Why Entrepreneurs Shouldn't Worry About Interest Rate Changes Here's why entrepreneurs shouldn't panic about interest rate hikes and uncertain forecasts.
By Roy Dekel Edited by Chelsea Brown
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
As an entrepreneur, you're likely keeping a close eye on the Federal Reserve and its efforts to cool inflation. It's natural for business leaders to watch interest rate hikes closely. But despite uncertain forecasts and any banking turmoil, there's no need to panic. Here's why:
Your business should always come first, regardless of interest rates
No matter how interest rates go up or down, it's important to remember that your business comes first. As an entrepreneur, you need to trust in your business and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Interest rates may fluctuate, but your business should remain your top priority.
If you believe in your business, you should be confident in its ability to weather any storm. While rising interest rates can pose challenges, they can also present opportunities for growth and innovation. By staying focused on your business goals and remaining flexible, you can navigate any changes in the market and emerge even stronger.
It's important to remember that interest rates are just one factor that can impact your business's success. By focusing on other areas, such as product development, marketing and customer service, you can ensure that your business remains competitive and profitable, regardless of interest rate fluctuations.
Related: Inflation Is a Risk for Your Business, But Doesn't Have to Spell Doom
Take on debt to invest in your business
As an entrepreneur, taking on debt is often a necessary part of growing and expanding your business. Interest rates can play a significant role in determining the cost of borrowing, but they should not be the sole factor in your decision-making process. In fact, it is always advantageous to take on a debt no matter what the interest rate levels are.
But before taking on debt, make sure you understand and tick each point:
Make sure you have a solid plan in place for how you will use the borrowed funds: What specific investments do you plan to make? How will those investments help grow your business and increase profitability? By having a clear plan in place, you can make sure that you are using debt strategically to support your long-term goals.
Consider the costs and risks associated with borrowing: While interest rates may be low, you will still need to pay interest on the borrowed funds. Additionally, there may be fees and other costs associated with taking on debt. Make sure you carefully evaluate the costs and risks before deciding to borrow.
Shop around for the best interest rates and terms: Different lenders may offer different rates and terms, so it's important to do your research and compare options before deciding where to borrow from.
Have a plan in place for how you will repay the borrowed funds: Taking on debt can be a valuable tool for growing your business, but it's important to make sure that you can repay the debt on schedule.
How to leverage debt to grow your business during inflationary periods
If you're confident in your business model and have a plan for how to use borrowed funds, taking on debt can help you grow your business faster than you would be able to otherwise.
But when inflation is high, it can be challenging to navigate how to leverage debt to grow your business. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your borrowing during inflationary periods:
Take advantage of fixed interest rate: If you can secure a fixed interest rate, it can protect you from rising inflation rates. As inflation goes up, so does the cost of borrowing, but a fixed-rate loan will lock in your interest rate at the time of borrowing.
Consider short-term loans: Inflation typically leads to higher interest rates, so opting for a short-term loan can help you avoid paying higher interest rates over an extended period.
Be cautious about long-term commitment: Long-term loans and investments can be riskier during periods of high inflation. While it may be tempting to lock in a low-interest rate for a longer period, you may end up paying more in interest over time.
Look for opportunities to invest in assets that will appreciate: During inflation, assets like real estate and precious metals tend to appreciate. If you can borrow money to invest in these assets, you may be able to benefit from their increased value over time.
Focus on revenue-generating investments: When borrowing during inflation, it's essential to focus on investments that will generate revenue and help you pay off your debt faster. This could include expanding your business operations or investing in marketing and advertising to attract new customers.
Related: 4 Ways to Deal With High Interest Rates in Every Part of Your Business
Make long-term goals your priority
Rather than worrying about short-term fluctuations in interest rates, it's important to keep your eyes on the bigger picture. Remember that your goal as an entrepreneur is to build a sustainable, profitable business in the long run. Focus on making smart investments, building a strong team and staying true to your values and mission.
Stay agile and adaptable
As an entrepreneur, you're no stranger to uncertainty and volatility. The best way to weather any storm is to stay agile and adaptable. Keep a close eye on market trends and be willing to pivot your business strategy if necessary. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks and be creative in finding new growth opportunities.
As an entrepreneur, you have the skills and mindset needed to navigate these uncertain waters. Focus on leveraging debt, building a sustainable business and staying agile and adaptable. With the right mindset and strategy, you can thrive in any economic climate!
