Anticipating Your Idealistic Approach for the Year 2026
The Approaching Storm:
- As the 2026 planning season looms, economists predict a rollercoaster ride- The coming weeks may bring the full brunt of the Trump administration's trade wars' effects on the economy- Preparing for a potentially volatile year begins now
Wanna guide your team through the stormy waters of 2026's planning cycle? We sat down with Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting at Bundy Group, a Charlotte-based investment bank with over two decades of market research under its belt.
Here, in simple terms, are three crucial priorities Chausovsky has been recommending clients focus on as they shape their 2026 strategies:
Run the Strategic War Room: Exercise Different Battlegrounds
"Strategy needs a makeover, and I mean a total overhaul. Instead of reacting, plan proactively by creating multiple scenario plans.
If scenario A unfolds, we're ready to execute. If B happens, we're prepared. And if C emerges, we're in control. It's like playing a game of chess against multiple opponents.
This takes a different approach from the usual 12 to 18-month planning cycle. You need to craft strategies not just for one outcome, but for various scenarios. This is a mental shift for most management teams, but it's worth it. It empowers your company to take swift action when the time comes, giving you a vital first-mover advantage."
Build a Defensive Wall of Communication
"The power lies in communication. Strengthen your bonds with key partners by increasing dialogues, upgrading from quarterly to monthly check-ins, or reaching out more frequently. Offer them information before asking for it. This builds a protective barrier around your partnerships that competitors can't easily breach.
Plus, regular communication nudges you towards sharing data more freely, which is beneficial in volatile times."
Maintain Your Financial Fortress and Embrace Frugality
"We're in a dance between hard and soft data: while industrial production is steady, consumer confidence and business optimism are low. Use this dichotomy to your advantage. Look for deals in logistics, energy providers, and other areas where suppliers might be motivated to lower costs, fearing an impending recession."
"Remember, quantity isn't always your goal. Your aim is to maximize profits. Adjust your margins wisely, focusing on core customers while adjusting pricing incrementally for the rest. This helps maintain profitability even during escalating costs."
With 2026's challenges on the horizon, it's essential to regroup, reassess, and reengineer your strategies for success. Stay agile, flexible, and communicate clearly, and you'll not only survive the storm—you'll thrive in its aftermath.
In the volatile year of 2026, it's crucial for businesses to be flexible and adaptable. Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting at Bundy Group, suggests three key priorities: first, creating multiple scenario plans as a proactive approach to strategic planning, rather than reacting to situations; second, strengthening communication with key partners to establish a protective barrier and encourage mutual data sharing; and third, maintaining financial integrity by focusing on maximizing profits and seizing opportunities in areas where suppliers might be motivated to lower costs. Investing in these areas will empower companies to act swiftly, giving them a first-mover advantage and enabling them to thrive in the aftermath of the approaching storm.
