Page 54 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE_October 2024

MEMBERS SPEAK OUT

What is a key factor to consider when it

comes to operating a business in 2024/2025?

The rapid pace of technological advancements and shifting
market trends require businesses to be flexible and responsive.
Additionally, leveraging digital marketing and e-commerce
platforms can significantly enhance visibility and customer
reach. Ensuring a strong online presence and maintaining
excellent customer service will help small businesses thrive in an
increasingly competitive landscape.
- Rob Matlow, President REM Solutions

I think the focus should be on you as a businessperson being
flexible. I think during COVID we were all kind of forced to be Revenue is a consideration because I think things are still a little
flexible and now going forward, I think we need to maintain that rough and what does that look like for business. Also, how do
flexibility because people are different, the economy is different, you take an employee and really elevate their experience at work
and health care is different. We all must do our part in being and take better care of them and keep your workforce strong. It’s
flexible and patient with each other. big investment and I feel businesses don’t do enough to invest
- Dr. Henna Plahe, Naturopathic Docotor that.
It is essential to adapt to evolving workplace expectations by - Vanessa Stevenson, Homewood Suites by Hilton-Cambridge-
embracing a more relational approach, where power is shared Waterloo
rather than imposed from the top down. This type of shift not The big concern right now is where the market demands are
only strengthens relationships but also enhances mental health, going. What COVID has done to everybody; in the hospitality and
productivity, and employee satisfaction. hotel industry we see a pullback on corporate travel because

- Jason Carrasco, Relationship Matters Therapy Centre corporations saw a benefit to having video conferences rather
than flying people across the world. I think every business
Small businesses must embrace new technologies and thought about what they had to do to pivot during COVID, but
digital tools to stay ahead and provide even better customer I feel like a lot of businesses don’t understand that we need
experiences. to continue pivoting because people have adjusted to a new
- Victoria Locke-Wheal, unLOCKEd Company
lifestyle.
I think it's important to remember why you started your business - Brad MacLellan, Cambridge Hotel & Conference Centre
in the first place. Staying connected to your core purpose not It is important to have a unique value proposition for your
only adds meaning to your work day-to-day, but also helps you customer and be able to deliver on it in a way that is valuable and
avoid getting 'lost in the sauce' of striving to meet outcomes. difficult to imitate. The more cash flow you are able to generate

- Carling Mashinter, Relationship Matters Therapy Centre
from having a unique value proposition, the more valuable your
I think preparing for the future more than ever is the most business will be.
important thing. Every quarter you must plan now; it’s all about - Noah Jensen, Racolta Jensen LLP
planning because we don’t know what the future holds at all, A crucial factor to consider when operating a business is
especially in the construction industry. I think it’s going to end up recognizing that not every client is the right fit for you—and that's
growing in 2025, but during COVID a lot of trades and businesses okay. Fostering mutually beneficial relationships is essential.
got a little too comfortable and jumped on things, not expecting This means seeking out clients whose needs and values align
the plateau. Once that plateau hit, I now see people struggling. I with your offerings, creating a partnership where both parties
think there’s going to be a lot more preparing for ‘Plan B’. gain from the relationship. When you work with clients who are
- Jeff Pomietlarz, Klass Drywall Inc.
well-suited to what you provide, you can ensure a higher level
of satisfaction, more effective collaboration, and better overall
results.
- Holly Sluiter, Fedora Media

54 Fall 2024 www.cambridgechamber.com