It has been quite an uncertain start to the year for many businesses due in part to multiple global and local events, of which the effects are currently being felt (or will soon be felt) across the Australian business landscape.

While many may feel that Australia exists in its own bubble that isn’t strongly affected by outside factors, having this mindset puts businesses on the path to danger.

Having specialised in Global Economics at University, I’ve always maintained a high interest in understanding how global events can affect the economy and the businesses that operate within it.

So this month, I’ll be sharing some of the factors and events impacting businesses and how to future-proof your business against risks with your Jiwa7 software.

 

The five events promising more turbulence in 2022

Australian business owners are currently at a disadvantage if they’re not able to understand how global events and policies will affect their own business.

The world is currently going through a volatile period – and has been for several years – with no sign of calming. So what kind of factors are at play and what are their effects?

1. Upcoming Australian federal election

With the federal election coming up, businesses will find that investment decisions are being paused until a clear outcome is known.

Other businesses and customers will be cutting back as they wait, so business owners should be aware of their current stock and make calculated decisions about which products to sell and hold over the next few months.

2. Political standoffs between global nations

Political standoffs are causing turmoil amongst multiple nations – one of which is the source of low-cost supplies and products to many Australian businesses.

This tension carries the potential to significantly affect the cost elasticity of products – putting businesses relying on a single supplier at a disadvantage.

3. Stock market correction

Many have been anticipating a stock market crash – and whilst it hasn’t happened yet, there has been a significant correction to it.

Unfortunately, the money doesn’t just disappear into nothing, and this will lead to interest rates rising across the nation. Business owners should be aware that their loans will most likely be affected as they’re considered riskier.

4. COVID incentives & financial support

Government financial support for small businesses is in place until the 30th of June – including instant asset write-offs.

Business owners should consider whether they should take advantage and invest in new equipment and platform, or if they should wait until after the election as a potentially new government may have different views of what and where they want to incentivise.

5. Public response to the new COVID variant

Right now, we’re seeing a large amount of the public choosing to isolate, limiting their movements and working from home. Without foot traffic visiting physical stores, business owners will need to invest further into eCommerce and try to engage their audience on social media channels.

All of these factors will affect businesses in some way, and unfortunately, it will take more than a single week to prepare for these events.

 

How businesses can prepare for change brought on by external forces

Businesses will need to both adopt a new mindset and start putting measures in place today so that by mid-year they’ll have a better chance of withstanding volatility in the market.

Changing your mindset is the first step – taking the time now to better understand the globally connected economy and how changes in different nations and industries, in turn, affect your own.

The second step is to start making changes to your business processes – whilst it can take several months, having put long-term strategies and technology in place will allow you to weather future events better.

 

How can Jiwa7 help businesses become proactive?

In addition to changing the culture and mindset in their business, savvy business owners already have software that can give them a clearer view as well as allow them to be proactive.

Jiwa is a great assistant to business owners wanting to understand what’s going on across their entire business.

Some critical features of Jiwa that you should utilise are:

Analytics – real-time data will allow you to see exactly what’s going on in your business across almost every area;

Reporting – reports will highlight any trends in your data means that you’re able to be proactive in your business investments and strategy;

Alerts – setting an automatic alert for late delivery or payments will ensure that you don’t miss problems before they get too big; and

CRM – Jiwa’s CRM will allow you to keep better track of your clients and vendors, and help build up much-needed trust.

 

Making changes today will help future proof your business

Whilst adopting a new mindset and utilising your Jiwa system more efficiently will take time, these positive actions will prepare your business for future turbulence.

By being able to understand the business landscape through trend reports, being alerted to discrepancies and sudden changes, and nurturing a forward-thinking culture within your organisation, these benefits will allow you to deliver better outcomes to your clients.

In a year like 2022, a secret weapon like Jiwa7 will come in handy for businesses wanting to do more than just survive.

 

Get support on your first steps towards change

If you’re a small business owner currently experiencing volatility or if you’re looking to be better prepared for what’s to come, you can contact us today to discuss how to optimise your Jiwa system.

As part of your preparation tactics, you can also join our Support Club to upskill yourself on Jiwa7 through phone calls and videos from our expert team, get 40% off our hourly consultations rate, and receive monthly blog updates on making the most of your system.