2020 was a tough year for everyone, but it was especially tough on small businesses. Whether you had to close up shop temporarily, or had to postpone an exciting new launch, a new year is here! 2021 means it’s time to pick up where you left off and get back your momentum, so we’ve compiled what we think are some great resources for how you can make that happen!

If you’re subscribed to our mailing list (which you should be!) you’ve seen our latest Entrepreneur Spotlight Initiative where we are highlighting some of your amazing businesses! Our first hit was Tembo NYC, a perfect example of pivoting your business as needed! Tembo began creating face masks, and used a “buy one give one” initiative to encourage people to buy their face masks from them. This was not only a generous sentiment but an amazing marketing strategy as well! If you want to learn more about branding and marketing your business, check out our WEC at Home series with Anjali Varma on personal branding, and marketing on a shoestring budget! We’re not going to overwhelm you with a laundry list of things to do, but three clear and key pieces of advice to keep your business focused and adaptive.

1. Focus on the digital sphere

Whether it’s by turning to social media, revamping your website, or launching your digital product/service. Taking the time to learn how to use tags for social posts, or how to take the best product photos on your phone pays off in social channels where a picture speaks a thousand words. Work smarter with your social media and make it appealing to your audience visually. Capture their attention in the short run so that they will hear you in the long run. This includes upgrading your website and social media pages, so you can reach those you haven’t been able to through traditional marketing methods. Help your business survive and thrive.

2. Be Creative!

If there was ever a time to try something new, it’s now! Trying new things is better than trying nothing, and with so many different mediums of discovery, the more ways you try the greater the likelihood of success. You’ve heard by now that all businesses should focus on their website and social media presence. But, there’s so much more out there now! Try a new social platform, or new promotions and branding experiments. Be responsible and vigilant of course but don’t underestimate being unique. Forbes has a great article on how you can create your unique branding strategy.

3. Find Ways to Give Back

Consumers are becoming more and more conscious of the companies they are supporting, and in turn companies are aligning themselves with noble causes. Establishing a mission, or a way to give back could even be a deciding factor when it comes down to choosing between you and your competitors. Giving back is necessary at all points of success, and no matter how new your business may be, find a way to make sure you are doing better for the world around you. We partner with Bear Givers, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading the joy of giving by offering kids one teddy bear and another to give away. If you can’t make any monetary donations, you can always donate your time and expertise to those in need! Check out Joe Probono and join the growing network of professionals offering their services to people in need of your services and expertise!

Finally, for all things entrepreneur, a tried and true resource is none other than Entrepreneur. Widely considered the ultimate resource for entrepreneurs, they have something for everyone at every point in their entrepreneurial journey. More importantly, as a news source, they ensure you learn from the best by showing you how Fortune 500 companies like Planet Fitness, and 7-11 deal with crises like the pandemic. Every business is unique and while what works for large scale businesses may not work for your small business, there is still plenty to learn from the big players! Turn to Entrepreneur when you need to look for some help from some of the biggest and most successful companies out there. Of course you can also turn to the rest of our amazing blog here. From athletes, to speakers, second careers are becoming more and more famous for everybody, and we are loving it!

It’s never too late to pivot your business! (If you need some ideas for pivoting your business, you can read even more here.) There you have it – 3 ways you can pivot your business today to thrive in 2021! Remember to check back for more entrepreneurial tips, and follow us on our social media channels to stay updated as we navigate this year together.