Many small business owners may laugh at the title of this blog, as the last two years have proven that just about anything can happen. The truth is, however, that the more prepared you are with a flexible business plan, the better chance you have at surviving and thriving in hostile economic environments. Here we take a look at how to prepare your small business for 2022.

Customer Retention

Establishing brand loyalty has never been more important than it is today, and it doesn't only apply to big brand names. Small businesses thrive on creating repeat customers and developing loyalty to their brand, albeit on a smaller scale. Ensuring your customers receive an exceptional experience and are satisfied with your products and services will go a long way toward establishing and maintaining a long-term relationship. Taking advantage of upsell opportunities and consistently marketing to your current clients is a must in today's world.

Employee Satisfaction

What has become even more challenging than retaining customers is retaining enough employees to keep your business functional. The job market has fluctuated significantly over the last two years, with many opting to start their own businesses or pursue bigger opportunities. Ensuring your staff is satisfied with the way they are treated and paid can help you avoid the costly task of recruiting and hiring new employees. Survey your current staff to identify any issues you may be unaware of and address their concerns in a timely fashion.

Emergency Preparedness

While it was nearly impossible for anyone to be prepared for the last two years' events, many savvy small business owners were able to pivot quickly and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the pandemic. While you may not be able to be prepared for every scenario, having flexibility in your business plan and contingencies for major disruptions can make changing course much easier should the unexpected happen. Alternative revenue streams and cybersecurity are sure to be hot topics in small businesses during 2022.

Digital Marketing

Even prior to the pandemic, the world of small business marketing had been turning to a primarily digital model. Your website and social media pages have now become the most important way to build your brand and gain awareness of your products and services. While word of mouth advertising has long been the pinnacle of small business marketing, most of that word of mouth is now taking place on social platforms. It is no longer a viable option to have employees manage social in their spare time. There needs to be a greater investment.

Click below to download our free business plan template to help prepare for 2022!