-Founder, Fintalent.io
Documented Action Plans for Retrospective Learning
For every disruption, technical or HR, we document an action plan and assign action items to people. Critically, we come back to the action plan several months later and hold a retrospective meeting. This allows us to see, with the benefit of hindsight, some of the glaring blind spots in our planning process.
Trevor Ewen, COO, QBench
Diversification and Innovation in Manufacturing
In our aviation manufacturing business, resilience is built into every aspect of our operations, from supply chain management to product development. We focus on diversifying our supplier base to avoid reliance on single sources, which has been crucial in mitigating risks related to supply chain disruptions. Additionally, we invest heavily in technology and innovation to make our processes more efficient and adaptable to change. This approach includes adopting lean-manufacturing principles and predictive analytics to forecast and respond to potential disruptions before they impact our operations.
A prime example of our resilient strategy in action was during the global pandemic, which caused unprecedented challenges across the aviation sector. We faced potential delays in production due to restrictions and supply chain disruptions. Anticipating such risks, we had already developed a robust digital twin of our manufacturing process, allowing us to simulate various scenarios and adjust our production planning accordingly. This digital foresight enabled us to redistribute our resources effectively, prioritize orders based on real-time data, and maintain our delivery schedules with minimal delays.
Moreover, we leveraged our diversified supplier network to source alternative materials when our primary suppliers were affected by lockdowns. This proactive and flexible approach not only helped us navigate through the crisis but also strengthened our relationships with clients, demonstrating our commitment to reliability and resilience in the face of adversity.
John Werner, President & CEO, Pilot John
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