In order for a company to remain successful over time, it needs to be able to change and move forward as necessary. If natural disasters don't force businesses to make adjustments then the changing needs of consumers will.

For example, Apple has long been a frontrunner in the technological market, paving the way for smartphones with its release of the iPhone in 2007 and establishing itself as a leader in laptop computers with the evolution of the Macbook. The tech company continues to adjust its proceedings through the tablet race.

Google's Nexus 7 is smaller and less expensive than Apple's iPad, while Amazon's Kindle Fire has also been popular. However, as reported by the New York Times, the tech company is developing a tablet with a 7.85-inch screen, and will sell for significantly less than the 9-inch screened iPad.

Leslie Grandy, a former Apple manager who now consults and advises startup companies, told the news source that a smaller iPad would be desirable for individuals who don't carry their current tablets with them because they are too large and heavy. Specifically, Grandy said, it's a good size to fit into women's purses.

DirecTV has also made some changes to ensure that their 20 million customers stay on board, even with the satellite-TV company losing Nickelodeon as a channel, due to a dispute with Viacom. Disney Junior, a 24-hour channel targeted to viewers ages 2 to 7, will be permanently added to DirecTV's basic channel lineup, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. 

The move allowed DirecTV to strengthen its children's programming, after shows like "Dora the Explorer" and "Spongebob Squarepants" were eliminated with the channel blackouts happening on July 10. 

Regardless of the catalyst, businesses and organizations need to ensure that they are properly prepared to deal with any situation to keep themselves afloat as consumer needs change. Working with a business continuity consultant can help make sure that this happens.