Just about anyone can be successful when the waters are calm and steady. It’s when the sea gets choppy and the waves come in that the true test begins.
Everyone else might be drinking the Bad News Bears Kool-Aid, which seems to always be popular on the 6 pm news, and many of them will just go with the tide. Resilient organizations will quietly stay afloat. A few things we have learned over the years:
Cash will always be King. There are “cash pockets” in components of our overhead that have been created over time. They have served us well on multiple occasions and at times we have needed to right size to conserve cash.
Double down on staying connected. This includes service providers, customers and others with whom you do business. Listen well. Figure out ways to help them, and the good turn may be reciprocated down the road.
Agility is a secret weapon. Be patient but also be on your toes. Always get up early.
Opportunities during these times are not laying on top of the ground. They require a quick change artist, those who are willing to take a chance when others might have accepted the status quo.