There's no denying that small businesses are taking the biggest hit amid the global health and economic crisis. Entrepreneurs struggle to compete despite receiving financial assistance from the government and lifting many mandates. With minimal budgets, fewer resources, and a decline in sales, meeting company goals and keeping customers satisfied in an ever-changing environment is challenging. 

Now, with obstacles like mask and vaccine mandates, inventory shortages, and inflation on the front lines, small business owners wonder how they'll keep the lights on in 2022 and beyond. If your company is suffering during current times, perhaps this advice will help turn things around. 

Spend Mindfully

Frugality isn't just a concept for individuals; it's also essential for businesses. Companies that know how to maximize revenue have a relatively easier time keeping the lights on. How do you get the most out of your earnings? By being mindful about what and how you spend company funds. It's time to cut unnecessary expenditures and invest the money in areas that will generate a return. 

Start by developing an accounting and tracking strategy that will enable you to see your revenue and expenses. Then identify areas of financial waste. For example, if you're investing a significant amount in Facebook ads that aren't producing website visits and sales, perhaps you should reduce your ad budget. Similarly, switching vendors could increase your savings if your manufacturing and shipping costs are high. 

Become A Customer Expert

The survival of your business relies on you getting and keeping customers. Yet, it's hard to sell products and services to someone you don't know. Today's consumers prefer to do business with brands that aren't just out to get a dollar but focused on building relationships. Make 2022 all about getting to know your target audience so that you can finetune your products and services to accommodate their needs. 

Businesses have an abundance of data at their fingertips that, when used efficiently, can help them better understand their target audience. The most significant problem is finding a practical way to collect, organize, and review the data spread across the customer service, sales, and marketing departments. Fortunately, technologies like a customer data platform or CDP exist to streamline the process. 

Brands can collect information from contact details to most frequently purchased products to become experts in customer experience. You can identify and segment target audiences, update products, and streamline processes to accommodate customer needs and interests. Ultimately, the better you know your customers, the easier it is to encourage them to purchase from your small business. 

Support Local Communities

Small businesses have an advantage over their medium and large competitors - their connection to the local community. Whether you have a brick-and-mortar location or operate remotely, you and your staff also live in the neighborhoods you serve. Your business is directly and indirectly impacted by your city or town changes.  When a company can take the time, money, and energy to support the community, residents will ultimately find a way to pay it back. 

Whether you use hashtags and marketing campaigns to advocate for social change, donate cash, sponsor an event, or complete charitable acts for community members in need, your support can make a difference. As locals see your efforts to invest in the people and the things they care about most, it builds brand awareness and cultivates lasting relationships increasing your potential for sales. 


Small business owners have been doing the best they can to keep generating revenue, but the many obstacles of current times have made it difficult. Although no one knows what's in store for 2022, entrepreneurs that fear permanently shutting their doors must learn how to adapt. While there are multiple ways to thrive this year, focusing on mindful spending, customer experience, and community involvement should be top priorities. Investing time, money, and effort in these areas of business will help you stretch your revenue further, know your target audience better, and ultimately increase your bottom line.