Post-Pandemic Blues Affecting Your Revenue?#

Yes, Covid-19 might still be hitting your bottom line. But here's the thing – you can turn this around by focusing on what you actually control.

Are you struggling with Covid's lingering impact? Scared your business won't survive? The uncertainty eating you alive? You're not alone. We've had those same 3 AM panic thoughts, but we're here to help you fight back.

There's a German saying: "Geteiltes Leid, ist halbes Leid" – shared trouble is trouble halved. I live by this motto: "What I can't control, I don't stress about."

<AcademyQuote>To the victim, adversity is bad. To the leader and warrior, hard times are life's richest times of growth, opportunity and possibility. – Robin Sharma</AcademyQuote>

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Difficult times bear the biggest opportunities.#

We're reaching out because we want to share what's working for us during these challenging times. History proves that tough periods create breakthrough companies:

• 11890: General Electric was founded during a recession
• 21975: Microsoft launched during US stagflation
• 32009: Dropbox started during the financial crisis

What does this mean for you? It's time to work on what you can influence.

At Printulu, we're examining every cost angle and ensuring liquidity while investing in our team and brand. You should do the same. Not next month, not in three weeks. Right now.

We don't know how long this situation will last, so we're taking decisive action to protect our Printulians and avoid layoffs.

!Team working together#

Which measures can you take?#

1. Cut fixed costs#

Rent: Our lease ended in December, putting us on month-to-month. Given the uncertainty, we cancelled it entirely. Everyone was working from home anyway, so we extended this into a hybrid work environment.

IT costs: We've been building our platform for six years, releasing updates weekly. Right now, we've stripped projects to bare essentials. IT is expensive and pays off long-term, but we need to balance short-term survival with future growth.

Other costs: We spent 24 hours going through bank statements line by line. You'll be amazed what you find. I cancelled marketing automation subscriptions because we have time to do manual work now. We also ditched our hiring platform subscription – clearly, we can't hire right now.

Salaries/Team: Let everyone work from home if possible. If someone can't work remotely, help them as much as you can. If retrenchment becomes unavoidable, base decisions on performance, not tenure. Your company culture depends on it.


2. Ensure short-term liquidity#

Grants: The South African government's small business support isn't crystal clear yet, but apply via http://www.smmesa.gov.za/ anyway. Let's see what comes of it.

Loans: Speak to your bank about repayment holidays – most have implemented them. Also discuss additional liquidity. It won't be easy, but it's necessary. Maybe not for the next three weeks, but what if this drags on?

Investors: Talk to potential investors or friends (the "Friends, Family and Fools" round) about loans or equity investments to bridge liquidity gaps. Prefer debt over equity. If you can't agree on terms, use a safe note agreement. We've used this before and we're talking to our investors about bridge financing for three to six months.

Suppliers: Renegotiate payment terms with suppliers. They'll have many clients asking for extensions, so work collaboratively to preserve relationships for when lockdown ends.


3. Invest in your team#

Training: Now's the time to upskill your team and build resilience against external shocks. Is there something you've always wanted to delegate but never had time for? If you're flying solo, upskill yourself. Read books about cost-cutting, marketing, and leadership. Invest in courses from Udemy or GO1.

<AcademyProTip>Use downtime to cross-train team members in different areas of your business. When things pick up, you'll have a more versatile workforce ready to handle increased demand.</AcademyProTip>

Analysis/Clean-ups: Need to chase payments? Is your accounting behind? That analysis you never had time for? Do it now. Make every minute count.

4. Invest in your brand#

Contact clients: Reach out to key clients and help them survive this situation. Help now, earn loyalty forever. With this post, we're trying to contribute to business survival.

Marketing initiatives: Prepare your marketing for the entire year. Get designs ready, nail your ad copy, and prepare to move strongly when lockdown lifts. Marketing is a variable cost, not fixed – it doesn't add underlying risk. Secure liquidity first, then invest in your brand and product.

<AcademyDadJoke>Why don't printers ever panic during tough times? Because they know how to handle the pressure!</AcademyDadJoke>

Here are steps to help your business thrive post-pandemic:#

1. Evaluate your business model: Take a hard look at your model and identify changes needed for the post-pandemic environment.
2. Invest in digital transformation: Embrace technology and digital solutions to boost efficiency, reach customers, and improve your bottom line.
3. Focus on customer experience: Put customers at the centre of your strategy and deliver seamless, positive experiences.
4. Diversify your revenue streams: Consider new products or services that tap into fresh markets and revenue sources.
5. Foster strong company culture: Build culture that attracts top talent, boosts morale and productivity, and creates a positive work environment.
6. Adapt to changing market trends: Stay current with trends and remain flexible so you can pivot quickly when needed.
7. Invest in marketing and brand building: Build your brand and invest in marketing to reach new customers and increase visibility.