Recently many companies have lost income, many are having difficulty even just covering operational costs. As a result, quite a few workers were affected. Starting from salary cuts, temporary contract terminations, to layoffs. Based on reports received by the Ministry of Manpower, as many as 1.94 million workers were laid off or were laid off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure comes from 114,340 companies in various regions of Indonesia.
However, life must go on, because life's needs cannot wait. For those who are married, the demands become even more urgent because of the existence of a family that needs to be supported. It is at times like these that our fighting spirit and creativity are faced with real challenges. Open your eyes, because actually the opportunity to earn income is still open. If you no longer have to work in someone else's company, perhaps this is the time to become an entrepreneur.
This is in line with what was said by Abidzar Rahadi (Abi), a Senior Brand Manager at a Multinational Company and entrepreneur who also has several businesses ranging from family reflexology, holding several branches of the Meccanism brand, sponsorship company, and Tenun Gaya. On the occasion of the Q-Talks via IG Live with Rachmat Anggara (CMO Qasir) which was held by Qasir some time ago, Abi also said, "What needs to be done at this time is to start looking for opportunities. There is something that can be done, either alone or in collaboration. Because in building a business we must not be selfish. We can just leverage or utilize existing businesses."
Abi also addressed this message to employees who may currently still be working, but are in the "yellow light" zone, meaning that the company where he works has given a warning about the company's condition. Start mapping existing business opportunities as a lifeboat if at any time the company sinks in the sea of the pandemic crisis.
Crisis Breeds Resilience
Throughout historical records, it cannot be denied that crises play an important role in developing societal civilization. How the epidemic ultimately advanced the health care system, war has triggered technological innovation, even the global financial crisis helped give birth to many technology companies such as Gojek, Tokopedia, Traveloka, Buka Lapak and so on.
With society's new lifestyle (new normal), we also have to be careful in predicting how the crisis will affect society in the future. At least with the latest conditions, we can analyze current and future trends.
Qasir has observed some major changes in the business world. Working from home is the new normal, business meetings and coordination have also been replaced by video conference calls and all other forms of virtual communication. As a result, several types of businesses have stopped completely - especially tourism providers and entertainment services such as cinemas and karaoke. Meanwhile, other businesses such as F&B, boutiques, salon services and barbershops have seen a sharp decline, because consumers are unable to visit shops or deliberately save financial reserves for purchasing more important needs.
Many companies ultimately responded to the crisis by diversifying their business. Around the world, fashion businesses such as Zara, H&M, are starting to produce protective equipment and other equipment for hospitals. The flight crew, one of whom was SAS Scandinavian Airlines, was empowered to help at the hospital. Automotive suppliers and several car manufacturers in the world are also starting to produce medical devices. In Indonesia, a number of textile and textile product companies have begun to shift their production to making masks and PPE. Several restaurants such as Hoka-hoka Bento and Es Teler 77 are even starting to seriously market ready-to-eat frozen food products. This shows that being an entrepreneur must be responsive to the challenges that arise.
These examples show that by becoming entrepreneurs, we must be able to seize the opportunities that exist. Being an entrepreneur also inevitably requires them to have the courage to step out of their routine and comfort zone. But you don't need to worry, you can start with small things first.
Shifts in Behavior and Resulting Opportunities
Experts noted 10 shifts that occurred due to changes in human behavior in line with the corona pandemic. Maybe from here, there is something that can inspire you in looking at business opportunities.
1. Increased anxiety and depression
Many people are predicted to feel depressed due to being isolated for too long, losing their jobs, facing health and relationship problems. In the midst of these conditions, several opportunities were created, including:
The need for therapy andcoaching, the need for entertainment such as games and funny shows, pets,
2. Be more careful about hygiene
This will result in increasing the market for natural and health products. For food and beverage (f&b) products, hygienic packaging will also be an added value. The point is to convince consumers that your product upholds the values of cleanliness and health.
3. Travel restrictions
As a result of travel restrictions, post-pandemic it is estimated that the tourism industry and matters related to traveling ranging from transportation to traveling equipment will increase sharply. You can prepare for this boom from now on, you know.
4. WFH Optimization
Many companies have felt how efficient and effective the work from home (WFH) work system is, so they want to make WFH the new normal for their company. Therefore, everything related to tools that can optimize working from home will be very popular now and in the future. Such as work desks, computers and accessories, stationery, and so on.
5. Conflict vulnerability at various levels
As a result of how many people and organizations will put up a survival position, many are likely to engage in bargaining or even breach of contract. Legal services will be needed in this case. This could be a good idea if you want to develop a digital legal technology application or legal aggregator.
6. Increased unemployment
levelsThis condition, although worrying, can be an opportunity for training and courses. Because there will be many people who will change gears to become entrepreneurs. Remember, even the smallest knowledge can be used as a source of income if we can market it.
7. Accustomed to using shipping services
Many retail businesses are predicted to change their services to delivery-based (online shopping). Although, regular retail will still be there. This is an opportunity if you want to build a supply chain-based business. Delivery from several stores to the same destination can be added value. So your service is a kind of foot replacement for those who still choose to stay at home, but need to shop at several places.
8. Digital adoption is increasing
This makes us realize that there are no longer any geographical boundaries, strata, status, professions and the like. More communities will be formed, even between countries. Creating a study group or arts community is predicted to be a good opportunity in the future.
9. Direct physical interactions are increasingly decreasing
This will further increase social media platforms, photo editing applications, and everything that supports self-actualization in cyberspace. However we want to show ourselves. When it becomes increasingly difficult to "appear" in the real world, the appearance on the gadget screen will become a priority.
10. Immunity is everything
The trend of robot servants -- is predicted to increase. Latest services for washing sofas, mattresses and household appliances will also be popular. Applications that allow people to monitor their body's immunity will also be sought after. Without exception, tools that provide immunity and health check facilities will also be targeted.
Which opportunities will you seize in preparation to become an entrepreneur? Remember to start with the easiest and most likely to be executed immediately. Because momentum is not something to wait for, we have to create it.