Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
After a few years from economic uncertainty, 2024 is shaping up to be a promising time for startups to get off the ground. While software may see a particular resurgence due to anticipated market growth, every industry has opportunities for new concepts and innovative companies. This is helpful for founders entering the tech industry. However, technology is not the only area ripe for new companies, ideas and concepts.
Take e-commerce, for example. According to Insider Intelligence, it is a sector expected to expand as sales grow to $1.72 trillion within three years. Renewable energy is another promising sector to explore, with the World Economic Forum noting that green solutions are expected to take notice 35% of global energy until next year.
In other words, it's a good time to consider launching a business or product. However, ENDURANCE remains essential for all entrepreneurs entering the startup space. Even in the best of times, starting companies can be risky. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for success, regardless of the economic climate.
How can you make sure you're prepared to roll at a moment's notice? Implement some proven strategies to keep your growing business agile.
Connected: The basics of building a budget for your business
1. Design your annual budget allocations to account for uncertainty
What are some reasons? why startups fail? According to CBInsights, 38% of failed startups cited a lack of cash as a primary issue. That's almost 4 in 10, which is a compelling reason to make sure you spend significant time adjusting your funding allocations.
First, make sure you set aside emergency dollars. Having some cash in reserve can save you trouble if a vendor suddenly raises prices or you can't meet payroll. This is beyond just being efficient with your cash flow; it's setting aside a slush fund, so you're not struggling to cover basic bills.
Then, invest in your own profit centers. These will naturally include your sales, marketing and support departments. Many founders have made the mistake of trying to reduce their sales and advertising budgets. This is a good way to lose a lot of leads and make it difficult for you to generate income for your business. You can (and should) still operate with a lean, basic mindset. Don't be frugal on small matters and wasteful on bigger ones, especially if you've set aside those emergency funds.
2. Stay alert for opportunities to expand your influence
You need a solid business plan to create a supportive and visionary framework for your company. That's great, but stay open to opportunities that may not match your current plan. You don't have to take every opportunity to grow, but stay alert to opportunities.
For example, let's say you've developed a product and your business is in the U.S. However, your sales team brings you some interesting findings: They're getting a lot of interest from buyers in foreign markets. This may indicate that you are focusing on increasing international sales. In 2021, INS Global found that 42% of companies found moving out of domestic markets a popular way to diversify.
The point? Staying updated on trends is essential for making real-time decisions. Nothing should be set in stone, from marketing to reaching a new demographic to changing your internal processes. If you are too rigid, you will not experience the benefits that come from being able to adapt.
Connected: 10 tech trends that will shape the next decade
3. Differentiate your company through exceptional customer service
Every company has competitors. Some of your competitors may offer products or services almost identical to those of your startup. However, you can still win over customers with innovation customer service The solutions.
This is how Zappos has risen to become a leader. The company's service team deserves it custom pricing for their innovative approach to engaging with clients who need help. A great example of their unique strategy is how Zappos focused on communicating with him called customers during the pandemic. Instead of following the same old approach, Zappos empowered its reps to engage in real conversations about anything and stay on the phone as long as needed.
How can you revitalize your service and disrupt your industry in a way that attracts more fans? A good starting point is to examine what other companies are doing (and not doing). As you identify gaps, consider ways to address them. Then, try some of your own creative solutions. Not all ideas will work, but some will be winners. Add them to your service offerings and watch your competition scramble to keep up.
There is no reason to hesitate to pursue entrepreneurship in 2024. Yes, the past year or so has been challenging. That doesn't mean you can't be successful as a business owner. You just need to put measures in place to enable your organization to adapt and change as the months go by – and the cash flows.
Connected: 4 ways to deliver great customer service