An innate part of being a business-owner or entrepreneur involves being a problem solver.
Businesses are created to offer value, through either goods or services, to customers who regard the product or resource as useful and worthwhile. In other words, this exchange takes place because the business recognized a problem or need, offered a solution— and in turn, the consumer accepts the value or potential benefit from their offerings.
Well, business leaders, we have a big problem to solve. The rise of a global pandemic is not something businesses, organizations or the general public saw coming.
Without anticipating a crisis like this, problem-solving can be a little tricky. It can be difficult to balance health concerns and financial goals, while also remaining sensitive to the people around you who may be experiencing traumatic life changes.
A global virus outbreak is certainly not the time to take advantage of consumers and use these circumstances for financial gain. However, there are ways you can help keep your business afloat, stay connected with your audience and even support your community members in an ethical way.
Don’t underestimate the power of strategy!
The expression “time is money” may seem like a timeworn cliché, however, there is some truth to it. While the current situation is not ideal, without your daily commute to and from work, not having to manage your kids’ extracurriculars, and your extensive social calendar now freeing up, you may have been given the gift of time!
Instead of stressing about how this pandemic could impact your business, take action and do something about it. Layout a plan addressing these items:
Identify the current/future challenges your business will face.
Find ways you can adapt your products/services to the current situation.
Market your solutions with Covid-19 in mind.
Check-in with your customer base. See how they are doing during this time and gauge how it will impact their purchasing behavior.
Think long-term. Think about how this will impact your business now, but also consider the impact it could have afterwards.
Evaluate progress, brainstorm new solutions, repeat.
Technology is your best friend.
Let’s not forget to keep the glass half-full. We are alive in an amazing time in the world, where technological capabilities are nearly limitless. Even amidst strict stay-home regulations, we are able to easily access information, communicate with others, remain cost-effective, and minimize geographic limitations.
There are a number of ways that you can use technology to adapt your current business practices.
1.Telecommunications
One way social distancing could be impacting your business is the lack of communication between employees and clients and the inability to meet face-to-face. There are a number of ways to meet and collaborate virtually through telecommunications. For instance, Zoom is an excellent resource for keeping people connected through online meetings, video conferencing, virtual training, etc.
2. Online orders and e-gift cards
While your business may mostly follow a traditional brick and mortar business model, with your customer base shopping in-person-- now is a great time to explore online orders! Even if your website isn’t prepared to handle ecommerce, consider advertising products via your social media channels and offer pick-up and delivery services.
Another great way to help your business remain in operation is through the promotion of E-gift cards. Online gift card purchases are a touchless payment method and provide fast revenue, seamlessly. These purchases can become the seed money for getting restaurants and small businesses up and running again when government restrictions from the pandemic are lifted.
3.Video
Video is a very powerful tool, in times of normalcy AND times of crisis. There are a number of ways that you can modernize your business practices and keep your audience engaged. One example of this is seen with gyms who are now offering online, at-home workouts. Similarly, we have seen industries like beauty salons, learning centers, cooking classes, dance schools, etc., all shifting to recorded online tutorials during this time.
Even if an online tutorial doesn’t exactly suit your business, consider showcasing your products through a virtual showroom so customers can do some online window shopping. Captivate your audience from anywhere in the world and help them fall in love with your product from afar.
(Film Vision Media is available to edit your footage and create a compelling message, whether it be shot on an iPhone, iPad or professionally captured.)
Offer your support (and your services).
As we mentioned earlier, a global pandemic is not an event that we should capitalize on for financial gain. However, that does not mean your business development should come to a screeching halt.
You may still be offering a valuable service that people could benefit from during this time. While budgets are strained and people are worried about their job security and financial stability, if you are in a position where you can offer a free sample or a 7-day, 14-day, or 30-day free trial for your services, it may be a huge difference-maker for their life or for the livelihood of their business.
Not only does this help you fulfill some of your corporate social responsibilities during a period where people are experiencing a great deal of difficulty, but also it can help you grow your audience/customer base for when things settle into a new normal.
Stay connected!
Tone and messaging can be difficult when facing hardship, but nonetheless, that is no reason to go quiet on social media. It is important to let your audience know that you're still there for them.
Social networkers are stuck home, constantly scrolling through their timelines and newsfeeds, becoming overwhelmed by scary news headlines and coronavirus updates. Now is an opportunity to be a voice of light in the darkness, showing your customers that your brand is strong and not going anywhere.
Keep your messaging positive and supportive, and your followers will remember it! Continue posting content, connect with your audience, offer your support and build your brand’s reputation. Unthinkable circumstances and tragedies like this will never be easy to deal with, but adversities tend to have an unexpected effect of bringing people together and inspiring remarkable resilience. The same can be true for you and your business.