“Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin' “

~ Bob Dylan 1964

The last two years have been different from anything most of us have experienced in our lifetimes. There have been significant changes to the way we have worked, learned, interacted with friends, been entertained, vacationed, and purchased goods. These changes have affected businesses, governments, and all other organizations. In some cases, these changes have led to improvements, and in others they have uncovered new challenges.

In the news these days we hear about inflation, a world-wide shortage of computer chips, ships lined up to be unloaded at ports on the West Coast, changes in employment called “The Great Resignation” or “The Big Quit,” energy prices, the need to switch to clean energy to fight climate change, and many other significant changes happening almost daily. There are new risks and new opportunities from disruptions to supply chains, expanded digital and communication technologies, expanded government programs, and the changing workforce.

Have you considered all the potential effects on your business activities?

A good place to start is by looking at the changed expectations of all parties with an interest in your operations, such as customers, employees, suppliers, ownership, neighbours, regulators, and your community. From there, what are the new or changed risks and opportunities? What practices that were put in place to respond to the pandemic have had a positive effect? Maybe you have found better sources of critical supplies, new markets, or better ways of collaborating. Perhaps virtual meetings have been effective enough that you have been able to reduce the need for travel – bringing down both cost and environmental impact. Where do you go from here?

We can help with evaluating your risks and opportunities and putting programs in place to help you benefit from this ever-changing world.