Unternehmerweb: My story as an IT entrepreneur in a crisis

Unternehmerweb: my story in a crisis

Unternehmerweb profiled me in 2020 as part of its Initiative Zusammenhalt, in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis, when every entrepreneur was asking: what happens next?

15 years of Smarter Business Solutions

As founder and CEO of Smarter Business Solutions GmbH in Bad Erlach, I had completed 15 years in business at the time of the interview. Our team of 10 serves major clients such as ÖBB, REWE Group, SIGNA and PORR with SharePoint and Office 365 digitalisation.

A paradox during the pandemic

While most sectors suffered under lockdown, our digitalisation business paradoxically experienced stable demand. Companies suddenly needed remote-work solutions, precisely what we had been offering for years.

Even so, uncertainty was considerable: delayed payments from large clients, liquidity risks and fears for the future of the business.

A deliberate decision to forgo state aid

One decision attracted particular attention in the interview. I deliberately chose not to use short-time work support or state subsidies. It was a matter of conviction rather than pride: our business model was working, and support should go to companies that truly needed it.

A stakeholder philosophy

I explain my basic business philosophy: everyone should benefit, including employees, partners, customers and society. That approach proved its value during the crisis.

Read the full article at Unternehmerweb.