The sting of the coronavirus pandemic continues to plague the country in 2021. Meanwhile, the president seeks more stringent measures to curb the spread. In the most recent turn of events, the president has placed 5 counties under lockdown having considered them hot spots for the virus. The lockdown means that there will be no movement in or out of those counties until the Covid-19 positivity rate drops to manageable levels. The action is a result of the third wave of the pandemic that has raised major concerns over the safety of Kenyans. According to experts, the third wave of the pandemic has proven more potent than the first two. Moreover, the country has once again closed schools indefinitely as health workers continue to monitor the spread of the virus. With such drastic measures, Kenya like many other countries faces dark times ahead.
Once again, the future of the nation's economy is in limbo. The situation is primarily because of the pandemic, corruption scandals, and unprecedented debt levels. More companies have closed in the last two years than ever before. Also, the business environment has become increasingly challenging. Moreover, the cost of living goes up and many people lost their livelihood. In light of these challenges, it is paramount for people to act quickly and find ways to overcome the economic crisis. Businesses today fight not only to stay relevant but to survive. Recent events show that the year 2021 is likely to follow 2020's example by putting people out of business and bringing nations to their knees. As such, people must be quick to learn from 2020 and create a better economic environment. They must employ the skills acquired from the treacherous year.
The events of 2020 provided invaluable lessons to the nations across the globe. First, the pandemic highlighted the flaws in the economic system and notably challenged prevailing business models. Traditional business models that relied on providing goods and services directly to clients suffered extensively. Technological adaptation is crucial to business success during the pandemic. The novel coronavirus global crisis revealed the implications of technology in economic success or failure. For instance, cloud-based business models recorded significant success despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, businesses that had already established an online presence weathered the economic storm better than those that did not. In contrast, companies that did not have a cloud-based business model or that lacked an online presence struggled to remain relevant during the pandemic.
The economic landscape is changing rapidly and business owners must find ways to face these changes head-on. The Kenyan government has increased taxes in a desperate effort to generate funds during the crisis. Similarly, the national debt is through the roof, and with these Kenyans can hardly afford three square meals a day. The Covid-19 third wave foreshadows the pandemic's resolve to stay. With the cost of living going up at an alarming rate, the nation is moving into an economic crisis. At this rate, it is everyone for themselves and God for us all. Kenyans must choose not to despair but rather seek out the opportunities that the crisis presents. While the pandemic has brought many businesses to an end, it has brought different types of demand. People must thus increase their flexibility and be willing to venture into new terrain as demand arises.
One of the most important aspects of economic success is understanding consumer needs and demands. Today, meeting customer demands is vital to remain relevant. In 2021, people must have a clear sense of what matters most to the consumer and restructure their business models to meet those needs. The pandemic has placed great emphasis on social distancing and quarantine lifestyles. Consequently, business owners must determine ways through which they can meet client's needs despite these lifestyle changes. Several businesses have taken the challenge and made the necessary changes to this effect. Fitness trainers, for instance, have shifted from gym sessions to in-house training and online workout routines. Through effective communication such as bulk SMS, these businesses have kept their customers in the loop at all times. Similarly, restaurants have shifted much of their focus to home deliveries to maintain their client base despite the pandemic.
It is also worth noting that certain businesses have recorded higher revenues because of the pandemic. As such, business owners that became obsolete during the pandemic can venture into new businesses that can yield positive results. Studies show that certain businesses performed significantly better during the pandemic. Notably, organisations that offered delivery services and those that helped increase connection performed well during the pandemic. Companies that increased the ease of doing things at home have also seen a sharp increase in revenue as more people spend time at home than ever before. In light of this, Kenyans must keep a close eye on individual needs and demands to pinpoint business opportunities during the pandemic. Also, people must increase their networking skills through messaging tools to expand their businesses despite the lockdown and social distancing.
Communication is key in the age of the pandemic. Without effective communication, businesses are doomed to fail during the Covid-19 era. In this respect, bulk SMS services have become increasingly valuable as they guarantee direct communication with clients and shareholders. SimpleSell SMS is an excellent tool for Bulk SMS and marketing campaigns. SMS offers a 98% success rate for marketers with over 90% of recipients reading the messages within five minutes of receiving them. Businesses must employ sure tactics such as bulk SMS for marketing and communication to remain relevant during the pandemic. From communicating with staff to gaining new clients, SMS marketing can significantly benefit organisations. With the ongoing lockdown and Covid-19 third wave, Kenyans should act quickly to remain in business and keep up with the rising cost of living.
By Christine Njoki - Published 13th Apr 2021, 11:48pm