We are all hopeful that the end or containment of this pandemic is in sight.. probably! We all have pandemic fatigue and are very tired, covered in mud, and ready to resume life. A light at the end of the tunnel means, we as small business owners, need to stay vigilant to finish strong, healthy and better than ever at the end of it. Here are some suggestions for finishing the race like a champion!
Stay in the know
Continue to check your local, state and federal CDC guidelines to make sure that you are still in compliance.
Do the little things
As they say, it is the little things that people cherish in a relationship. Do as many of the little things as you can to protect and minimize risk to staff and customers. Continue to sanitize your space. Provide hand sanitizer on the outside of your brick and mortar business. Have gloves and masks handy for those who need them. Be a leader with your staff and defend their safety as seriously as you would your grandmother’s. This, like all the little things you do, will build trust with your customers and garner loyalty!
Know your options
While assistance hasn’t nearly been enough, there are a number of small business resources that are available to help you make it through this pandemic! Again, look at local, state, and federal opportunities to give your business the boost you need and deserve.
Also, check your insurance policy and see if there are any emergency contingencies or a business interruption plans.
Creative problem-solving
Brainstorm with your team! Find ways your business can adapt. Be open-minded to ideas that you may have thought too difficult or too out of the box 10 months ago. Look at alternative ways to serve your customers and provide them with what they want and need from your company. For example, one bakery went from dine in, to carry out, to delivery, and now has moved into mail order.
Most every business has whittled down to the bare bones. But, it might serve you and your business to go through your expenses with a fine tooth comb. Look for areas where you could trim a little more fat or be more creative. Consider whether you need that extra cleaning service, or the cable and magazine subscriptions for the office. Sometimes there are additional line items that you have forgotten which can be eliminated like water cooler delivery when no one is coming into the office, or maybe someone can volunteer to go get it!
Communication
Continue to engage with your customers no matter what kinds of services and products you are able to provide them right now. Remind them how valuable they are to you and how you can’t wait to be able to serve them fully when this is all over. Share with them how you have adapted and can give them new and maybe even better options. Also, outline the safety protocols you have in place so they know that they will be safe if they continue to be loyal customers during the pandemic.
Be hopeful and encouraging
You may not always feel it, but be a voice of hope and encouragement for the people that have helped you build your brand. Remind them why they loved you in the first place and that together, all of you will survive this pandemic and be stronger for it.
This has been a tough and challenging road, but don’t give up the good fight, especially when you are this close to the finish line! I mean, I think that’s the finish line… way over there. Can you see it? I think I can see it…