Weathering the storm: Survival tips for small business owners

This is an unprecedented time, and therefore, it is extremely stressful. Many things are out of  our control. Most small businesses are struggling and wondering what they can do. Here are a few ideas on what you can do to take back some control and let go of what you can’t.

Stay connected

First of all, like we have said in previous blogs, utilize this time to stay connected with your loyal customers. 

  • Continue to post on social media.

  • Send messages of encouragement and wellness. 

  • Let them in on things to look forward to in the future. 

  • Create and share tutorials and how to’s. 

  • Continue your blog and provide them with helpful information.

Adapt your services

Hopefully soon, restrictions are going to be lifted or at least loosened. This is great news. Determine ways you can get your business up and running as soon as possible.

  • Are there things you could do now to provide an essential service or good?

  • How can you adapt to conduct business in a way that keeps you and your customers safe?

  • What adaptions can you make if a future shutdown occurs?

Resources

There are a number of states along with the national U.S. Small Business Administration that are offering disaster assistance, grants, and loans during this time to help small businesses stay on their feet or to reopen when the lockdowns are lifted. 

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has a Paycheck Protection Program for qualifying businesses to guarantee loans to pay employees. 

  • The SBA also has an Emergency grant that can be applied for that helps to provide sick leave, maintain payroll, and pay rent.  

  • We know that some of these are out of funds… :( but hopefully they get more money soon… 

  • Check out options that may exist in your city and state. The Denver Small Business Emergency Relief program is giving cash grants up to $7500 to businesses who have been hit by this virus. San Francisco has a Hardship Emergency Loan Program providing loans up to $50,000 with 0% interest for six years.

  • Some corporate leaders are trying to help as well with small business relief funds from Amazon and Facebook

Explore your options, so you don’t have to try and get through this on your own.

Health and Well-being

Taking care of your mental and wellbeing needs to be a top priority even with and especially with all the weight on your shoulders. According to the CDC, many people are exhibiting these signs of stress including anxiety, sleeping and eating problems, loss of focus, increased use of alcohol and other drugs, difficulty with mood, etcetera. The CDC recommends these ways of coping with stress:

  • Breathing and meditating

  • Eating healthy, well-balanced meals

  • Exercise regularly and often

  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule

  • Avoid harmful substances like alcohol and drugs

  • Find an enjoyable outlet: nature walks, playing cards, yard work, drawing, writing poetry

  • Connect with others – call your friends you haven’t talked to for years, call your neighbor

  • Volunteer – helping others always makes you feel better

Get outside help if you need it:

The CDC has a Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

National Alliance on Mental Health HelpLine 1-800-950-6264 Find your local NAMI

Better Help – private online counseling from over 3500 therapists

Plan for the Future

The future feels like a long way off, but one way to make it come a little faster is to keep yourself busy determining ways to improve your business. Here are some thought generating questions to get you thinking about the light at the end of this tunnel:

  • Is there a way to have a greater online presence?

  • Is there a way to streamline sales and shipping?

  • How can you generate more sales leads? Webinar? Increased social media presence? Blog to get people to subscribe? More videos?

  • Is there a marketing strategy you can use right now to generate interest? A sale? A contest? A giveaway for contact information?

  • Can you offer a free trial period on a service (for the future) or product if they sign up right now?

One of the most important things you can do right now is to be gentle with yourself and those around you. Another thing is to take time for you! One of the worst parts of working from home is that it can be difficult to shut work off. Finally, keep taking baby steps forward; they will help you to feel productive and ease your mind. Stay healthy, stay safe!