What now?
That must be what everyone thought when C O V I D - 19 hit. Especially small business owners.
Some companies temporarily closed, and others filed for bankruptcy because of this pandemic.
So, how do you pandemic-proof your business?
If you're an SMB operator trying to survive or wanting to thrive during this time, here are 5 small business tips for you:
Tip #1: Put everyone's safety first.
If you're a brick-and-mortar business, practice safety protocols.- Open the door for your customers to lessen their surface contact.
- Have alcohol or sanitizer ready at the entrance.
- Take their temperature; if convenient, have someone ask them about their symptoms.
- Wear face masks (and PPEs if needed) to make your customers feel safe.
- Disinfect the place regularly.
- Have your employees checked and tested for COVID-19,
- Monitor your team's condition. Let them take the day off or work remotely if someone feels sick.
Tip #2: Adapt to change.
Be like bamboo. Strong but adaptable.If this crisis has taught retailers something, it is to be flexible. Change with the times.
Use modern technology to your advantage. Let your customers find you online.
"Grocery retailers have to realize online order and click-and-collect will become 30-40% of their business," Brittain Ladd, Global Business and Strategy Consultant.
Here are a few new normals most businesses are adapting to keep their businesses surviving and thriving:
Use modern technology to your advantage. Let your customers find you online.
"Grocery retailers have to realize online order and click-and-collect will become 30-40% of their business," Brittain Ladd, Global Business and Strategy Consultant.
Here are a few new normals most businesses are adapting to keep their businesses surviving and thriving:
- Operate with a skeletal workforce.
- Offer house delivery or partner with delivery apps.
- Have a pick-up or take-out-only option.
- Adjust your space to ensure social distancing inside your store/office.
- Ask customers to give the exact amount.
- Provide online payment options or cashless transactions.
- Offer subscription services. A subscription box is flourishing in the health, beauty, fashion, and pet industries.
- Go digital. Even companies as big as Target are turning to online shopping because of COVID.
Tip #3: Stay connected with employees.
You need your team for your business to survive.
Thank heavens for technology. Working remotely is now possible.
Establish a work-from-home option with your team.
You have the advantage if you've already created a remote work system before C OVID. However, if you don't have one, don't fret. It's not rocket science.
Have clear work-from-home guidelines for your employees.
Here are 3 tools you can use for productivity:
- Slack is an excellent tool for chatting and managing simple projects.
- Google Meet, Zoom, and Skype for calls.
- Trello is a fantastic app for keeping track of your team's daily tasks.
Clear communication is the key.
More than work, ask your team about how they're coping during this crisis. Offer support. You can refer them to free mental health consultations online.
Your employees should feel heard. They will take care of your business if you take care of them.
Tip #4: Keep your clients/customers in the loop.
Like you, your customers are trying to figure out what's happening and where they should go.Be their guide. Be the constant and regular they know they can still depend on.
How do you communicate with customers while everyone's staying home?
According to the International Telecommunication Union, over 4 billion people use the Internet now. That's a whopping 53.6% of the global population!
Make sure someone's manning your communication channels.
- Set up a Messenger bot for FAQs. Have someone check message inquiries.
- Send emails and/or post updates about new policies, process changes, store hours, or promotions.
- Get their feedback. Ask your customers what they need from you as a business and what changes they want to see.
- Use social media to share your behind-the-scenes stories with your followers and engage with them.
Be transparent with your company's plans. A well-informed customer is a happy customer. Show them you care and that their needs come first.
Don't leave your loyal customers in the dark.
Trust goes a long way.
Tip #5: Give back.
Some companies involve their customers in giving back to the community by asking them to donate.Human Nature offers Pledge a Package wherein you can shop online for natural hygiene kits. They will then deliver these to health workers in different hospitals.
Some restaurants offer their kitchen for organizations to prepare free meals.
What can you offer?
Remember: whatever you give comes back to you a hundredfold.
Bonus Tip: Change your mindset!
Now is not the time for a victim and scarcity mentality. Now is the time to think out of the box.
Your business will not progress if you stay stuck as the business owner.
Condition your mind, as it is your most important asset. The more you master your mind, the more you can control your business, no matter the circumstances.
The resources you have at your disposal or your skills will all go to waste if you have a poverty mindset.
Take this trying time as an opportunity to grow your business and yourself.
When you feel lost, return to your business's mission and vision. Why did you start? What are your goals?
This crisis will end soon. But your business doesn't have to.
Use these tips to help your small business survive and thrive during the pandemic.
Your business will not progress if you stay stuck as the business owner.
Condition your mind, as it is your most important asset. The more you master your mind, the more you can control your business, no matter the circumstances.
The resources you have at your disposal or your skills will all go to waste if you have a poverty mindset.
Take this trying time as an opportunity to grow your business and yourself.
When you feel lost, return to your business's mission and vision. Why did you start? What are your goals?
This crisis will end soon. But your business doesn't have to.
Use these tips to help your small business survive and thrive during the pandemic.
Hang in there. We're in this together. 😉
2 comments
Thanks for the awesome tips. I feel we need to keep in constant contact with the employees, so that they don't feel alone.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Yes, we all need each other especially during this time. Thanks for stopping by.
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