Recession: the upsides
Downturns are a terrible thing. Thousands of people lose their
jobs, hundreds of firms go out of business, and on top of it all,
prices rise across the board. Every cloud has a silver lining,
though - not least the downturn, which could sort of be seen as an
advantage if you cock your head and squint a bit. This guide will
take a fresh look at the downturn and its upsides.
- Raising finance
- Dwindling competition
- Diligent employees
1) Raising finance
While banks are increasingly reluctant to lend, elsewhere,
investment is still happening. There is money around -
particularly, at the moment, in the form of angel finance from high
net-worth individuals who are unwilling to take the risk of putting
money into a bank. Look at groups such as Angels Den, and make sure you
have a solid business plan when you're approaching investors.
- While banks are reluctant, angel finance is still
available
- Look at angel investment groups
- Make sure you have a solid business plan
2) Dwindling competition
Downturns tend to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to
business, so it's very likely that if your competitors have any
unscrupulous or ineffective business practices, now is when they
will come to light. To prevent yourself becoming one of those, plan
for the effects of the downturn and stay on top of your
cashflow.
- Downturns sort the wheat from the chaff
- If your competitors have any ineffective practices, they will
be brought to the fore
- Plan for the effects of the downturn and stay on top of
cashflow
3) Diligent employees
During a downturn, workers are worried for their jobs, and eager
to show their employers just how much they need them by working
harder. Don't take advantage of this, though, and make sure you
show your staff how much they are appreciated. If you do need to
make redundancies, follow the proper legal procedures.
- Concerned employees will work harder
- Make sure you reward your staff
- If you do need to make redundancies, follow the correct legal
procedures
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