Optimism is

…an epically crap strategy

Do not be fooled by the prevailing sense that New Zealand is back to normal post-COVID. For a start, we are in no
way post-COVID. If I were to describe it as I really see it, we are in a bubble of serenity that is lovely but is not sustainable.

Whether we see another mass outbreak of the virus in NZ or not, our economy is going to be smacked around significantly, simply because of the effects on our trading partners.

What we need to be focusing on very clearly right now in this false calm is preparing our businesses for rocky
times and that requires a different mindset. I’m aware of many businesses who are making budgetary decisions for next year based on this year and last year. There may be some who are lucky enough to come through unscathed.

For the majority, that won’t be the case. This is a time to be making sure that businesses look at every aspect of
what they do and how they do it. Question everything. For instance, if you are a distribution or manufacturing business, you must look beyond the Revenue and GP lines. High revenue dollars on a line item always look impressive, but is that supported by strong GP? Even if the GP is good, do you know what the Overhead component of conducting that business is?

You might find that the human, technology and spatial infrastructure required to support that piece of business makes a much less prominent product that is easy to handle ultimately a more dependable contributor to the bottom line.

I cannot state it strongly enough. Question everything. Your business needs a plan that is based on the uncertainty of these times. You might do really well if you are able to adapt to the volatility we will face. You might find that you need to “rightsize” to just keep the lights on until the worst is over. You also might find that hibernation is the safest way to preserve your assets.

Whatever the right things is for \you, I strongly suggest that “being optimistic” is not a strategy. I’d like to offer the assistance of Regeneration HQ in making strategic plans, examining the potential options, preparing the business for pivoting, hibernating or diversification and getting you in the shape you need to be in.

As approved Regional Business Partners in the MBIE programmes, including the Management Capability Development Fund and the COVID-19 Business Advisory Fund, we can offer expertise through a range of channels.

So, let’s get your business ready for what’s coming. Now’s the time. Call me.