April 2020 may well go down as one of the most challenging times in history to launch a startup, but it will make for a great story one day. Even now we probably have readers out there wondering why we would do such a thing. Well, in all fairness, we didn’t know the COVID-19 pandemic would be rearing its awful head just weeks into our journey. We also didn’t know how insidious the disease would become as it seeped its way into the public conscience. |
We couldn’t have predicted the announcement of New York State on PAUSE or the devastating impact it had on the small business economy of the North Country; but these are the times we’re living in.
At this point we’re a little over 60 days into life at Nik Systems, and we (like all small business in our region) have been significantly impacted by the introduction of COVID-19 to our service area.
While many of our neighboring businesses have struggled with sudden loss of revenue, moderately lowered or unrelenting overhead, and delayed starts to their business season, we’ve had to pivot our expectations and focus more on education than delivery of services. It’s strange to say, but New York State on PAUSE was a blessing for us in that regard.
We’re in a unique position in Northern New York because we don’t seem to have much direct competition in the area. Some people would say that gives us a significant advantage in the marketplace, and they would probably be right to some degree.
However, it also puts us at a disadvantage in some respects.
Most notably being potential customers in the business-to-business space may not immediately connect the value of our services with the positive impact they can have on their operation.
By placing area businesses on hold, the state government gave us the critical space we needed to define more clearly who we are, what we do, and how we do it. We were also able to concentrate on developing relationships in the area without the added pressure of having to make a sale. Which was huge, because it made it easier for use to live up to our own values of transparency and authenticity.
In the short time we’ve been in business we’ve had the opportunity to meet with staff (albeit at a distance) at Assemblyman Mark Walczyk’s office, Jefferson County Economic Development (JCED), communicate with members of the media and the public, and develop a wonderful budding relationship with OBI Land Trust.
As we continue to mature, and the regional small business community begins to get its feet back under it, the restrictions associated with New York State on PAUSE are beginning to lift. Which is opening up face-to-face opportunities for us to network and get to know more area business leaders in the 3rd quarter, and we’re excited to see the possibilities that chapter of life at Nik Systems will bring.
If you’re reading this, and you’re a local business leader, we’d love to hear about your experience navigating the challenge of COVID-19, New York State on PAUSE, and the phased reopening of the North Country small business economy. Just reach out to us through any means provided on our “Contact” page and we’ll setup a date and time to talk.
Thanks for joining us on this journey! We’re so excited you came along for the ride. Stay tuned and don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for up to date information at all points in our adventure.
At this point we’re a little over 60 days into life at Nik Systems, and we (like all small business in our region) have been significantly impacted by the introduction of COVID-19 to our service area.
While many of our neighboring businesses have struggled with sudden loss of revenue, moderately lowered or unrelenting overhead, and delayed starts to their business season, we’ve had to pivot our expectations and focus more on education than delivery of services. It’s strange to say, but New York State on PAUSE was a blessing for us in that regard.
We’re in a unique position in Northern New York because we don’t seem to have much direct competition in the area. Some people would say that gives us a significant advantage in the marketplace, and they would probably be right to some degree.
However, it also puts us at a disadvantage in some respects.
Most notably being potential customers in the business-to-business space may not immediately connect the value of our services with the positive impact they can have on their operation.
By placing area businesses on hold, the state government gave us the critical space we needed to define more clearly who we are, what we do, and how we do it. We were also able to concentrate on developing relationships in the area without the added pressure of having to make a sale. Which was huge, because it made it easier for use to live up to our own values of transparency and authenticity.
In the short time we’ve been in business we’ve had the opportunity to meet with staff (albeit at a distance) at Assemblyman Mark Walczyk’s office, Jefferson County Economic Development (JCED), communicate with members of the media and the public, and develop a wonderful budding relationship with OBI Land Trust.
As we continue to mature, and the regional small business community begins to get its feet back under it, the restrictions associated with New York State on PAUSE are beginning to lift. Which is opening up face-to-face opportunities for us to network and get to know more area business leaders in the 3rd quarter, and we’re excited to see the possibilities that chapter of life at Nik Systems will bring.
If you’re reading this, and you’re a local business leader, we’d love to hear about your experience navigating the challenge of COVID-19, New York State on PAUSE, and the phased reopening of the North Country small business economy. Just reach out to us through any means provided on our “Contact” page and we’ll setup a date and time to talk.
Thanks for joining us on this journey! We’re so excited you came along for the ride. Stay tuned and don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for up to date information at all points in our adventure.