The coronavirus pandemic has brought many businesses to a halt, and it feels like the entire economy is at a stand-still. This is especially true for companies in the retail, restaurant, travel, and entertainment industries.
During stressful and chaotic situations, it’s more important than ever to stay calm and come up with a plan for how you’ll move forward. This is the best way to ensure that your business will still be viable months from now.
4 Things Your Business Should Focus on During COVID-19
Instead of giving in to panic and fear, focus on what you can control. Here are four things you can do to get ahead during COVID-19.
1. Continue communicating with your staff
You’re concerned about the coronavirus and how it will affect your business, but you have to remember that your employees are just as worried. They may not have to worry about making payroll, but they have bills to pay and families to support.
In times of uncertainty, your employees need to hear from company leadership more than ever. And if they don’t receive any information from you, they will look elsewhere.
Come up with a plan for how you’ll regularly communicate with your employees. Stay focused on the facts, and aim to be as transparent as possible. Let your employees know what they can expect in the coming months, and what you’re doing to mitigate potential risks.
2. Adjust your marketing strategy
As we head into the second quarter, it can be frustrating to realize that all of your marketing plans are now null and void. Nobody wants to think, hear, or talk about anything other than the coronavirus.
The best way to deal with this is by adjusting your marketing strategy to account for COVID-19. This doesn’t mean that you exploit a scary situation, but it does mean that you look for areas where customers are struggling and find ways your business can help.
For instance, Audible started offering free audiobooks to children who are home from school for the next month. And businesses across the country are pitching in to help provide face masks and protective gear for medical workers.
3. Continue daily operations as best as possible
No business wants to close its doors for the foreseeable future. And while it may be necessary to close some aspects of your business in the interest of public safety, there are ways you can continue to operate.
If possible, allow your employees to work from home, so the most critical aspects of your business can continue. Create contingency plans regarding key vendors and suppliers.
Remember that the situation is fluid, and that flexibility is critical. Stay on top of the most current news regarding the pandemic and be willing to shift your plans if necessary.
4. Get creative and look for new opportunities
We may not get back to “business as usual” for a very long time. So now is a good idea to start planning ahead and thinking about how to ensure your business will stay relevant in the months and years to come.
This means evaluating the market and looking for new opportunities. Look for new ways that you can provide your products and services to customers. Continue to brainstorm new ways to serve your current customers and identify new opportunities in the market.
To your success!
Written by Brian Johnson