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“When the tide goes out, you discover who’s been swimming naked.” – Warren Buffett
In the face of economic challenges, operational efficiency becomes the cornerstone of success for small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs). These businesses account for an astonishing 99.9% of all U.S. firms, as reported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Each day, business owners rise ready to outwork and outmaneuver larger competitors—balancing customer expectations, managing payroll and cash flow, and constantly strategizing how to elevate their business to the next level.
Now, in 2025, a new layer of uncertainty has emerged. With the current administration’s tax, trade, and regulatory policies still taking shape, business leaders are navigating shifting terrain without a clear view of what’s ahead.
Here are 9 tips for weathering the storm as changes in economic policies unfold:
- Start with an AI efficiency assessment. Understanding where your business is—and isn’t—leveraging AI effectively is the first step toward smarter operations. We can help you identify the gaps and opportunities with a tailored assessment. Talk to us today.
- Review contract language to ensure that you can pass on increased costs, if necessary. Let us know if you need a referral to a great business lawyer.
- Ensure that contracts with vendors can flex to changing needs. Get strategic and lock in multi-year rates on core contracts that could have price increases. Seek flexibility on contracts that are not core to your business. Talk to us if you need tips on renegotiating contracts with vendors.
- Focus on customer relationships. In economic uncertainty, retention > acquisition. Build trust through excellent support, authentic communication, reviews/testimonials, and loyalty programs.
- If sales are dropping, invest in technology to offset potential labor or supply chain deficiencies and ramp up marketing.
- Make sure your HR processes are rock solid—so as you get more efficient, you won’t have any issues. SPP has HR resources at the ready to help you ensure your processes are up to date.
- If your technology is right, you should be able to get small fast. Later when things change, that same software should also enable you to grow rapidly. You should not have to add additional admin heads when business turns around; your systems should be doing that work. Are you in the right systems? Talk to us today.
- Use data to pivot quickly and make smarter decisions. Track customer behavior, sales trends, and marketing performance—and if you don’t have the data you need, be vocal about it. Any system sold from 2020 should have flexible dashboard reporting. If you are not getting the reports you need, SPP is happy to look at the system and give you some options.
- Be ready to adapt. Look for seasonal deals or local resources that may be cheaper than importing tariffed items, and don’t be afraid to shop around for suppliers willing to share the cost burden of tariffs or find cheaper goods through other routes.
Systems Process People (SPP) can provide invaluable insights into identifying gaps and inefficiencies within an organization. We offer tailored solutions that align with the specific needs and goals of your unique business. We can help you bridge gaps and maintain a flexible posture so that you can take advantage of market changes. Contact us today!