Uncertainty

Thriving in chaos

AuthorAuthor

Iniobong Uyah & Alex Christidis
February 07, 2025

In partnership with

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Thriving In Chaos

The world feels a little messy right now, doesn’t it? Trade wars, tariffs, inflation, supply chain disruptions—entrepreneurs are facing challenges left and right. Take, for example, President Trump’s trade wars, which led to hefty tariffs on imports from China. This meant U.S. consumers suddenly had to pay an extra $50 or more for packages from companies like Shein and Temu. Businesses that relied on international suppliers had to scramble to find alternatives or absorb the extra costs.

Uncertainty like this isn’t new, though. History is packed with examples of businesses that survived—and even thrived—during these times. So, how do you make sure your business isn’t just hanging on but actually growing when the economy (or the world) feels unpredictable?

Adaptability Is Everything…but there is more

• The Great Depression (1929-1939): While countless businesses failed, Procter & Gamble (P&G) was growing. How? Instead of cutting advertising to save money (like many competitors did), P&G doubled down and started sponsoring radio soap operas—keeping their products in front of customers.

• World War II & Post-War Boom: Many companies had to shift focus due to wartime shortages. Toyota, for example, originally made textiles before pivoting to automobiles. IBM moved from business machines to computing. The ability to change directions saved them.

• The 2008 Financial Crisis: As mentioned earlier, Airbnb and Uber took off by tapping into the changing financial needs of consumers. They saw what people were struggling with (unemployment, lost income) and created solutions that fit the moment.

• The COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022): Businesses that went digital thrived. Zoom, which was relatively unknown before, became essential for remote work. Brands like Nike shifted their focus to online sales and virtual experiences, proving that those who embrace change can still grow—even in a crisis.

To create a business that adapts easily;

Anticipate and manage risk effectively

Risk is part of the game, so instead of panicking, assess risks, plan, and minimize potential damage. For example, when tariffs made imports more expensive, many businesses sourced from new suppliers or increased their inventory. Think through possible risks and create backup plans so you’re ready for anything.

Build Relationships That Last

You don’t succeed in business alone. A solid network of suppliers, customers, and peers can make all the difference during tough times. Businesses with strong relationships during the pandemic found it easier to navigate supply chain issues and keep things moving smoothly.

 Focus on Your Finances

Cash flow is king in uncertain times. Cut unnecessary expenses, build cash reserves, and avoid risky financial decisions. Having financial flexibility will allow you to make smarter moves when the unexpected happens.

Stay Customer-Centric

Customer needs change, especially during inflation or a downturn. Pay attention to how your customers are feeling and adjust accordingly—whether that means offering more affordable options or flexible payment plans.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Tech is a game-changer. Businesses that embraced e-commerce and digital marketing during the pandemic kept sales flowing. Invest in technology now to stay ahead and future-proof your business.

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NEWS

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq ended higher while the Dow closed lower. Amazon ticked up 1.1% ahead of its earnings report but sales in its cloud computing unit came in below expectations.

Amazon.com investors drove shares down sharply on Thursday due to weakness in the retailer's cloud computing unit and lower-than-expected forecasts for first-quarter revenue and profit.

Delivery firms start collecting new e-commerce import taxes on goods from China. This is how Trump's trade and tax policies affect U.S. consumers.

Trending: World’s Fastest AI Assistant?

French AI startup Mistral is making waves in the AI world, often seen as Europe’s answer to OpenAI.

Founded in 2023 by ex-DeepMind and Meta researchers Arthur Mensch, Guillaume Lample, and Timothée Lacroix, the company has grown at an incredible pace. With a massive $640 million in funding and a focus on powerful AI models, Mistral is quickly becoming a major player in the industry.

Mistral teamed up with Cerebras Systems, a company known for its high-speed AI chips. Together, they built Le Chat, a brand-new AI assistant that’s one of the fastest on the market. Le Chat can respond to queries at speed—up to 1,000 words per second—making it a real competitor to the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DeepSeek’s AI assistant.

Cerebras claimed Le Chat is the world’s fastest AI assistant, here is what users have to say.

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Until next time, Best Regards.

Alex