It has been two years since the pandemic began and we can’t wait for good luck to roll in again. The Lunar New Year just went by and here’s a quick look at what it could mean for businesses.

Looking back over the past couple of years on the lunar calendar, the Year of the Ox in 2021 saw many of the same struggles that plagued the Year of the Rat in 2020. The focus was on survival and resilience. However, starting the 1st of February 2022, the Spring Festival has reigned in the Year of the Tiger and looks like the tiger will bring with it attributes like strength, boldness and fearlessness.

A tiger year is about new beginnings and as we dive off two years of a pandemic, this could signal recovery and new directions.

Each year of the Chinese Lunar calendar is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. According to tradition, the traits of each year’s animal foretell both the characteristics of people born in that year and trends for the coming year. Tiger years are particularly auspicious.

So how is this year going to fare for your business? Let’s take a closer look.

If the Feng Shui experts have got it right, looks like we could all be roaring back! A tiger year is a terrific symbol for recovery and expansion. It’s a year to go for the big risks, take big decisions and be adventurous.

This means 2022 should be a great year for startups, business expansion, launching new products, growing teams and taking on new directions. Tigers, Chinese tradition says, also drive off the threats to a household – and by extension, one hopes, the threats to our businesses.

For those who own small businesses or are just starting out,  the beginning of the Year of the Tiger could mean we should prepare for a year of bold actions. It’s a great year for thinking large and taking chances. However, while it could be a year of big wins, it could also be one of potentially big losses. Either way, the message seems to be to go big or go home.

And while it’s important to follow our intuition and run with our wildest dreams, it also means we might have to keep our egos in check.

This is also the Year of the Water Tiger. Water years bring out our emotions more than any of the other elements. Water Tigers are family-oriented and have wonderful interpersonal relationships. Though they’re extremely driven and can be brash, their goal is always to do what’s best for everyone, not just for themselves.From a business point of view this could mean building and nurturing teams, so look out for their well-being and help them grow for the success of your company.

In particular, during the Year of the Tiger, be on the lookout for:

Opportunities. 

Especially at a time when a volatile environment may lead to new possibilities, are there  opportunities that you can exploit with courage? This is the year to pivot, take a new look at the landscape and shift direction.

Team building. 

We’re currently in the most significant shift in the workplace. We’ve got the rise of hybrid work, agile workforces and massive resignations. This is the time for new thinking about your team and how to motivate and retain them.

New product development. 

In a year of creativity, what are the new products or services that you can introduce with significant financial potential? Tiger years are perfect for innovation.

Impulsiveness. 

Be careful! The downside of all that tiger courage is that you may jump into things without thinking them through. Be bold, but be smart.

Seeking equity and justice.

Tigers are known for their desire for fairness. How can you bring more fairness into your business, life, and community?

The year of the tiger is a year of power, passion and daring. It bodes well for financial gains, new enterprises, and growth. It’s a year for entrepreneurs. And it’s a year for you. Go for it! And Kung Hei Fat Choi!