As many states and municipalities are beginning or continuing to open up, we’re all starting to see more open signs, traffic, and debate over the policies, restrictions, and strategies our community leaders have put in place to try and simultaneously balance public health needs with economic necessity. No one has all the answers, but we can all agree that this has been a very challenging time especially for small business owners, and we’re all looking for input and solutions!
So how can you help your business not only survive but thrive the economic fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic?
First off, while networking events may still be on hold, limited, or sparsely attending, remember that us humans (especially those who love and miss networking and well other PEOPLE) thrive on the endorphins and other positive side effects of interacting and hugging other humans! So while you may not be able to hug or see as many people as you would like to face to face yet, remember that it’s still important and valuable to connect and communicate with your customers, your colleagues and collaborators via zoom, hangouts, FaceTime or platform of your choice, so don’t hesitate to keep reaching out and making those connections!
Second, how are your employees doing? As a business owner your main focus may have been (and still is!) keeping the lights on and the doors open, but your employees have been struggling in their own way, and it will pay big dividends to keep that in mind! If they have experienced being laid-off, furloughed, or are trying to balance working remotely while home-schooling and parenting/adulting full time, they may be feeling just as stretched as you are, and regular check-ins, communication, and small kindnesses can reap big rewards. We’re all in the same storm, but we all aren’t in the same boat, and while you may feel like you are navigating an Atlantic storm in a bass boat, they may be winging it in a storage tote, and taking on water fast!
Three, social media is more important now than it’s ever been before, and it’s not hard to understand why. Everyone was forced online, and customers are flocking to your business pages to see when/if you are open, and how they can buy. Now is NOT the time to neglect your social media OR your website! So make sure you are updating your hours, offerings, and engaging with your customers as our communities start to re-open.
Four, times are changing, and fast because of COVID-19. Your competitors may have changed, and your customers might have changed too! Don’t underestimate this fact, and take advantage of this opportunity to pivot! One of the ways you can pivot is by getting an objective third-pair of eyes on your strategy, tactics, and marketing budget. We perform marketing audits to help our clients and prospective clients gain more insight and clarity in regards to their advertising strategies, and this can save you time, money, and headaches in the long (and short) term!
Have any other tips or tricks that you have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep your business and company culture alive?
Let us know in the comments!
