While there is no denying that COVID-19 has resulted in extreme ups and downs for all businesses, including those in mining and resources, it’s important to know that regardless of circumstances, proactive and informed business management is, and will always be, the driving force behind surviving and thriving. As we move into the so-called ‘new normal’ here we explore the business practices that are not only necessary for recovery, but will also build business resilience for adapting and being successful now, and beyond COVID.
Since the pandemic took hold in late 2019, we’ve all experienced plenty of so called ‘unprecedented times’. Now our focus needs to be squarely on the future and what can be done to recover from setbacks and proactively build resilience into our businesses.
Update your technology
If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to make working online easier, faster and more convenient.
There’s no turning back now, doing business and transacting in this way is not only accepted, it’s expected.
With social distancing becoming entrenched in our new reality, technology ticks this compliance box and remedies social isolation from customers, suppliers and team members. Remember your team may be feeling uncertain too. They need continued guidance and mentoring, especially younger team members who will likely need more supervision rather than being unfairly expected to self-direct.
Step up your marketing
You must be visible for your clients and customers. Staying in touch and remaining relevant, doesn’t need to involve big budget expenditure. Regular marketing communication should involve calls from you and your sales team, Zoom meetings, helpful email updates and positive social media. The cumulative effect is reassurance and customer confidence that you are available and open for business. While bringing in new business is important, it should never be at the expense of your existing clients. The last thing you want at this time is to lose loyal and valuable clients due to neglect.
Promote your core skills and services
It is all too easy to assume that your clients know what you do. Remind them of the depth of your expertise, experience and specialisations. Clients crave certainty and they will engage with businesses that demonstrate they can deliver high-quality core skills and must-have services.
Cash flow
From an operational perspective, it’s all about cash flow. In this environment, your tried and trusted ‘rules of thumb’ are unlikely to still be relevant.
Weekly to medium-term (three months) cash flow forecasting will provide the clarity needed for immediate business management and decision making. Then, armed with this clear understanding, extend your forecasting a further nine months and review monthly, to gain a longer view across what may be regularly changing circumstances.
Knowing your cash position will enable you to take decisive action.
If cash shortfalls are exposed, you’ll need to take steps that may include organising finance, applying for Government support, negotiating terms with your landlord and suppliers, adjusting staffing levels, reviewing expenses and rescheduling non-urgent major purchases and shoring up your asset protection, among other things.
For those businesses that are doing well, cash flow forecasting will create confidence for business owners to make the most of opportunities and strengthen the business. Strategies may include investing in new technology, upgrading equipment, bringing forward major capital expenditures and extracting cash from the business to directly benefit the business owners’ personal wealth and retirement planning.
Next steps…
We understand there’s a lot to consider. However, if we may offer some reassurance of our own, it’s important to know that the key to business resilience is often getting back to business basics and doing them well.
This includes taking a working ON rather than just IN your business approach.
We understand your reality of being time poor and taking the time to implement improvements. These matters are our forte. Providing advice, guidance and helping you to understand the Numbers, implement Strategies and provide specialist Advice that suits your mining and resources business is what we do best.
For business advice please contact Resources Unearthed on +61 (0)7 3007 2000 or contact@resourcesunearthed.com.au
Resources Unearthed is a solutions hub that provides integrated financial, legal, property and accounting & business advisory services for executives, professionals and business owners in mining and resources.
The information contained here is general and not intended to serve as advice. Any information supplied is not a substitute for independent professional advice. We do not warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or adequacy of the information or material. All information is subject to change without notice.
