8 Business Strategies to Overcome Inflation

Inflation can affect businesses of all sizes and has a direct impact on an organization's cash flow and profitability. Prices are rising, supply chains are rocky, and customers are closely guarding every dollar as their lives get more expensive.

So how can businesses weather the highest rate of inflation in 40 years? With strategic planning, agility, and clean, transparent financial reporting -- follow our guide.

Inflation-busting tips

Review pricing strategies: Inflation can erode profit margins, so reviewing pricing strategies regularly is essential to ensure that prices remain competitive. This might involve adjusting prices upwards to account for rising costs or finding ways to reduce costs to maintain current prices.

Increase productivity: By increasing productivity, a small business can produce more goods or services in the same amount of time, which can help offset rising costs. This might involve investing in new technology or processes or finding ways to streamline operations.

Diversify revenue streams: Having multiple sources of revenue can help a small business weather economic downturns and mitigate the impact of inflation. This might involve adding new products or services or expanding into new markets.

Control costs: A small business can control costs by negotiating better terms with suppliers, finding ways to reduce energy and other overhead costs, and identifying areas where spending can be cut. It's important to note that cutting costs doesn't always mean reducing staff.

Increase efficiency: By increasing efficiency, a small business can do more with the same resources, which can help offset rising costs. This might involve streamlining processes, automating tasks, or finding ways to reduce waste.

Invest in training: Providing training and professional development for employees can help a small business increase productivity and efficiency, which can help offset rising costs.

Encourage innovation: Encouraging employees to come up with new ideas and innovative solutions can help a small business stay ahead of the curve and find ways to mitigate the impact of inflation.

Outsource fractional finance: engaging a fractional CFO (Chief Financial Officer) can give your business the expertise and guidance needed to navigate inflationary pressures. A fractional CFO works on a part-time or project basis, offering the expertise of a full-time CFO without the cost and commitment of a full-time hire.

Overall, there are many strategies that a small business can use to overcome inflation. By reviewing pricing strategies, increasing productivity, diversifying revenue streams, controlling costs, and increasing efficiency, a small business can find ways to mitigate the impact of rising costs and maintain profitability.

Are you spending too much time on the numbers? Need financial and operational expertise but can’t afford a full-time executive? Not sure why your business isn’t profitable or scaling as planned? Start a conversation with Focused Energy Fractional Advisors here.