Concerned about inflation? There are facts supporting the assertion that consumers will most likely be able to manage ongoing inflation and drive economic activity to new levels in 2022–23.
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With these facts, you can begin to dispel your immediate fears and, in so doing, avoid any knee-jerk reactions that may have longer-term negative impacts on your business.
But what about longer-term fears? You’re most likely starting to hear rumbles of the coming next depression. There’s been talk of ongoing inflation throughout this decade. Government debts continue to rise, and their potential to become truly problematic is increasing.
Amongst all this, you are also likely being bombarded by terms such as:
How can one possibly find the confidence to build appropriate pricing strategies in a decade of such anxiety?
The answer is simple – having the right tools and the right people by your side to help you make these crucial moves will be the difference between profitability and losing money. So what are some of these right tools, and who are the right people?
Having the right tools and people only works if you have an overall strategy concept that incorporates them all into one cohesive, targeted plan.
As they say, knowledge is power, but incorrect knowledge can be powerfully damaging. Surrounding yourself with the right people and the right tools during this time of uncertainty will give you the ability to not only survive, but thrive.
ITR Economics CEO Brian Beaulieu says: “Vendors will be pushing through price increases in 2022 wherever possible. It is likely that your best opportunity to push through price increases to your customers will be sooner in 2022 rather than later. As supply chains tend to normalize and the headline CPI comes down, it will become psychologically harder to be aggressive with prices.”
Mr. Beaulieu says that it’s normal to look at a pricing trend and make the assumption that it will continue in a straight line. Don’t be fooled. This assumption can lead to poorly timed decisions. ITR recommends using its rates-of-change technique to break this perspective and begin to see the true trends – the ebbs and flows – that you will need to understand to properly drive your strategy.
The news can tend to focus on hyperbole, generating an emotional response. We caution you not to fall victim to the headlines; rather, use a data-driven approach. ITR Economics is providing one such data-driven option as a new service for its clients. The service includes the creation of a price index specific to your cost structure, a 12-quarter forecast for that price index, and a quarterly meeting with you to review these insights and discuss ways to incorporate them into your pricing strategy.
As you may have surmised, the signals for the next depression are appearing, but that does not have to be scary. There is opportunity for growth so long as you prepare your company appropriately.
Start today by beginning your journey of building an effective pricing strategy; it will protect your margins through what will be a bumpy decade ahead. The tools, people, and tips provided here are all means to help you on your way to this effective plan.
Taking action is what we business leaders do every day. Now you can take action, with confidence, even during this time of trepidation. Our mission is aligned with ITR Economics' mission. We both want every business to thrive, and we completely agree that the right strategy – supported by accurate, reliable information – is the way to do so.
Get the right people to help build, support, and execute your business strategy. Great Game™ Coaches are an excellent resource for business owners to use so that they can start seeing results without having to worry about wasting time with the trial and error that comes with doing things on their own.