Initially, we have to explore why and how your organization shifts into survival mode. Many organizations "find" themselves in survival mode since their sales all of a sudden slow or, even worse yet, come to a screeching stop. Your business hasn't changed and neither has what you're offering, so why all of a sudden is it so challenging to offer.
Existing customers are hopefully delighted with your products/services otherwise they wouldn't be customers. Because of this, they are most likely to want to assist you if they can. It's your move to ask.
Now might be a good time to work together. It takes a brave management group to actively look for possibly rival companies and strike up a relationship. Yes you may need to give up a little margin. However in times of crisis more creative methods of getting your item to market are required. Few business are genuinely identical. Few have the very same technical strengths, the same scale and geography of operation.
In a strong economy where organization is streaming quickly, it's simpler to grow without great tools, training, and systems. However, in tight (i.e. frightened) economies, you truly need to raise the level of your Business Development in order to grow.
Pay really special attention to cash circulation and debt. Strive to lower your aged debt - incentivise your credit controller and sales people. Renegotiate with providers and debt providers for instance agree staged payments with HMRC for PAYE. Get all allowances in early, e.g. R&D tax credit.
Set hours/days for outside appointments/meeting with customers or networking. This is business development huge. You can't focus on your work if you are interrupting the circulation of your day. Simply put, it's real difficult to stop the flow of energy and re-start it later.
Usually the advancement and execution of 'Plan B' is much easier (less agonizing?) with professional help. Isosceles have actually directed lots of little and medium companies through hard times. It's not without its difficulties but with favorable action at the best time, it is possible to form your future!