2020 is about to end and a new year is arriving. If you run a business, you probably had a hard time this year. The COVID pandemic has disrupted many industries, and the effects will be felt to next year. Here are some risks that you have to be aware of so that you can better prepare for them and what you can do to ready your business.
Cash Flow Problems
A big concern that your business might face next year is a cash flow problem. This is mainly from fewer people buying anything beyond the essentials. If your business focuses on a luxury that is not easily accessible online, then you likely had a drop in sales because of COVID. The pandemic’s end is not in sight yet so you can expect continued low profits in the next year.
If you want to stay in business, then you might need to take out a loan. Borrowing right now can be a smart move. When you look at home loan rates right now, they are the lowest they have been for years. These are an accurate indicator of what other loans in the market will be in the future. The problem is that you need to qualify for them. Many lenders are stricter about who they issue their loans to right now because of the higher risk of non-payment.
Potential Recession
Many economists were predicting a recession in either 2020 or 2021. Some newspapers are already trumpeting that it is here. Whether we enter 2021 in the middle of a recession or face a potential one, it will be a tough time for a business. You need to ready your business for the potential problems that you might face.
First, you may end up with a large inventory that is not moving. You might have to cut down on production so that you are not wasting money on a product that is not selling. This helps reduce expenses in the long run. Getting rid of that inventory is also another issue. You might start to offer discounted prices so that you might be able to move your stock and at least get some revenue.
Another problem that comes up during recessions is spending. Businesses spend money to make money. But the problem is that in a recession, you need to be sure that your business is not spending too much money. If your business has not streamlined its operations, you should start doing so now. Fewer expenses can allow you to create a profit from low sales.
Supply Chain Disruptions
The pandemic crippled many industries, and the effects will be felt for a long time. Some economists believe that full recovery won’t start until 2022. One problem that weakened industries create is a low supply for some items. Some businesses are already feeling the pinch right now. Electronics and other industries that need raw materials and components to create their products are face shortages. It doesn’t help that a trade war is still ongoing. This places additional tariffs and can put the squeeze on your sources.
This can be bad for a business that is dependent on outside suppliers. As early as now, it would be best if you were looking for additional suppliers. Many businesses have a main source of their raw materials to simplify things. But having alternate suppliers is looking to be the best way to ensure that your company won’t feel the crunch if one supplier is not able to deliver.
Political Unrest
The world is facing a lot of chaos right now. Many issues can potentially cause problems for businesses all over the world. In the US, the November election is going to be the most contested one in recent history. There might still be effects from it when the next year comes around. This can cause problems for businesses as unrest might be one of the potential results of the election.
Other parts of the world are not exempt. For example, in the United Kingdom, Brexit will likely be coming, and this can potentially disrupt the networks of trade in Europe. That is just one place that may suffer disruption from political changes. Preparing your business for these disruptions depends on where you are and whether you will be affected by them.
The year 2020 is going to go down in history as a horrible year for business. But if your company survived it, then you know that it is tough and adaptable. Whatever 2021 throws at you, you need to be ready for it so that your business can survive.
