Meeting Demand Fluctuation Head On

For businesses of all shapes and sizes the demand cycle creates an ebb and flow. For a few months it seems profits are at an accelerated growth, and all of a sudden demand drops. Flexibility is vital to a firm’s long-term success; the ability to scale to need is paramount. As the old saying goes, “Adapt or Die” , change is part of business so creating a responsive business model should be top of mind. A recent blog from the virtual PBX provider Nextiva points out several ways a business can meet this demand issue head on.

First and foremost, invest in scalable technology. By implementing a cloud phone system, a firm can add or remove additional lines in minutes instead of waiting for a visit from an onsite technician. In addition a cloud communications system offers a bevy of features, such as call queuing, to ensure each customer receives the attention and experience they deserve.

It is vital to understand the importance of trends analysis; put all that collected data to work! Yes, the mounds and mounds of collected data can appear overwhelming, and the process is typically time consuming, but predicting demand allows for management to fine-tune its team size and workflow to maneuver the peaks and valleys of demand. 

Nextiva’s blog also cites using a lean business model as key to responsiveness. In using a lean model, it not only serves as an impetus to standardize processes and ensure a faster time to market but it also prevents error, improves responsiveness and elevates end-to-end collaboration.

We hear much today about the changing workforce. From baby-boomers to Millenials it’s a wide berth, but beyond that it boils down to personality—is your team up to the task? The investment in the team starts with hiring the “right” kind of people and is nurtured via education and showing gratitude for a job well done.

Companies not putting themselves in a “flexible” position will see defecting customers and before they know it, closed doors. The above are a few easy ways to be proactive about the business cycle and your business. The real question here is: How responsive is your business?

Edited by Kyle Piscioniere