12 Must Do’s for entrepreneurs for current state of unprecedented times

Here is a list of 12 Must Do’s for entrepreneurs for current state of unprecedented
times

No. 1 Execute the changes now

The only constant in life is change. So, it’s the time to accept & execute changes in the day
to day functioning. Remember, business is not just about ideas - It’s about execution. Time to
execute the change is now.
• It’s essential that you do your scenario planning and the take change head on. All the
things that you planned, and not executed, review them and take charge.
• If need be, shake up everything - products, services, delivery, pricing. Ensure that the
changes you make fall in line with your business plans.

No. 2 Make sure you keep positive thinking

When there is just bad news pouring in from all corners, it’s difficult to remain positive. But,
be careful of your thoughts, for they may become words. The situation of crises is common to
all. One who thinks positive will win. Staying positive, it’s also a time to look for opportunities.
• Panic and worry never helps.
• Look for small wins every hour with your team.
• Keep the passion and enthusiasm on.
• Lead people with positive words.
• Survive for sure, in fact, aim to thrive, look for opportunities.

No. 3 Remember, virtual is the new normal

• Say yes to Technology.
• Keep a daily routine for yourself & your team.
• Keep a daily morning video conference call with team.
• Keep the weekly performance reporting standards.

No. 4 Communicate - Communicate - Communicate

In the times of crisis, one generally forgets to communicate. For an entrepreneur, it is the
most damaging thing to do.
• Talk to your team and keep communication clear, crisp, & transparent.
• Talk to all your customers. For them to remember you, you need to remember them now.
• Talk to suppliers and understand what is changing and keep yourself updated. Your
relationship with suppliers will help you to keep the engine of your enterprise on.
• The whole network of yours must feel that “your enterprise is working”.

No. 5 Cut cost, wisely

In times of crisis the biggest help for your business will be to ensure that you cutback on all
non-essential outgoes and focus on doing things that will help cash come in. Big ticket
expenditures should be reviewed and rationalized to ensure that only essential functions are
funded and the other can be pushed back. In times of crisis it’s important that you retain cash
for necessary functions. Cash becomes the king. Renegotiate your contracts like rentals,
housekeeping, advertising etc. Make sure you cut back intelligently so that you don’t let go of
things that are important and may hamper sales.

No. 6 Managing cash flow wisely is extremely important

Cash gives the ability to sustain and grow, especially during crises, so its very important that
you maintain your cash flow. One should be extra vigilant and allocate resource evenly to
ensure customers pay up. Below are the guidelines to ensure effective cash flow
management.
• Maintain a strict recovery mechanism and offer discounts to customers that are important.
• Focus on best customers and repeat customers.
• Pay suppliers and partners in time so that they value the relationship with you and ensure
business continuity for you.
• Avail government benefits and facilities wherever you think is prudent.
• Reduce capex.

No. 7 Sales needs a more compassionate approach now

Remember, sales is a function of human relationships - You must extremely compassionate
and empathetic in your sales approach during such unprecedented times. If a compassionate
approach can get you a client forever, an aggressive approach during current times, will lead
you losing client forever.
• Change the sales tone; must be empathetic
• Keep engaging as relationships matters
• Sell with purpose

No. 8 Get the most out of your people

Lay out the rules, provide direction to employees, motivate and reward them.
• Convert fear into focus
• Set the new standards
• Be seen leading and taking charge of difficult problems
• Train and re-train
• Keep as many as you can as you'll need them post crises, but let go of employees you
had already planned

No. 9 Build strong mindset

As you are at home, and as you are being bombarded with negative news, it is quite likely
that you get dragged into the weak and lazy zone. Only you can stop yourself from any such
limitation.
• Utilise time well and learn the new areas of competence to grow yourself professionally.
• Focus on heath and fitness, remember healthy mind stays in a healthy body.
• Focus on opportunities, not crisis.
• Be selective on what news to consume as there is a deluge of information on media
platforms.

No. 10 Marketing strategy must shift

The marketing strategy that you had a couple of weeks ago might seem obsolete now.
• Message must be different.
• Compassion for sure.
• Urgency for sure.
• Virtual and viral.
• Much more than before.
• Know your numbers better than ever.

No. 11 Plan for the next 90 days

The next 90 days are going to very crucial for your business it’s in this time that you will
probably focus on your survival and then on growth.
• What will you market and sell.
• How will you deliver and charge.
• Survive first, thrive second.
• Work with your coach, if you have one.

No. 12 Common sense and compassion

Common sense and compassion are one of the most important attributes to have in these
times along with effective communication. Ensure these are practised amongst your team.
Over deliver on customer service.
• Put people first.
• Think out of the box.
• There is no scope to take anything for granted. CLEAN and Don’t Touch.
• Stay home during lockdown.

Are you ready for it?