Setting Your Business Strategy for 2026: New Challenges, More Opportunities

We are finally seeing lower interest, even if the path downward has been slow and somewhat sporadic.  Both consumer and business confidence is lower than it has been, but overall the economy looks likely to remain in good shape, with the threat of recession lower than it has been. 

How can business owners plan for another year in which the business cycle isn’t fully on the upswing yet? 

• Break down the challenges
• Identify strategies
• Be realistic
• Access the resources you need

Think About Solutions, not Challenges

Focusing only on the uncertainty can be defeating. Instead, plan proactively for the solution. Inflation has lowered but is still higher than norms.  Do you need to raise prices or adjust your product offering?  Having a solid marketing strategy in place can mitigate the impact. Focus on your strengths in your marketing: are you a local business? Do you have longevity or history? What are your differentiators? Building a marketing strategy in today’s digital world should incorporate your website, social media, and email. 

If costs are an issue, is there technology that can remove friction in your process or allow you to automate or simplify? Is it time to rethink the costs you control, for example, leasing costs or equipment costs? 

For many businesses, attracting and retaining talented employees is the biggest roadblock to growth. Employees aren't just about salary now—having a good employee benefits package can make a difference in recruiting. Depending on the size of your business and your structure, there's likely a retirement plan that can create employee loyalty and provide both your business and you as owner with significant retirement savings and tax breaks. 

Do You Need to Raise Capital? 

For many business owners, raising capital is a way to get through the challenges of an inflationary and potentially recessionary environment. Sources of capital can be loans from governmental sources, such as the Small Businesses Administration, or from banks or credit unions. You may also have private sources. Another option is to offer an equity buy-in to an investor or as part of an eventual succession plan. 

All of these start with getting your business accounts in order and presenting your business in the best possible light. Are your taxes pristine? Can you shift to prioritize repeatable income? If you have lumpy income from big commissions or jobs, can you provide a history that identifies a cyclical or other predictable catalysts for these? 

Have You Thought Through Your Taxes? 

Changes to the business climate may present opportunities to save on taxes, and not just from lower revenues. You should consider your taxes from a multi-year perspective, so you can plan for changes to your income and expenses. New marketing spend, professional fees, equipment costs—all of these may be deductible. The costs associated with starting a retirement plan? That’s a tax credit. 

Do You Have the Resources You Need?

You can’t do everything yourself. Being realistic about the demands on your time is the first step—you need to have a life along with a business. The next level is identifying what absolutely needs to be done by you and what can be handed to someone else. From there, think through: 

• Is there someone already on staff that can take on additional functions or lead projects?
• What can be outsourced? Where will you find those resources?

Small business owners often need a quarterback that can manage multiple projects, whether internally led or externally sourced. Hiring a marketing team, working with a tax professional or accountant, or getting a legal team in place for a sale or equity restructuring is in itself a big project. 

A financial advisor that specializes in working with small businesses may be the solution. They have the benefit of expertise developed by working with business owners at all phases of the cycle and may also have access to a network of professionals that can be brought in to work on specific problems. Working with a financial advisor can also help you keep your personal financial goals and your business goals working in tandem. 

The Bottom Line

Growing a successful business is challenging, no matter the macro environment. Keeping a long-term plan in mind, and ensuring you have the right resources, can help you reach your goals. 

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The information contained herein is intended to be used for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but are intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

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