Remote work is the only way most employees are making a living in the wake of COVID-19. With most of the world shut down and a worldwide recession looming, anyone that isn’t already working online is looking for new ways to generate income while at home. In these times, entrepreneurship is the light in the dark that will lead the way for the future economy. In the following article, Pedram Zohrevand shares his thoughts on how the pandemic is set to kickoff an entrepreneurial surge:

COVID-19 is Causing a Shift in Business Practices

This global pandemic is already affecting how companies do business. With many companies transforming their business practices out of necessity to survive, this type of thinking will encourage entrepreneurs to take action with their own careers. With the rest of the world confined to their homes, the Internet presents itself as the most viable way to make money. When presented with the option of waiting to get back to work or building their own business, out-of-work employees will take charge of their own futures and go into business for themselves.

The word of the moment for many founders and business owners is “pivot” as it describes what most people are doing at this moment in time. Whether that means offering new products or trying to reach a new audience, the pandemic isn’t going to put a halt on the entrepreneurial spirit–it will amplify and transform it. With essential businesses getting the most traffic from consumers, more and more entrepreneurs are already making their way to more socially aware entrepreneurship.

Now is the Time to Build Foundations for the Future

Though a burgeoning recession may seem like a strange time to start a new business, Pedram Zohrevand shares that this time is actually the best to build strong foundations for the future. Actions taken during a crisis will determine how businesses go forward in the long-term. Firstly, the COVID crisis creates more opportunities for businesses to innovate. As entrepreneurs face external pressures, they will break out of their previously established routines to solve problems and, in doing so, create new products and services that will support the business.

Successful businesses are always created out of a need in the market. With so many people out of work and facing new realities they aren’t prepared for, entrepreneurs that are creative enough will be able to respond to these many needs with their own solutions. Many businesses that start as a result of this crisis will find that the demand for certain products and services will still be there after everything opens up again.

Moreover, during times like these, businesses can build their reputations and establish a sense of trust that will last long after the crisis is over. While starting out with a new business during this crisis may seem challenging, the rest of the world waits at home, reading stories about businesses and companies that are taking action in their communities by offering services and products that are sorely needed right now. Entrepreneurs that find a way to connect with their audiences in this fearful and anxiety-laden atmosphere will find that they’re able to cultivate a loyal following of dedicated clients and customers.

A Focus on Technology Improves Entrepreneurship

In the current climate, technology is the most effective and safest way for us to stay connected for professional and personal purposes. With many employers navigating meetings by video chat and learning how to use digital software to keep their businesses running, a post-COVID world will continue to see an increased reliance on technology. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of this technologically-forward moment in history by capitalizing on digital platforms and channels to launch their businesses.

With most of the world relying on the likes of Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Amazon to continue with their daily lives, creative entrepreneurs will put these platforms to work for them. In addition to using these platforms to attract new customers and promote their businesses, entrepreneurs can use these sites as the catalyst for their new brands. Whether you launch a new eCommerce brand by buying wholesale products online or offer consulting services in your area of expertise using video chatting to reach your customers, the technology to do so is readily available and currently being used by your future target audience, wherever in the world they may be.

In these times, it’s easy to see why successful businesses are often created in down markets. As the world continues to wait for COVID to end, businesses and entrepreneurial-minded individuals will continue to move forward by any means necessary. For this reason, it’s clear to see that the pandemic will kickoff a surge for entrepreneurs and founders around the world