2024 trends

Article written by Sara Pantaleo

In the dynamic landscape of small and family businesses, staying ahead of trends is crucial for sustained success. As we move into 2024, Forbes highlights seven key trends that can significantly impact your business.

1. Building Community: Fostering Local Growth
   • Community engagement is a powerful tool for small businesses. Businesses can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and customer loyalty by actively participating in and contributing to local communities.
2. Customer Experience: Investing in Relationships
   • Investing in the customer experience is no longer an option but a necessity. Happy customers lead to repeat business. Prioritise managing customer relationships, ensuring a seamless and positive experience from start to finish.
3. Personalisation: Tailoring the Client Experience
   • Make your clients feel cared for by personalising their experience. From the initial contact to the final transaction, a personalised touch can set your business apart and build lasting connections with your customers.
4. Marketing – Incredibly Personal: Creating Memorable Experiences
   • Move away from the traditional “hard sell” approach. Focus on creating memorable customer experiences that forge a mutual connection between your business and your clientele.
5. Finances – Growth and Sustainability
   • Accessing finance and sustainable growth are fundamental for small businesses. Ensure your financial stability and explore avenues for responsible expansion.
6. Weathering a Possible Recession: Preparedness is Key
   • Be prepared for economic uncertainties by streamlining operations, leveraging technology, and having a plan in place to run your business efficiently with fewer resources. Secure funding for future projects and ensure financial resilience.
7. Franchising is Hot: Meeting Changing Work Needs
   • Home-based franchise concepts are gaining popularity as people seek more control over their work-life balance. Consider ventures in food, fitness, and services catering to the senior population.

Embracing Sustainability in 2024

In the face of climate change concerns, businesses must address their environmental impact. Small businesses can take the lead by implementing sustainable practices, setting them apart in a competitive market.

Technology and AI: Cybersecurity is Non-Negotiable

As businesses increasingly rely on technology and AI, having a robust cybersecurity contingency plan is essential. Protect your business from sophisticated cyber threats and ensure continuity in facing unforeseen challenges.

Prioritising Resilience: The Need for Business Continuity Plans

Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for small businesses. Develop a business continuity plan that enables you to conduct operations from anywhere, ensuring resilience in the face of unexpected events.

Preparing for Natural Disasters: A Call to Action

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) emphasises the importance of disaster preparation. Shockingly, only one in four small businesses has a plan in place. Be proactive, create a disaster preparation plan, and fortify your business against unexpected events.

Let Us Assist You in Business Continuity Planning

For those looking to have a sustainable business plan and create a robust business continuity plan, we are here to help. Reach out to us to ensure your business is ready to face any challenges that may come its way in 2024 and beyond. Ask us how we can assist you in crafting a comprehensive plan for success.

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Ref: Read Forbes’s full article here.  ASBFEO Media release here.