Brand Positioning: Pivot, Thrive, Repeat

For those invested and paying attention, the pandemic taught us hard but valuable lessons about business development. It reshaped industries overnight, forcing some long-standing iconic American businesses into bankruptcy while giving rise to unknowns that achieved remarkable success.

The difference? Brand positioning. Those who paid attention and adapted to the challenges of the pandemic emerged stronger, highlighting the importance of resilience and a clear brand strategy in navigating changing marketplaces. This article dives into the lessons we’ve learned and how they can shape the future of business.

What Is Brand Positioning?

Brand positioning is about placing your business in a way that makes your product or service the ideal choice in an ever-changing marketplace at any given time. Think of it as positioning yourself in the perfect spot to catch a fly ball. You can’t control where the ball will land, but by staying agile and reading the field, you can position yourself to make the catch.

So, Why Did Some Companies Go Under?

During the pandemic, the rules of the game changed almost overnight. Deep pockets, a strong legacy, and even smart strategies weren’t enough to save some businesses. Many failed to adapt to the moment.

Here’s why:

• They didn’t meet the market’s needs: Consumers had new priorities, and some companies failed to pivot.
• They stuck to “business as usual”: Instead of evolving, they clung to outdated models.
• They lacked agility: In turbulent times, hesitation is a killer.
• They stopped listening to their customers: Some companies failed to stay attuned to shifting needs and priorities during a critical time.
• They focused solely on sales: By prioritizing profits over connection, they lost the opportunity to meet people where they were during the crisis.

The companies that survived—and thrived— read the room, and understood the importance of staying nimble, listening to their customers, and positioning themselves for relevance.

As Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

What Smart Businesses Got Right

While many businesses floundered during the pandemic, others found their stride and turned chaos into opportunity. These agile brands reassessed what was happening to them—and for them—allowing them to adapt quickly and effectively. Here’s what they did right:

• They reassessed their offerings: These businesses didn’t cling to what used to work. Instead, they took a hard look at their products and services, leaning into what was most lucrative and in demand. By adjusting their offerings to fit the evolving marketplace, they created solutions their customers actually needed.
• They met people where they were: With face-to-face interactions limited, they embraced virtual communication—phone calls, video chats, and digital touchpoints—making it easier for customers to connect without leaving their comfort zones. Their conversion strategies evolved to reflect the moment, and it paid off.
• They embraced change (instead of fighting it): Stubbornly sticking to the old ways wasn’t on their agenda. They pivoted quickly, offering new services, delivery methods, or products tailored to the unique demands of the time.
• They prioritized meaningful engagement: Instead of pushing for quick wins, these businesses focused on delivering value and understanding what their customers needed. By showing they were partners in solving problems, they created lasting trust and loyalty.

The takeaway? Success doesn’t come from being the biggest, oldest, or even the most established. It comes from staying adaptable, reassessing what works, and pivoting quickly when the world demands it. And while these lessons were born out of necessity during the pandemic, they remain just as effective today. Businesses that regularly evaluate their offerings, adapt their strategies, and stay connected to customer needs are the ones best positioned to thrive—no matter the market conditions.

Let’s Build a Future-Proof Brand

Brand positioning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the ability to stay adaptable, offer what’s most relevant, and connect with your customers in meaningful ways. The businesses that thrived during the pandemic did so by reassessing their services, evolving their strategies, and delivering what customers needed.

Ready to position your brand for long-term success? Let’s create a strategy that ensures your business thrives, no matter what lies ahead. Contact us today to get started.