Change is everywhere, in life and business. In Spanish we have a saying that would translate something like this: “adapt or die”. I’ve found that being able to adapt and flow with things has been key in my journey, although sometimes it has felt uncomfortable.
I’ve been through a lot of change in the last few years, as I’m sure most of us have. To name a few big things, during the last 10 years, I’ve been through:
Moving countries, twice
Having to “reinvent” my career path in a foreign country, with a different language
Learnt a third language
Got married
Had two daughters, now 2 and 4 years old
Went through a pandemic
Started my business
Realised I made the wrong choice, and re-started my business
Expanding/rebuilding my network and community, several times
Purchased two houses (one of them being handed to us with interested having doubled with all the financial consequences it brings)
All of those things have supported my personal growth in many ways - I wouldn’t be who I’m today without those experiences. And I also acknowledge that change has not always been easy.
But what about we reframe our instinct of ‘fight or flight’ (fear) when we face change?
What about if we choose to see opportunity in change?
Reframing Change
In today's rapidly evolving world, adaptability and resilience have become crucial. Businesses need to navigate through market changes, technological advancements, and unexpected disruptions - as well as cyclic recessions.
That’s why I’d like to talk about embracing change, rather than fighting it. This is how I see we move forward - embracing it. If you fight it, you’ll stay stuck. So let’s see what we can do to embrace the beauty of change and the possibilities it brings…
Change is inevitable, we can’t control it. What we can control is how we react to it. So the first step is to choose to see the opportunity and move forward.
In business, we sometimes try to do it all. Reality is that that’s not sustainable in the long run. Having a network of professionals who bring a diverse skill set and expertise to support businesses in adapting to change and building resilience becomes a key advantage.
Let's have a look at a few things to take into consideration while navigating change:
Embracing tech
Technology is a driving force behind business transformation, and keeping up with technological advancements is needed to remain competitive. Having someone to support your business to find and implement the tools and platforms that better suit you will make a difference.
Remember: Embracing technology is key to increase efficiency and adapt to evolving market demands. But it's not only you - your team has also to embrace it.
For example, I worked with a team where one of the team members wasn't very tech savvy (and she wasn't showing much interest to learn and embrace it). The consequence was that the team was being slowed down and the business tools weren't used to its maximum potential. Communication was not ideal and productivity was decreasing for that specific time member. So make sure that your team is onboard when you decide to bring new tech in.
Flexibility in resource allocation
Businesses often face fluctuating workloads and changing priorities. Having someone that brings a flexible approach to resource allocation, allowing businesses to quickly adapt to shifting demands, can be a key advantage for startups.
Having a 'fractional' professional who can scale up or down based on business needs, organisations can efficiently manage their resources. Also, can assist in aligning staffing needs with work demand to optimise your workforce distribution.
This flexibility enables businesses to respond effectively to changes in demand, market conditions, or unforeseen events (such the recent pandemic that shook the whole world).
For example, when new clients start working with me, they usually start with my bigger package and as we systemise their business, we reduce the package. This also applies to when my clients business needs change - we always look a way to adapt my services to what their business need to that moment on time.
Focus on managing your energy
Having someone to be your right hand to free up your time and support your business management and operations to allow you to focus on what matters, is a great enabler of higher energy levels.
Energy is renewable, abundant, and completely under your control. When you focus on managing your energy, you tap into a limitless source of value, creativity and motivation.
For example, one of my clients recently told me that I have reduced her working hours by 35% since working together, which has allowed her to focus on those things that uplift her.
Team management and collaboration
The rise of remote work has become a defining characteristic of the current business landscape. Having someone that excels in managing remote teams and promoting effective collaboration becomes very important. They leverage digital communication tools, project management platforms, and virtual meeting solutions to keep teams connected and engaged.
By fostering seamless communication, facilitating knowledge sharing, and encouraging collaboration among team members, businesses are able to adapt to remote work environments while maintaining productivity and cohesion.
For example, one of my clients is based in Ireland at the moment and I support her and her NZ team in the ground in New Zealand.
Strategic planning and decision-making
During times of uncertainty, strategic planning and informed decision-making become essential. Having someone to bring a strategic perspective to the table, helping you analyse market trends, assess risks, and identify opportunities can be beneficial.
For example, I love brainstorming with my clients and supporting their thinking process.
Crisis management and business continuity
Unforeseen events such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or global pandemics can seriously impact businesses. Having someone to support you develop robust contingency plans, ensuring essential functions continue even during disruptions can help you establish communication protocols, set up remote work infrastructure, and coordinate response efforts.
By implementing risk mitigation strategies and guiding businesses through challenging times helps build resilience and ensure continuity of operations.
Conclusion
In a rapidly changing business landscape, adaptability and resilience are essential for long-term success.
Having someone to support you brings a wealth of expertise and skills that support businesses in embracing change and building resilience. From embracing technological advancements to fostering remote team collaboration, from strategic planning to crisis management, it plays a decisive role in driving business adaptability.
By leveraging their capabilities, businesses can navigate uncertainties, seize opportunities, and thrive in the face of challenges.
Are you considering incorporating a Virtual Business Manager into your team to unlock the full potential of adaptability and resilience for your business's growth and success?