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Consider your approach to investing in startups before the coronavirus pandemic and consider your strategy now. If you’re taking the same investment strategy, then you know things need to change. The world has changed and the way you invest in startups needs to change also. From an investment standpoint, everything you do should be based on leading the competition. Here are a few strategies and new norms that you should consider to be integral to your new investment strategy and startup philosophy.
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Remote Sales Reps Vs In-house Sales Teams
Sales is the most critical aspect of a company. Some would argue that a startups business process and management team are equally important. However, a recent study concluded that most executives feel customer acquisition and sales strategies are the most important reason why they would invest in a startup. Therefore, adapting your sales strategy to be remote and extremely cost-efficient is a great selling point for both investors and startup founders looking to save money and operate in the new coronavirus landscape.
Think about it. Those startups and even enterprise organizations that successfully leverage remote sales reps over in-house sales consultants will win at the end of the day. They will win in both cost efficiency, agility, adaptability, and longevity. Startups that make sales a remote ordeal, and do it successfully have been known to achieve higher revenues.
A study by 99 Firms concluded that 75% of buyers prefer not to waste time meeting face to face. Why waste time meeting in person when you can conduct a transaction remotely. If buyers and prospects are already accustomed to doing business online and over the phone, it only makes sense that any startup you operate or invest in takes advantage of that.
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Food & Technology are Recession-Proof
When looking into recession-proof investment options, food & technology always win. If it’s two things that industry analysts around the globe agree on, it’s that the consumer packaged foods industry and tech-based innovations will never be struck too hard by any recession or pandemic. People always have to eat and the world craves new innovation.
The term recession-resistant has been used quite frequently when discussing consumer packaged goods. Our society uses these food items and beverages every day. Take a look around your kitchen and you’ll find a wealth of consumer packaged goods that you consider to be essential. Even in the middle of a pandemic, you’ll still need to buy salt, water, eggs, oatmeal, and a whole host of other consumer packaged food items.
Now let’s talk about technology. You can’t read this article, watch the news, or even buy anything without some form of technology. The world operates at a foundational level with the help of integrated technological devices like smartphones, payment processing platforms, databases, etc. These are tech-based innovations that never go into a recession. Consider this as an investor when trying to keep a healthy portfolio during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The Lean Startup Model Is Now More Important Than Ever
Harvard business school has coined the term, “The Lean Startup”. It refers to startups and businesses that look at things from an agile and lean perspective. Before dedicating your time, resources, and energy to assuming what the customer wants, get out and ask them directly. Get out and make contact with your customers by asking them, is this solution something you can use, how much would you pay for it, and questions like these. This is more important than ever in a time like the coronavirus pandemic.
Modern business trends and customer’s buying behaviors have forever changed. Therefore, startups that maintain a lean and agile philosophy will be more successful than those that don’t. Whether you are an investor or startup executive, keeping this in mind is critical.
The basic philosophy behind staying lean is never assuming you know what the customer wants. Asking them directly will help you pivot and adapt in the right direction. Take for example a company like McKinsey & Company. They are constantly adapting to the evolving marketplace and innovating new services based on what customers want. It’s one of the reasons why they are the largest consulting firms in the world. Things change every day and unless you ask the customer, how would you know?
Based on our experience and diverse investment portfolio, these are the most important aspects of business startups and investment strategies that need to be considered in this new coronavirus landscape. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of expert investment strategists. We’re ready to help you gain a foothold in a pandemic resistant sector.