How Offshoring Can Strengthen Your Business in the New Year
As we step into the new year, businesses, both large and small, are confronted with a challenging economic landscape characterized by soaring inflation, slowed sales growth, and the looming possibility of a recession. These uncertainties pose significant threats to the very core of business operations. In the face of escalating struggles to maintain profitability and a tight labor market, offshore staffing services have emerged as a strategic solution, proving to be a lifeline for businesses seeking resilience and growth.
In this article, we delve into the key challenges faced by small businesses, addressing the impact of inflation, hiring difficulties, and economic pessimism. More importantly, we shed light on how having an offshore team, specifically through a partnership with Altrust, can be a viable strategy to weather the storm and thrive amidst adversity.
Business Outlook for the Year
Small business owners are currently apprehensive about the future due to inflation outpacing revenue expectations and indications suggesting a mild recession in the US economy during the first half of 2024. Key concerns include:
- Inflation remains a top concern for small businesses, with 23% of owners reporting it as their single most important problem.
- Small business owners are pessimistic about future business conditions, contributing to low optimism regarding the economy.
- Sales growth among small businesses has slowed, and the bottom line is being squeezed, leaving owners few options beyond raising selling prices for financial relief.
- Small businesses are having difficulty filling open jobs, with 93% of businesses hiring or trying to fill open positions reporting few or no qualified applicants.
Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Inflation
Inflation is unavoidable, but businesses can implement strategies to lessen its impact:
- Raise prices strategically: Small business owners can raise prices strategically to hedge against inflation, without driving customers away.
- Negotiate long-term, fixed-price contracts: Establish long-term contracts with suppliers and customers to mitigate the effects of external inflation.
- Streamline and automate processes: Reorganize the company’s warehouse and explore automation to save money and combat rising labor costs.
- Look for new streams of income: Small business owners can explore new revenue streams, leveraging assets like property, equipment, inventory, and staff.
- Reduce business expenses: Small business owners can reduce overhead costs and variable expenses to combat inflation.
- Be ready for new customers: Inflation creates new customer segments, providing opportunities for businesses to tap into new markets.
- Monitor economic indicators: Stay ahead of inflation by monitoring economic indicators and adjusting strategies accordingly.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
Small business owners can reduce expenses during inflation by taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed into law by President Biden. The IRA benefits businesses by investing in deficit reduction, increasing manufacturing, lowering healthcare costs, and providing tax credits for eco-improvements.
How can small business owners take advantage of offshoring?
Small business owners can benefit from offshoring in several ways to enhance operations and reduce costs:
- Cost Efficiency: Tap into regions with lower labor costs, reducing operational expenses and increasing overall cost efficiency.
- Access to Specialized Talent: Gain access to specialized talent not readily available locally, benefiting from specific expertise and skills.
- Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Offshore team members can enhance efficiency, save money, and increase productivity.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Offshoring can offer more competitive pricing than onshoring, leading to cost savings.
By leveraging offshoring, small business owners can access a broader talent pool, reduce operational costs, and improve overall business efficiency. Careful consideration of the offshore company, such as Altrust, is crucial to maximizing these benefits.
Why partner with Altrust?
Altrust is a leading offshoring and outsourcing company that connects businesses with top professionals in the Philippines. With English as the official business language and a population of proficient English-speaking professionals, Altrust provides a workforce receptive to international work environments. By focusing on business relationships beyond transactions, Altrust can source available talent within your budget and align with your company culture.
In conclusion, the current business outlook for small businesses in the United States is challenging, with concerns such as inflation and the potential for a recession affecting operations. To mitigate these challenges, small business owners can adopt various strategies, including the strategic use of offshoring. A partnership with Altrust offers cost efficiency, access to specialized talent, and increased overall business efficiency.
In the face of economic uncertainties, strategic planning, and innovative partnerships, such as with Altrust, are crucial for small businesses to navigate challenges and emerge stronger.
Are you prepared to face the challenges of the economy and grow your business? Click here for a no-obligation consultation to find out if offshoring with Altrust can help you reduce expenses, enhance efficiency, and thrive despite economic uncertainties.