Brought to you by Dora L. International:
As we adjust to the current business environment and define a new normal for our personal and professional lives, navigating the current landscape takes focus and optimism. Each industry is unique and has its nuances, but it is important to keep in mind that exciting and new clients are searching for a partner with strong technical knowledge and the ability to translate trends into realistic products and services that will ultimately be purchased.
A company’s path to a successful future is empowered by an optimistic attitude and an ability to articulate what makes a company unique. When business environments are challenging, in many ways they are also ripe for new ideas and opportunities.
In planning for the new year, there are a few key recommendations to help your business sustain itself and grow:
Bring Solutions to Clients
This might seem like an obvious suggestion, but often, it’s an important point that is missed. When companies think about solutions, particularly if they’re unique or meet the needs of an emerging trend, there is a tremendous amount of value.
Dora Lau, founder and president of Dora L. International, a global full-service intimate apparel company, says, “Bringing solutions that are trend-based is what gives our company its competitive edge. We collaborate with fabric mills and universities and speak constantly to leaders in the industry to understand developments before they come to market. Our experienced global teams understand how to then develop products that are exciting. This has resulted in the development of new concepts and innovations and has made us a valuable resource for companies.”
She continues, “Be yourself and think about what makes your products unique. Do your research and think like your client. When you can answer the reasons why a customer would buy your product or service and then buy it again or recommend it to someone else, then you’re on the right track. Always be thinking about what will bring in repeat business while keeping an eye on the bottom line.”
Invest in the Right Technology
We all know how important technology is to running a company. In challenging times, it’s even more essential to invest in those technologies that keep your company at the forefront. It goes back to being able to bring the best solutions to your clients. If your company isn’t up to date on the latest developments that relate to your industry, you risk falling behind.
For Lau, getting behind 3D Virtual Sampling was a decision in leveraging technology to be more earth-friendly, bring products to market faster, and save money. How did she make this important decision? “It has taken a few years, but now the technology has improved to a point where brands are experiencing the benefits. In this case, it is no longer the technology that is the innovation but how we use it to leverage opportunities for our company and our clients.”
Focus on Sustainability
No matter what industry your business is in, sustainability needs to be the goal. Whether it’s changes to the way your company is making its products or how it uses resources, every executive can make a positive change that is kinder to the earth. From making internal improvements to bringing greener solutions to clients, sustainability needs to be a part of your company’s future.
Today’s consumers want to be their best selves, to shop thoughtfully, and buy things that they love. Purchasing decisions are more mindful today, and shoppers think about buying products that improve their overall feelings of wellness. More and more, shoppers are communicating the importance of buying products and services that have a minimum impact on the earth.
Internally, some of the adjustments that companies made during the pandemic are having a positive environmental impact that will likely carry over into the future. We see this happening with global teams that have had the ability to work virtually during the pandemic and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future.
Always Be Communicating Your Company’s Value
If companies cannot communicate value, then no one will know about it. Creating excitement in the marketplace means that companies should collaborate and come together to share messages to their audiences.
It’s easy to understand marketing and advertising focused on shoppers, but brands also need to communicate the unique benefits in a way that is relevant and resonates with their own key audiences. Don’t be afraid to speak with the marketing departments of your clients to find ways to collaborate.
First, try with a small campaign and make adjustments for what’s next. Coordination and collaboration, when done correctly, can bring both businesses big benefits.
Keep a Positive Outlook
Part of learning and improving means that you don’t think about failure as a negative. Thinking and visualizing a success improves the chances that it will actually happen.
Take time to think about your goal and write it down. Refer to your list as often as necessary and keep your mindset in a place of confidence.
Entrepreneurs and executives at large firms agree that leadership is going to have some days that are harder than others. Practicing a mindset of positivity and confidence will bring success and will help you make smarter decisions.
