The world of business is in a constant state of flux, with rising and falling economic tides ushering in periods of boom and bust. While economic downturns are a natural part of the business cycle, they can be incredibly challenging for small business owners. The sudden and severe nature of these downturns can quickly cripple businesses that are unprepared. That's why small business owners need to be proactive, embracing alternative strategies to mitigate their risk and protect their enterprises.
One of the critical concepts small business owners need to consider in preparing for the next economic downturn is the idea of a black swan event. Nassim Nicholas Taleb, who coined the term in his book of the same name, describes such an event as "an outlier, an event that lies beyond the realm of normal expectations." In other words, a black swan event is a rare and unexpected occurrence that can have a massive impact on the business world.
Taleb posits that a black swan event can be incredibly harmful, especially when they occur unexpectedly. Small business owners need to consider this possibility when developing their economic strategies. The challenges of traditional lending services are often highlighted when an unexpected event leads to a cash crunch for small business owners, and banks refuse to offer loans, pointing to the challenging economic conditions.
In contrast to traditional lending, alternative lending sources are becoming increasingly popular for small businesses. These sources include peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, and merchant cash advances. They provide quicker access to funds than traditional loans and have more relaxed requirements than most banks. Most businesses opt for these sources because they are looking for better ways to ensure their business' longevity without relying solely on banks.
Small business owners need to hedge against the possibility of a black swan event by embracing alternative lending solutions to provide liquidity when they need it most. A study by the National Small Business Association (NSBA) found that two-thirds of small business owners said "they face cash-flow challenges a few times a year, and those challenges are more common and severe for young and growing firms." The study suggests that small businesses must be prepared with alternative financing solutions that suit their specific needs.
Another way that small business owners can prepare for an economic downturn is to consider diversification. When a specific sector or industry suffers a slowdown, it can be incredibly harmful to companies that focus solely on that area. Diversification involves expanding a company's operations beyond its current industry to stay afloat in downturns.
Small business owners can benefit significantly from diversification because it provides an extra source of income and greater flexibility. Google is a great example of diversification in action. The search engine giant has expanded its operations to include cloud computing services, smartphones, and self-driving cars. Diversification has allowed Google to remain nimble and adaptable, ensuring it is always prepared for economic changes.
As small businesses consider diversification, they must understand the industries that have shown remarkable robustness during challenging periods. While no industry is immune to a downturn, some are more resilient than others. Healthcare, education, and technology are just a few industries that have performed well even during economic downturns.
Finally, small business owners need to consider embracing innovative cost-cutting strategies to prepare for economic turbulence. While some businesses gut their operations when times are tough, many others are far more proactive in how they find savings. From embracing remote work to reducing the size of a physical office, businesses can consistently find ways to save money and provide new revenue streams that are essential in difficult times.
Final Thoughts
Small businesses must be proactive and embrace alternative strategies when preparing for the next economic downturn. With the ongoing economic and geopolitical changes happening globally and within countries, the possibility of a black swan event occurring has become increasingly likely. Rather than being unexpected, many indicators point towards the potential for significant and unforeseen disruptions to occur in the business world. Small business owners must be prepared and take proactive measures to mitigate their risks and ensure their longevity, including diversification, innovative cost-cutting strategies, and alternative lending solutions. By preparing for a black swan event, small businesses can stay ahead of the curve and thrive in any economic landscape.