All kinds of businesses have been around since the dawn of time.

Back then, the ability to start or manage what we today understand as ‘business’, heavily relied on who had the most food or trade.

In other words, only a handful of people held enough power to seize a business opportunity.

We have come a long way from trading raw materials for crops.

Over time, the life of a business has evolved, just as we have, and has become quite complex in many ways.

Fortunately, the best thing about modern business is that pretty much anyone can start or manage one.

The educational resources are out there and are fully accessible. With lofty degrees such as Masters of Business Administration online, learning the tricks of business admin and management has never been easier or more accessible.

Businesses are, by their very nature, a lot of work, and running them well can seem like an intimidating ordeal.

Yet, like every great venture, implementing lessons from the past can lead towards a better future.

Today, we can look into what exactly makes the characteristics of a good, modern business in 2024.

Successful businesses are those that can pivot and evolve in response to shifting market trends, technological advancements, and socio-economic dynamics.

Whether it’s embracing new technologies, adjusting business models, or responding to customer feedback, adaptability ensures that a business remains relevant and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

An example of this is welcoming remote or hybrid options for employees.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, industries have been forced to prioritise remote or hybrid working conditions.

It was witnessed that the same work could be done in a different setting as well as seeing positive benefits to work-life balance, overall health, and to the environment.

Some employers want to go back to the old ways, unable to see the importance of allowing flexibility in a world that has, let’s face it, changed.

When 95% of employees want to work remotely for at least one day of their work week, that’s when you know something has to change.

Why not start welcoming change for a change?

At the core of every successful business is a deep understanding of its customers’ needs, preferences and pain points.

Customer-centric businesses prioritise the customer experience at every touchpoint, from product design and marketing to sales and support.

By fostering meaningful relationships with customers and delivering exceptional value, businesses can cultivate loyalty, drive repeat business, and gain a competitive edge.

In other words, customers need to be listened to.

Consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly and socially responsible products and services, making sustainability a critical aspect of modern business strategy and a key differentiator for businesses.

We live in an age of increasing environmental awareness and social responsibility.

Whether businesses decide to focus on reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, or supporting ethical sourcing practices, prioritising sustainable choices is not only good for the planet but also a massive asset to the business’s bottom line.

Innovation lies at the heart of every successful business.

Whether developing groundbreaking products, streamlining processes, or finding creative solutions to complex problems, innovation drives growth and differentiation.

That is, how your product or service is presented to a targeted consumer base and the way it is supplied to the customer, can be just as important as the creation of the product or service.

In today’s hyper-competitive market, businesses that prioritise innovation are better positioned to take opportunities and stay ahead of the curve.

No business operates in isolation.

Collaboration with partners, suppliers and stakeholders is essential for driving innovation, expanding market reach and creating shared value.

Successful businesses prioritise collaboration as a strategic imperative, forging mutually beneficial partnerships that drive growth and performance.

Through collaboration, we can also promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential elements of a successful and resilient business.

By embracing diversity in the workforce, businesses can tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences and talents.

Inclusive workplaces foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration, driving better business outcomes and creating a positive impact on society.

In an era marked by uncertainty, resilience is a defining trait of successful businesses.

Whether it’s navigating economic downturns, geopolitical upheavals, or global pandemics, resilient businesses have the agility and fortitude to weather storms and emerge stronger on the other side.

By building robust infrastructure, fostering a culture of adaptability and proactively managing risks, businesses can mitigate vulnerabilities and thrive in challenging times.

Part of practising resilience is to be willing to learn from your mistakes and always strive to improve no matter what.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning, businesses can stay agile, competitive, and future-ready.

The pace of change in today’s business environment requires a commitment to lifelong learning and skill development.

Successful businesses invest in the ongoing education and development of their employees, empowering them to adapt to new challenges and embrace emerging ideas.

The characteristics of a good, modern business in 2024 are multifaceted and dynamic, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of commerce and society.

By embracing adaptability, customer-centricity, sustainability, innovation, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, resilience and continuous learning, businesses can not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive world.

As Australia continues to forge ahead in the global economy, businesses that embody these characteristics will be best positioned to succeed and make a positive impact on the world.