Easy Tips for Small Business Success

One of the things that was noticed since COVID arrived was that small businesses have been faced with challenges that have been unprecedented. There are more small businesses now than ever because COVID did have a positive impact in that more people believed that they could open their own business from home.

The problem is that with COVID, the challenges include border closures, restrictions and lockdowns, and subsequent disruption. And even though COVID was almost five years ago, it's still having a ripple effect on businesses today. As a new small business out there, you want to be able to have as much success as possible, and while there have been some curveballs, some small businesses are in a better position than they ever would have been to be able to adapt and thrive. Let's take a look at some easy tips for small business success so that your new small business can make waves in a positive way.

Work with suppliers

If your business is small and you're the only person working within it and running it, then you know that working with suppliers is going to be really important for you. Whether you are working with a supplier of pressure washing equipment to be able to expand on your one man band to two or three, or you're working with a supplier to help you with your product packaging, you need to make sure that you are working alongside them rather than working against them. And that means understanding how to manage people and relationships.

Do more than just attract your staff

Limited worker availability is a problem post COVID because people are more than ever wanting to work from home. If your business is one that allows remote working then allow it. Not only will you save money with your overheads, but you'll be able to appeal to a wider range of talent. You need to look for as much and recruitment support as possible and attracting and retaining your staff can be easier to do going forward.

Supply Chain Management

Manage your supply chain challenges. An easy tip for small businesses is to manage supply chain challenges. Whether you're a small retail store or you're an online e-commerce store, widespread global supply chain issues can affect your business, so you need to be smart about where you get your stock and your raw materials from. You have to be able to prepare for all outcomes. And while supply chains can continue to be disrupted by current global factors including political instability and climate change, there are also many positive developments to think about.

Adapt

Learn to adapt to changing conditions. We just talked about political instability and climate change, and these are changing conditions that you as a small business owner have to learn to work with. COVID is one thing, but it's not as prevalent as it was a year or even two years ago. So you need to make sure that you are keeping an eye on the horizon and adapting as you need to.

Within your business there will be plenty of areas you need to adapt, for example a lot of operations are now automated. So rather than using man power that gets tired and needs a break you can use a machine to do it. Make sure you are not putting your employees out of work though, find other areas for them to carry on working. Remember, not everything can be automated. You might want to use something like an automated inspection system to carry out quality control within your company.

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The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025

A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025

I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects. The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.