Get your SME Ready for the Future<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis guide will take you through what you need to future-proof your small business from two perspectives: people<\/i> and technology<\/i>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDownload the E-Book<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Get](\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/sme-ready-for-the-future-cover.png\")
\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\nBut what does being agile really mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Agility, when applied to business isn\u2019t a prescriptive method, but rather a disciplined, yet flexible approach that manages change in a swift and dynamic way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike traditional \u201cwaterfall practices\u201d \u2013 where everything is planned upfront and tasks flow through a rigid step-by-step process \u2013 agile processes embrace change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When businesses adopt an agile approach to manage processes and run operations, teams can build deliverables incrementally, instead of being forced to deliver one final finished product at the end. Removing boundaries and encouraging problem-solving means teams can align, measure and manage progress consistently and quickly, and deliver more value to the customer. Equally, if the business landscape shifts unexpectedly, an agile business is able to swiftly pivot and adapt to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When agile works best: Supporting adaptive business strategy<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Businesses that 1) are already highly receptive to change, 2) foster a learning environment, and 3) are focused on delivering value<\/a> to customers quickly \u2013 can benefit the most from operating and innovating in an agile way. Here is how you can apply cornerstones of the methodology and mindset into your SME strategic approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Embracing uncertainty<\/b> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A business needs to be successful to survive. Risk aversion is only natural. Yet, in a fast-changing and unpredictable business environment<\/a>, it can backfire. That’s why the agile approach embraces uncertainty and encourages experimentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn an agile process, risk is assessed in short development cycles that reduce complexity, mitigate threats and allow teams to quickly deliver solutions in increments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People over processes<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether internal or external, good personal relationships<\/a> are key to success in agile projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdmittedly, customer segments are not as clear-cut as they once used to be. Customers demand greater levels of individuality and their perceptions, needs and behaviours all influence boundaries. It\u2019s therefore crucial that businesses tune into trends and use agile methods to gain a deeper insight into customers, build robust relationships and earn loyalty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make mistakes. Learn. Move forward.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experimentation always involves a degree of failure. The agile approach embraces these errors as an opportunity to learn. This environment empowers teams to make decisions, learn from mistakes and innovate to improve products and processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our own scrum process at Salesforce<\/a> embodies this philosophy and enables us to learn in real time, so we can quickly correct any potential damage that may result from managed risk-taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInspire to Excel<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the agile approach is flexible, it requires strong leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Entrepreneurs and small business leaders who switch from working in silos to a cross-functional, agile team approach, step away from micromanagement. A good agile leader<\/a> protects the team from distractions and inefficient processes, removes blockers, and empowers people to use their collective intelligence to quickly achieve goals<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHarness the power of dynamic strategy<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
External factors \u2013 like market pressure, new regulations, and economic and social changes \u2013 mean businesses need to be flexible and responsive to fluctuating conditions, now more than ever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best business plans are living documents<\/a> that can be adjusted as a small business expands and evolves. Dynamic strategies provide real-time data and support collaboration, enabling SMEs to respond better and faster to opportunities and challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWork flexibly with agile technology <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A fluid, agile workplace is also supported by virtual teams and flexible productivity tools<\/a>, such as a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management tool<\/a> (CRM<\/a>), a project management tool, and the right communication app. In addition to supporting collaboration from different locations, these tools clearly identify the direction of tasks help teams monitor progress<\/a> and can scale up as the business grows. Digital tools also allow for updates and additions as new technology trends emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFuture-proof your SME with an Agile Business Strategy<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In this fast-paced, changing world, small and medium-sized businesses need to be agile to succeed \u2013 today and tomorrow. From inspiring new ways of working to developing products and services, agile teams help companies achieve goals more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adopting an agile mindset for your small business comes with many benefits, including better collaboration and communication, greater efficiency and accuracy, and improved idea flow and troubleshooting, boosting customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you ready to give your small business the agility it needs to react to changing circumstances and keep on thriving? Our latest eBook \u201cGet Your SME Ready for the Future<\/a>\u201d <\/b>offers insights on how people and tech play a vital role in fortifying your business for future growth and challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"SME](\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/sme-ready-for-the-future-cover.png?strip=all&quality=95\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Businesses that can adapt & innovate quickly succeed in the long term. Find out how agile teams & strategies can future-proof your SME today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1252,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sf_justforyou_enable_alt":true,"optimizely_content_id":"","post_meta_title":"","ai_synopsis":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"sf_topic":[32,33],"sf_content_type":[],"coauthors":[16],"class_list":["post-1250","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","sf_topic-small-business","sf_topic-startups"],"yoast_head":"\n
