During these uncertain times of COVID-19, it can be easy to fall victim to feelings of hopelessness or sense the impending doom, especially as a small business owner. However, this time period can also be viewed as an opportunity to get creative with different sales tactics, product/service offerings and building a stronger presence within your community. We’ve compiled a list of ways to keep your small business running strong during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Reinvent Your Business to Meet Today’s Needs
- Take a look around your area of work and imagine the possibilities of what else it could be. If you own a restaurant, maybe your kitchen could be a source of food for those that are having trouble getting some. Maybe your conference room could become an area to create masks for local healthcare workers. All of these actions help to create a positive reputation for your company as well as build respected relationships with other businesses in your community.
- Connect with Clients on a Virtual Level
- Technology is a wonderful thing and can be used for any business, even those that are exclusively service based. Take a note from doctors, many of whom are conducting virtual assessments via video consultations and phone calls. Even if you don’t fall into the medical field, there are plenty of ways your business can adapt its services to virtual offerings. It might just take a little thinking outside of the box!
- Consider E-Commerce
- Maybe you’ve had an online shop for years and are wanting to expand it or maybe you’re looking into the e-commerce marketplace for the first time. Whatever the case, it is important to think of online sales as a chance to build out an additional revenue stream in a way that meets your customers where they’re at right now.
- Plan for the Future
- With many businesses experiencing a little more down time, right now is the perfect time to carve out a piece of your day and dedicate it to evolving your business or marketing plan. Use this time to think about how to grow and pivot your business during the next month or year.
- Gain Inspiration from Others
- With so many businesses coming up with creative ideas on how to increase revenue while adapting to new challenges, it is easy to find (and share!) successful ideas. Utilize social media to see what other businesses are doing and reach out to ask questions or get more information. Most business owners are more than happy to share a few secrets.
Try implementing some of these tips and see how much they help your business maintain a sense of “normalcy” during these very abnormal circumstances. We’re all rooting for each other right now.
