Final answer:
The ability to adapt to change and strong financial management were likely the most important of the Seven Key Business Rules for Success during the pandemic, enabling businesses to navigate new consumer behaviors and survive financial challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the Seven Key Business Rules for Success, the top two that were likely most important to businesses surviving the pandemic are the ability to adapt to change and financial management. Adapting to change was crucial as businesses had to pivot to new methods of delivering products and services, such as shifting to online sales or offering contactless delivery to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Good financial management became even more vital during the pandemic because revenue streams were unpredictable and often greatly reduced, necessitating careful budgeting, cost-cutting, and judicious use of resources to stay afloat.
For example, restaurants that adapted by creating robust takeout and delivery options were better positioned to survive when in-person dining was restricted. Similarly, businesses with strong financial reserves and those that managed to reduce expenses without sacrificing essential operations had a better chance of weathering the downturn.