Skip to main content
  • Claims Center
  • Contact Us
  • Español
  • Brokers & Agents
Hiscox Insurance
Menu Toggle
  • Home
  • Small Business Insurance Toggle Menu Toggle Menu
  • Why Hiscox Toggle Menu Toggle Menu
  • Resources Toggle Menu Toggle Menu
  • Policy Management Toggle Menu Toggle Menu
  • Claims Center
  • Contact Us
  • Español
  • Brokers & Agents
  • About
  • Get a Quote Get a Quote
  • About
  • Get a Quote Get a Quote
  • Blog Home
    Start Your Business
    Grow Your Business
    Protect Your Business
    Celebrate Courage
    Search

    Twenty-Four Seven

    Sign up to get the latest small business news delivered right to your inbox.
    Grow Your Business
    October 13, 2015
    3 ways

    3 Ways to Keep your Small Business from Becoming one of the Walking Dead

    Marketing | Small business inspiration
    By: Hiscox Blog

    Share Image

    Embed Image

    Copy

    Share Article:

    The Walking Dead’s new season premiered on Sunday and fans are already blowing up the internet talking about the latest adventures of TV’s favorite zombies and zombie killers.  But it’s not just humans that can turn into walkers, the same thing can happen to your small business if you fall asleep at the switch.  Zombie shows are popular, zombie businesses not so much.  They’re still there, but they’re not really living and definitely not growing. How can you make sure your business doesn’t become one of the undead?

    1. Aim for the head and develop your 2016 marketing plan like you’re doing it for the first time.  Having a template of what you've done before is a great way to avoid duplicating work you don’t have to, until these old plans can become a crutch. Veteran zombie hunters know the best way to kill a zombie is to aim straight for the head, and your business needs to take the same approach to inject some new thinking.  Are you taking advantage of all the new communications platforms available to market your products and network your way to success?  Are you avoiding the top marketing and advertising watchouts? Do any of your marketing materials need a refresh?  Think about updated copy, images and even communications channels to re-invigorate your business heading into next year.

    2. The best zombie defense is a good offense. Rick and his group know that sitting and waiting is a guaranteed way to make yourself into zombie bait.  No matter where you hole up, eventually the zombies will follow their instincts and seek out your sweet, sweet brains.  Your small business is no different. Just like Blockbuster stood by and watched as Netflix slowly, but surely, decimated their business model, the same thing could happen to you.  Think about your biggest competitors, or rising upstarts, and what they’re providing customers that your business can’t.  Are there new products or customer interface tactics you could be using to stay ahead of the competition?  Zombies never rest, so you shouldn't either.

    3. Move fast and break things. Zombies hunters and Mark Zuckerberg have at least one thing in common – they understand the need to make quick decisions, keep their forward momentum and aren't worried about causing a bit of a mess. Once you see a zombie, you have to Kill It Now and you can’t worry about leaving stains on the carpet.  Small business owners need to try and act just as decisively.  If a new hires’ not working out after a couple weeks, it’s hard to image they’ll be much better after a couple months.  The same with a new product – the marketplace will tell you what works, and what doesn't – and there can be no sacred cows when it comes to pulling up stakes and moving on.  Sunk costs are just that and the time, energy and money you spend on things that aren't working will come at the expense of the thing that are.  Make quick decisions, stick with them and keep yourself one step ahead of the masses. Nobody wants to be a small business zombie and these tips can help you stay current and ahead of the competition.  Before you know it, you might even turn into a zombie killer yourself, picking off other businesses that let their attention slip and became part of the walking dead themselves.


    Protect Your Business

    Protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build. Get a fast, free quote and your business could be covered today.

    Get a Quote
    Get a Quote
    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Related Articles

    3 Min Read
    Surety bond card on desk with coffee to help you learn all you need to know about surety bonds

    What you need to know about surety bonds and whether you need one

    Management | Entrepreneur

    Here’s what you need to know about what a surety bond is and whether or not your small business needs one.

    Read More

    7 Min Read
    small business owner sitting at desk reviewing her business finances on screen.

    Small business owners offer advice on finances

    Finances | Small Business Intelligence

    We surveyed 140 small business owners to learn their thoughts about business finances. See what they had to say and gain some insights for your own business.

    Read More

    7 Min Read
    female entrepreneur works on her mobile device in office

    Useful apps that will make small business life easier

    Technology | Tools & Templates

    We’re living in a technological renaissance, to help you navigate we've researched some of the best apps for assisting in the day-to-day management of your small business operations.

    Read More


    We’re here to help.
    We provide tailored insurance for the specific risks you face, so you can take the right risks to grow your business.
    Get a Quote
    Get a Quote

    Footer menu 1

    • What We Cover
      • Business Insurance
      • General Liability Insurance
      • Professional Liability Insurance
      • Errors and Omissions
      • Cyber Security Insurance
      • Workers Compensation
      • Other Coverage
    • Who We Cover
      • Small Business Owners
      • LLC
      • Sole Proprietors
      • Entrepreneurs
      • Side Hustle
      • Contractors
      • Home Businesses
    • For Our Customers
      • Refer a Friend Program
      • Covid-19 Response
      • Claims Center
    • For Business Owners
      • Save with our Partners
    • About Hiscox
      • About Us
      • Careers
      • Contact Us
      • Hiscox Corporate
      • Investors
      • Foundation
      • Newsroom
      • We Stand Together
      • Affiliate Partner Program

    Footer menu 2

    • Accessibility
    • Site Map
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Legal Notices
    • Español

    Feefo Reviews: Hiscox rated 4.7/5 with 1,067 reviews between January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023

    * Any cost, premium, or coverage stated before an official customer quote are estimates and an approximation and are not guaranteed. Actual cost, premium, and coverage are subject to the unique considerations of each individual risk. Customer quotes are based on the information provided to Hiscox, and are subject to required underwriting and rating factors. Until an official customer quote is provided, all communication on this website or advertisement is provided as an example for informational purposes only, and is neither an offer nor a guarantee of available premium or coverage. Any coverage afforded by the products described are subject to and governed by the terms and conditions of each policy issued. This information may not be used to modify any policy that might be issued. Any information provided to assist in understanding the coverage we offer does not modify any insurance policy, nor does it imply that any claim is covered.

    © 2023 Hiscox Inc. All rights reserved. Underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1760, Chicago, IL 60602. As of December 31, 2021, HICI had admitted assets of $1,250,758,353 and policyholders surplus of $332,792,666. Total liabilities were $917,965,687 (inclusive of $433,752,764 of loss reserves) and paid-up capital stock was $4,242,000.

    icon-facebook
    icon-youtube
    icon-twitter
    icon-linkedin