Business – 2025 – Is it survive or thrive?

Last year was a difficult time for business, across most industries. Much of my consulting time with clients was spent focusing on survival rather than growth, shedding jobs rather than hiring, closely managing overheads rather than spending and looking for light at the end of a very long tunnel rather than putting shades on and turning down opportunities. Yes, it was hard. Some business didn’t survive and that is incredibly sad. But bear with me!

At the end of each year, Harvard Business Review publishes its list of the most-read articles from the past 12 months. Predictably some of those reflected the global business climate globally and how people were responding. Articles included the woes confronting Starbucks (what did they do wrong?), how to become a better leader (in six easy steps – nonsense!), how to ask smarter questions (a good article!) and what was termed “Executive Presence” and how to develop it (in four easy steps – again, nonsense!) The insights from this list hinge around the apparent need of business owners for quick fixes, probably motivated by a sense of desperation in some. There aren’t any quick fixes! Take it from me – they don’t exist. So how do we ensure growth and success in 2025?

Watching the Australian Open tennis was a great insight into success. Those winning “down the line” or “across court” shots, those miracle forehands that defy gravity, don’t win matches. When you do the analysis, you realise that champions make the fewer mistakes. They are consistently “good”. They get the ball back, they are quick on their feet and they often win by causing mistakes from their opponent. It’s a wonderful lesson for business. Success doesn’t come from moments of brilliance. It doesn’t come from amazing feats of intelligence or momentary inspiration. It comes from turning up, every day. It comes from having the difficult conversations, phoning that difficult client, making that last call of the day, being consistent.

Many businesses are entering 2025 looking lean, hanging in, surviving. That’s a great start point for growth. As our economy recovers, and it will, and spending begins to trend upwards, those lean, efficient, consistent businesses, with leaders turning up every day, will thrive. I’m starting to see that recovery already. 

Anniversary weekend was a great one for the area. OK, the weather wasn’t great, but people still got out. The Hibiscus Rodders probably saw more people than they imagined. The cafés were busy, the bars were humming. 

Growth is a mindset, driven by our view of the future. Let’s make sure we thrive in 25.