2020 was quite an experience for everyone, but there are plenty of positive takeaways from all that we went through together. 

In truth, we all experienced an acceleration of decentralizing many aspects of our society. 

What do I mean by that? First, so many workers being forced to operate remotely and schools being shuttered, with online learning being the most notable changes and solutions that come to mind. 

Other significant changes have disrupted our traditional shopping model and increased the ease and convenience of payments with cashless purchases.

The disruption has even impacted Real Estate making many viewings and transactions move to the virtual sphere. With all those changes, do they mean for us moving forward? 

Even with the power of non-traditional actors in the finance sector, the disruption of our lives has accelerated. 

We've moved away from our traditional activities of going to a central location to perform many of our daily functions to being forced to act remotely and with distance, from our personal to professional lives. 

And those disruptions can come at a cost, both in terms of the cost associated with the changing environment to function and the cost in time and personal interactions. 

Those disruptions have already seen several industries suffer the hardest, namely those that relied on personal interactions, such as restaurants and bars. 

Moving Businesses Online

The solution for some is to close their doors. 

For others, then, the reality is that those businesses that can pivot quickly will be the ones most suited to survive and thrive in the new economy. 

By adapting and adopting a more fluid business model, small businesses have a better chance of positioning themselves in the future as things begin to open up. 

Many have taken their operations up virtually and online by finding flexibility in their business models. Whether it's restaurants pivoting to take out and delivery options only or retailers turning to online and outdoor "pop-up" events to access their customer base, businesses have to become creative in their approach.

Every business needs to consider that there are different rules and laws regarding other States' business practices. 

For example, if you're operating in the financial services industry, knowing that if you offer online loans Utah and other states may not have the same rules and regulations to follow. 

While payday loans can be onerous on the borrower, there are installment loans that offer better payback options, more flexible financing, and maybe an excellent solution for individuals that need short-term assistance. 

These organizations fill a need by providing more flexible funding and assist anyone interested.

Get Creative With Your Business Offerings

Another example of ways businesses are having to pivot is how they stay relevant to their customers. While onsite dining isn't possible for many restaurants, they've turned to creative ways to remain relevant to their customer base. 

Creatively engaging their fans through social media, turning to selling gift cards to capture customers' loyalty, and offering deals on those gift cards' purchase price is one great way. 

Others create contests that award winners with gift cards or other merchandise is a great way to engage their customers. 

The objective is to rethink how you can service your current customers while expanding on your brand recognition at the same time. This two-fold strategy is excellent for current sales and capturing more once things can function normally. 

A Plan To Return To Normal

The reality is that the timeline for returning to everyday activities looks nearer than it's been in some time. With mitigation efforts such as wide-spread mask-wearing in public and a vaccine rollout, we should see a transition back toward a more open society soon. On the other hand, businesses should see a slight uptick until everything reopens. 

The problem for businesses in the meantime is to survive until then. Those that are most flexible and creative in their approach will be the ones that come out on top in the end. 

The disruption of 2020 has made a fundamental change to society and business. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel with this pandemic, but the reality is that this won't be the last pandemic that could potentially disrupt society again. 

The difference is that those individuals and organizations that flexibly approach these obstacles will be best positioned to survive the long-haul.