A crisis can strike at any time, like in 2020, when the whole world has to cope with the COVID-19 crisis, and Indonesia is no exception. Along with natural disasters, domestic political adjustments, and the US-China trade war, these crises have brought forth unceasing challenges to companies in our country. In addition, the lockdowns further added difficulties and pains to the current Indonesian economic situation, especially the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia.
If this circumstance persists without innovative solutions, more than half of the current SMEs can close down in the very near future. But don’t fret – there are ways for SMEs in Indonesia to survive a crisis. Read on.
Surviving a Global Crisis Like COVID-19 for SMEs in Indonesia
1. Be Quick to Adapt
Adapting to the pandemic fast enough is going to help SMEs thrive without falling behind. As such, SMEs in Indonesia shall go beyond conventional ways of doing business and tap into new business opportunities.
Some innovative businesses during this crisis include pickup and delivery services from restaurants, hand sanitizer manufacturing and distribution from distillers, and masks and PPC gears manufacturing from textile companies.
2. Leverage Live Receptionist Services
Many SMEs are unable to hire a full-time receptionist to take care of their administrative tasks such as answering incoming calls during this difficult time. This is when SMEs shall leverage live receptionist services to keep their businesses afloat.
A live receptionist is not a full-time employee and you only have to pay for the minutes they help you handle your calls. What’s more, these live receptionists are well-trained and professional, enhancing your customer experience.
3. Outsourcing to a Provider – a PEO
Business outsourcing services such as PEO solutions can offer tremendous value to SMEs during the global crisis.
For instance, a PEO can fill your recruitment and payroll needs without hiring full-time staff. They are also experts and professionals who make sure that all your HR and recruitment functions, as well as your staff’s immigration process, are in compliance with the most updated regulations.
In summary, a PEO can provide three important benefits to help you survive this challenging time: lowered costs and expenses, increased productivity and efficiency, and risks and liability prevention.
4. Move to Virtual Office or Adopt Flexible Working through Modern Workspace Solutions
Even before this disturbing pandemic, remote work and the use of virtual offices were on the rise. Now, with COVID-10 having made its way here in Indonesia, almost everyone has to adjust to working from home or outside the traditional office.
You may want to consider switching to virtual offices or other types of flexible working solutions during the pandemic and beyond.
A virtual office can keep you safe by avoiding unnecessary trips to post offices and banks as your professional virtual office team can assist in handling incoming calls, forwarding your mail, and making bank deposits.
Besides, your virtual address is located in a prominent area in Indonesia. This enables you to boost your brand image and apply for government funding or support for your SMEs.
How Cekindo can Assist
Cekindo is equipped with a comprehensive approach to help SMEs in Indonesia to maximise their performance and unlock long-term values even in times of a global crisis. Our regional subject matter and business experts will share their pragmatic advice and unwavering focus to help you achieve your business goals.
We at Cekindo know how deeply businesses, especially SMEs in Indonesia, are suffering at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we have also enhanced our business setup and consulting procedure so that you can continue your business regardless of your location, such as the use of a virtual office.
Contact us now for any queries you may have by completing the form below.
