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From Caution to Action: Seizing the Post-Election Moment with Agility

By
Jacob Shaffield
November 4, 2024
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The 2024 election is almost behind us, and with it, a season of waiting has come to a close. Now, businesses find themselves at a crossroads, where the timid will be left behind, and the confident will rise. As you navigate the post-election season, those who can shift from caution to action—who can respond decisively to shifting demands and seize opportunities—will be the ones who thrive.

For months, many companies hit pause, holding back on hiring, capital investments, and growth strategies. They waited for clarity, hoping for a clear path forward. But in a world that’s always changing, waiting can be costly. Now, the path forward is not about knowing everything but about moving anyway—being ready to act, adapt, and capture the fleeting opportunities that only the bold can seize.

So, where have businesses exhibited caution and delayed decisions?

1. Capital Expenditures and Investments

Many companies postponed significant investments in facilities and equipment due to uncertainty surrounding economic policy. Agile businesses now have an edge, as they can prioritize short-term, scalable solutions that meet demand without heavy capital risk.

“Businesses are hesitant about big expenditures and are taking a wait-and-see approach with potential regulatory changes,” explains Barron’s.

2. Holding Off on Workforce Expansion

Concerns around potential changes in labor laws have led companies to delay hiring despite seasonal demand. However, agile businesses can access labor precisely when needed without the burden of permanent headcount.

According to Barron’s, “many firms are pressing pause on workforce expansion, awaiting clarity on potential changes to labor laws and minimum wage.”

3. Postponed Mergers and Market Expansions

The anticipation of regulatory shifts has slowed merger and expansion activity, creating an opening for businesses that can adapt incrementally and gather insights before taking on larger commitments.

“Regulatory uncertainty has led companies to put off acquisitions and other expansion strategies,” states Reuters.

4. Reduced Marketing and Advertising Spend

Many companies scaled back marketing budgets over concerns about consumer confidence and economic stability. Yet businesses that can respond in real time to successful campaigns will capture increased demand, especially during the holiday season.

“National ad spending has cooled slightly due to uncertainty about consumer stability in the weeks surrounding the election,” notes Radio Ink.

5. Paused Long-Term Strategic Planning

Waiting for economic clarity has led companies to delay long-term projects and new product launches. However, agile companies can capture immediate demand through smaller, short-term moves that keep them flexible.

KPMG explains that “businesses are taking a cautious approach, with many deferring strategic planning and new product launches until there’s more certainty” (KPMG).

Moving From Caution to Action - Without Risking it All

This is the time for agility, for action over hesitation. In a market that rewards speed and decisiveness, on-demand labor offers businesses the flexibility to scale, respond, and meet demand head-on. With a nimble approach to workforce management, companies can capture holiday demand, meet customer expectations, and cement their position as leaders, even in uncertain times. Those who move now will find a competitive advantage in agility, while the rest, burdened by hesitation, risk being left behind.

For manufacturers and logistics providers, the path from caution to action is paved by agility, which is where on-demand labor becomes a game-changer. By leveraging on-demand labor, companies can turn uncertainty into opportunity, responding to market needs in real time and securing a competitive edge. Here’s how on-demand labor transforms common business hesitations into strengths.


1. Immediate Workforce Flexibility

Agile companies can meet demand immediately without long-term commitments. With Veryable’s on-demand platform, businesses can set up in under an hour, with workers on-site the same day to address critical production needs.

Act Now: With holiday demand upon us, companies that can meet orders today will gain market share, while others who wait may lose out.

2. Scaling Without Overcommitting

Companies that adopt an on-demand labor model can scale their workforce up or down based on immediate needs, allowing them to maximize holiday output while keeping costs lean. This precision mitigates the risk of overstaffing during off-peak periods.

Address Immediate Needs with Immediate Capacity: Veryable’s platform lets businesses tap into skilled workers on demand, ensuring production meets holiday needs without the financial risks of a permanent increase in headcount.

3. Low-Risk Market Expansion

On-demand labor allows companies to make strategic moves into new markets incrementally, allowing them to test and adapt before making large-scale commitments.

Capture the Opportunity: Rather than waiting to expand, Veryable’s on-demand model allows businesses to test new markets with minimal risk, giving them the flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities.

4. Align Production with Marketing Success

If a holiday promotion performs well, production bottlenecks can erode customer satisfaction and sales. On-demand labor enables businesses to quickly match production capacity to demand, avoiding missed opportunities.

Align Action with Results: When marketing succeeds, production should follow suit. Veryable’s platform allows businesses to match their labor force to campaign success, keeping fulfillment smooth and profitable.

5. Adapt Quickly to Short-Term Opportunities

In the fast-paced holiday season, agility matters. On-demand labor empowers businesses to capture last-minute orders, meet urgent contracts, and expand production quickly without the burden of fixed costs.

Move from Caution to Execution: With Veryable, businesses can seize immediate opportunities and maintain flexibility, ensuring they stay competitive during this critical season.

Agility Wins This Season—Post-Election to the Holidays

The post-election period is a time to move decisively. For agile businesses, this season presents a rare chance to capitalize on market needs, meet holiday demand, and position themselves as leaders. On-demand labor provides the flexibility to act immediately, maintain optimal productivity, and drive results—all without the risks associated with long-term commitments.

Veryable empowers manufacturers and logistics companies to turn caution into action. With the ability to set up an account and post work opportunities in under an hour - and with skilled operators working on-site the same day, Veryable enables businesses to align workforce needs precisely with demand, seize short-term opportunities, and thrive during this dynamic season.

The message is clear: those who adapt quickly will come out ahead. Don’t let hesitation hold you back—seize the post-election moment and make agility your strategy.

For more information on this topic, check out our most recent article: Preparing for a Trump Presidency: Leveraging Agility in a New Regulatory Environment

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Jacob Shaffield
Jacob is the General Manager for Veryable in Houston, and previously for Central Kentucky and Southern Indiana – including Louisville, Lexington, and Evansville. Prior to Veryable, Jacob spent 20 years in logistics, marketing, ecommerce, and retail management roles – including as a VP for a furniture SMB and owner of e-commerce and brick and mortar retailers. With leadership from Fortune 10 to start-ups, he understands operational impact throughout the supply chain across many sectors.

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