The coronavirus and COVID-19 have caused fundamental changes in the ways we work and live. It's a strange time, and we're all experiencing it at the same time, together. Stores are closed, grocery aisles are devoid of toilet paper, and everyone is forced to work in close proximity to their spouses, partners, roommates, and/or children. There is so much to deal with and not much to go off of. Unless you're a grocery store or a toilet paper manufacturer, you might have some worries.
Instead of focusing on all worrisome news of this global pandemic, let's discuss some ways, we as business owners, can thrive through the tough times and help lift our communities up with us.
Connect with your clients
Take the time to reach out and check in with your customers, whether those be phone calls, emails, or just reaching out on social media. Ask them how they are and if there's anything you can do to help them. What makes this situation so unique is that everyone is experiencing it. You may develop closer relationships with your customers and you might even get a few ideas on what you can do in the meantime to still provide a service for them.
Launch that mobile platform
Have you been thinking about ways to bring your business into the digital age? There's no better time than now! Getting your business online is the best way to continue selling and providing your goods to people during this mayhem.
Update existing mediums
If you're already online, take this time of isolation to work on updates, new content, and communication channels. Ask yourself these questions:
Does my website showcase my brand in the best possible way?
What do my customers look for in a website (i.e. store hours, FAQs)?
How can I connect with/attract future customers?
Start a blog
Lastly, my favorite idea- start a blog! A blog is a great way to build a brand, attract customers, and serve your customer base. Depending on what your business is, you can share tons of information through a written blog. For example, a dog park can share information on how to keep your dog happy during the quarantine. A clothing boutique can write about how to throw together the perfect "work-from-home" outfit, so customers don't feel frumpy working in their PJ's all day long (although there's nothing wrong with that either). Interior designers can blog about how to create the perfect workspace at home! There are so many ways to build community and conversation through blogging.
Just remember, it's okay to take time if you need it. We're all in this together. If you're looking for ways to supercharge your business in other ways, check out some of our other posts on Out of the Box Advisors like this one on boosting productivity.