Over the past few days and I have talked to quite some people. People at startups and corporates. They have different responses to how to respond to things like Corona now. My initial model on how to plot these responses involve two properties to plot on two axes:
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Business as Usual vs. The New Opportunities. These businesses are 'stuck' in the 'business as usual'; other businesses can transition into something else.
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Short Term vs. Long Term. The horizon companies have.
This 'model' leads to 4 'types' of companies I encounter:
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The short term focus, we are all doomed. The business is stuck, today, in the 'business as usual'. There is an immediate cash flow problem; products and services cannot migrate to a new world.
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The longer-term focus, but still not a rosy outlook. The business is focussed on a 'business as usual' approach but seems income seriously hurt. Even more established companies think of the length of their runway and how long they can sustain this.
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The companies that can make a pivot now, or have a business that plays a significant role in dealing with the current pandemic. Healthcare, deliveries to homes, but also online services such as teleconferencing.
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The companies that have a long term focus, perhaps are unable to make a quick response. These companies have the resources and the horizon to focus on the world after Corona. Preparing their innovation labs. Do research remotely and online.
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