How the 'new norm' is creating opportunity

The term “pivot” has become somewhat of a “buzzword” in the last few months, referring to a company that’s changed direction or offering in order to combat competition or tough market conditions. For most that change was forced just before or during the early stages of the COVID-10 pandemic.

My hat goes off to the companies of all shapes and sizes that have adapted in order to provide a service and conduct some level of business during this period. A friend and local publican has been offering ice creams and take away food from its now outdoor summer themed car park to generate some revenue and also keeping staff active that are travelling from overseas and living on the pub premises, he explained the staff are running out of tasks to keep them busy and fully ready for the re-opening of the pub, so although it won’t generate a real profit at least they are opening the doors in some small way and providing a service for his locals. Swapping fine ales for chilli dogs and Gelato’s is a temporary measure but at least he feels like they are doing something, not to mention staying front of his customers minds.

At the other end of the scale we’ve seen some obvious big business winners, Amazon, Zoom and many online retailers have seen vast spikes in sales but it’s the small business digital space that impressed me the most. The qualities you would expect from any successful start-up are a constant of course but even more prevalent when under the unusual pressures of the current climate, while many have been forced or taken the decision to batten down the hatches, others have seen opportunity and taken calculated risks which they are comfortable with because of a clear vision and obvious market demand.

These companies are agile and fast to market with an offering that’s clear, easy to buy and communicated effectively. The new norm requires behavioural change… we now work more remotely, we work smarter and digitally. We are aware that although meeting face-to-face is critical in business and needs to happen of course, do we need to meet every day in a central location at cost of time and travel? This means a whole new and enhanced industry of remote and digital applications, platforms, technologies and software will be in demand and increasing in quality and functionality to keep us connected and meeting digitally for learning, meeting and communication.

With behavioural change in mind the way we stay safe and healthy when needing to leave the house has also created and enhanced a huge industry in the world of sanitising, communicating, paying, automation of process and our general experience now being one of self-serve and contactless. Shops, transport, sporting venues, checking in or out or paying or visiting a hotel or…or…or endless applications and requirements. The new norm brings many new ways of going about our daily lives and huge opportunity, kudos to those who are contributing to keep us all safe and helping to forge new technology and ways of working while staying in business or even getting ahead. It’s these growing companies that are working hard getting others safely back to work and play.