Blook in the streets? Here’s how to turn pressure into profit
"When there’s blood in the streets, there’s money to be made." – Baron Nathan Rothschild
Yes, that sounds extreme. Even opportunistic.
But step into the shoes of a founder, owner, or investor – someone responsible for the life and future of a business. Suddenly, strategy isn’t about winning some day – it’s about doing whatever it takes to prosper right now.
In times of uncertainty, you don’t freeze. You focus. Because the businesses that SCALE are the ones that lean into strategic action while others pull back.
Introducing A Strategy That Wins Under Pressure
The best strategies aren’t always created when things are comfortable. Sometimes, these strategies are best forged under fire. Think of company game-changers such as:
Netflix shifting from DVDs to streaming during the 2008 crisis
Zoom scaling rapidly during COVID-19 to become the go-to platform for remote work and virtual connection
Slack turning a failed gaming project into a workplace tool
From inflation and interest rate shifts to geopolitical events and industry shakeups, today’s market presents no shortage of volatility. Add in the mass adoption of AI, and businesses are being hit with nonstop change and external pressures that demand decisive action. This is where it gets interesting.
Savvy business owners and leaders aren’t asking if they should move. They’re asking how.
Here’s how to keep your strategy sharp – especially when the pressure’s on.
Growth: Build, Buy, Or Partner?
In turbulent markets, growth comes with both risk and opportunity. The best path depends on your goals, cash flow, and appetite for risk. Once you decide your position, you’ll be more equipped to put yourself on a growth trajectory.
Build when you have in-house capability and want full control
Buy when time-to-market matters, and you can secure value fast
Partner when collaboration enhances efficiency and results, not just effort
Know how you can only pick 2 out of the 3 options: time, quality, and money? The same applies here. Whether you build, buy, or partner, each path prioritizes these factors differently – which is why understanding the trade-offs is vital to making the right move for your business.
Need clarity? Use our GPS Framework to assess whether your growth moves are aligned with where you’re headed.
Performance: Stay Resilient
Operational discipline is the secret weapon of scaling companies. And that’s a foundation that’s established in your documented processes.
Track cash flow like your future depends on it – because it does.
60% of small businesses struggle with cash flow management, primarily due to delayed payments and outdated processes (PYMNTS).
Renegotiate vendor and supplier terms to protect margins.
Businesses are advised to avoid letting contracts auto-renew, as doing so may result in missing out on potential cost savings (Advantage).
Secure financing before you need it, not in a panic.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) backed $56 billion in financing in 2024 – a 7% increase from the previous year (AP News).
Bring in experts to optimize what you can’t afford to get wrong (financial management, brand reputation, and cybersecurity).
Many companies remain complacent about cybercrime risks despite the rise in threats from AI, underscoring the need for cybersecurity expertise (Reuters).
Whether it’s cost reduction or increased capacity, now is the time to streamline performance.
Strategy: Handle Global Uncertainty
You can’t always predict the market, but you can prepare for it.
Stay informed about events that could impact your industry and your business, and adjust your strategy as needed. Strategic preparation protects your energy and focus to keep you sharp when critical decisions demand your full attention.
Diversify your supply chain to avoid single points of failure
Watch currency fluctuations, shifting trade regulations, and rising logistics costs
Evaluate ROI carefully, but don’t let fear paralyze your ability to act
Especially in times of uncertainty, a calculated risk could be your catalyst for growth, so it’s important to make decisions based on data – not on hesitation.
Winners are those who plan – and pivot – with precision.
Ready To Pressure-Test Your Strategy?
Is your current plan built for resilience or survival? Let’s take your strategy through SCALE’s GPS Framework and identify how to grow, perform, and navigate the future – no matter how uncertain. Join Tamika Tyson – investor, entrepreneur, and Founder of SCALE – for the journey.
At SCALE, we make the improbable possible – Strategically Cultivating Acceleration Leveraging Expertise using our GPS Framework. Expect to break through barriers, scale your company, and maximize value so you can successfully exit or transition on your terms.