How agile strategies future-proof your business - Salesforce<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Businesses that can adapt & innovate quickly succeed in the long term. Find out how agile teams & strategies can future-proof your SME today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Future-proofing SME: How agile teams and strategies stimulate success\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Businesses that can adapt & innovate quickly succeed in the long term. Find out how agile teams & strategies can future-proof your SME today.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Salesforce\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-09-04T20:40:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-10-30T18:30:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/agile-strategies-future-proof-business.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Salesforce UK\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Salesforce UK\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/33c8591ac1216f9740d1866229926a3e\"}],\"headline\":\"Future-proofing SME: How agile teams and strategies stimulate success\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-09-04T20:40:11+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-10-30T18:30:58+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/\"},\"wordCount\":847,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/agile-strategies-future-proof-business.png\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/\",\"name\":\"How agile strategies future-proof your business - Salesforce\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/business-strategies-success-sme\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2023\/09\/agile-strategies-future-proof-business.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-09-04T20:40:11+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-10-30T18:30:58+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/601f410a2801f4ddcf6f00cb182e69d3\"},\"description\":\"Businesses that can adapt & innovate quickly succeed in the long term. 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\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\nBut what does being agile really mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Agility, when applied to business isn\u2019t a prescriptive method, but rather a disciplined, yet flexible approach that manages change in a swift and dynamic way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike traditional \u201cwaterfall practices\u201d \u2013 where everything is planned upfront and tasks flow through a rigid step-by-step process \u2013 agile processes embrace change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When businesses adopt an agile approach to manage processes and run operations, teams can build deliverables incrementally, instead of being forced to deliver one final finished product at the end. Removing boundaries and encouraging problem-solving means teams can align, measure and manage progress consistently and quickly, and deliver more value to the customer. Equally, if the business landscape shifts unexpectedly, an agile business is able to swiftly pivot and adapt to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When agile works best: Supporting adaptive business strategy<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Businesses that 1) are already highly receptive to change, 2) foster a learning environment, and 3) are focused on delivering value<\/a> to customers quickly \u2013 can benefit the most from operating and innovating in an agile way. Here is how you can apply cornerstones of the methodology and mindset into your SME strategic approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Embracing uncertainty<\/b> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A business needs to be successful to survive. Risk aversion is only natural. Yet, in a fast-changing and unpredictable business environment<\/a>, it can backfire. That’s why the agile approach embraces uncertainty and encourages experimentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an agile process, risk is assessed in short development cycles that reduce complexity, mitigate threats and allow teams to quickly deliver solutions in increments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People over processes<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether internal or external, good personal relationships<\/a> are key to success in agile projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Admittedly, customer segments are not as clear-cut as they once used to be. Customers demand greater levels of individuality and their perceptions, needs and behaviours all influence boundaries. It\u2019s therefore crucial that businesses tune into trends and use agile methods to gain a deeper insight into customers, build robust relationships and earn loyalty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make mistakes. Learn. Move forward.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Experimentation always involves a degree of failure. The agile approach embraces these errors as an opportunity to learn. This environment empowers teams to make decisions, learn from mistakes and innovate to improve products and processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our own scrum process at Salesforce<\/a> embodies this philosophy and enables us to learn in real time, so we can quickly correct any potential damage that may result from managed risk-taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspire to Excel<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n While the agile approach is flexible, it requires strong leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entrepreneurs and small business leaders who switch from working in silos to a cross-functional, agile team approach, step away from micromanagement. A good agile leader<\/a> protects the team from distractions and inefficient processes, removes blockers, and empowers people to use their collective intelligence to quickly achieve goals<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Harness the power of dynamic strategy<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n External factors \u2013 like market pressure, new regulations, and economic and social changes \u2013 mean businesses need to be flexible and responsive to fluctuating conditions, now more than ever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best business plans are living documents<\/a> that can be adjusted as a small business expands and evolves. Dynamic strategies provide real-time data and support collaboration, enabling SMEs to respond better and faster to opportunities and challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Work flexibly with agile technology <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n A fluid, agile workplace is also supported by virtual teams and flexible productivity tools<\/a>, such as a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management tool<\/a> (CRM<\/a>), a project management tool, and the right communication app. In addition to supporting collaboration from different locations, these tools clearly identify the direction of tasks help teams monitor progress<\/a> and can scale up as the business grows. Digital tools also allow for updates and additions as new technology trends emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this fast-paced, changing world, small and medium-sized businesses need to be agile to succeed \u2013 today and tomorrow. From inspiring new ways of working to developing products and services, agile teams help companies achieve goals more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adopting an agile mindset for your small business comes with many benefits, including better collaboration and communication, greater efficiency and accuracy, and improved idea flow and troubleshooting, boosting customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you ready to give your small business the agility it needs to react to changing circumstances and keep on thriving? Our latest eBook \u201cGet Your SME Ready for the Future<\/a>\u201d <\/b>offers insights on how people and tech play a vital role in fortifying your business for future growth and challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Businesses that can adapt & innovate quickly succeed in the long term. Find out how agile teams & strategies can future-proof your SME today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1252,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sf_justforyou_enable_alt":true,"optimizely_content_id":"","post_meta_title":"","ai_synopsis":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"sf_topic":[32,33],"sf_content_type":[],"coauthors":[16],"class_list":["post-1250","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","sf_topic-small-business","sf_topic-startups"],"yoast_head":"\nFuture-proof your SME with an Agile Business Strategy<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"