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Keeping your small business going during coronavirus is challenging. But as lawmakers continue to loosen restrictions, there’s still a lot of work to do. Taking steps toward preserving your business now and as the economy recovers will provide peace of mind and a game plan for moving forward.
Prioritize Small Business Survival
While you can still grow your business during COVID-19, your first priority should be survival. Think of ways you can support your staff and your investment during this time.
- Enact strategies to minimize business losses.
- Take advantage of small business resources in your community.
- Consider outsourcing some company responsibilities to cut costs.
Go Digital as the Next Step
Regardless of your industry, going digital can help you increase profits and reach a bigger audience. Start planning your brand’s online presence as soon as possible.
- For product sales, convert your brick-and-mortar business into an online shop.
- Stay updated with marketing trends and enact your own marketing campaign.
- Use techniques like product retargeting (with low-cost email newsletter services) to get more sales.
- If you need to press pause on your website, follow Google’s advice to preserve your site.
Have Staff Start Telecommuting
Get creative with your staff and think of ways to make telecommuting work. From the right equipment to tools for collaboration, get your remote work dialed in.
- Give your staff tools for collaboration in the remote work environment.
- Learn to manage a telecommuting team more effectively.
- Hire AWS experts to get help with your remote work setup.
Think Ahead to Post-COVID Business
Eventually, your business will reopen, and then what? Think ahead to ensure your business thrives post-lockdown.
- Make timely in-store improvements like installing new carpet while you’re closed.
- Develop a plan for reopening, including how to handle and screen both workers and customers.
- Strategize on post-pandemic policies and workplace changes for your on-site business.
While small business ownership involves inherent risks, it also means the power is in your hands. Taking steps to prioritize your brand’s survival, moving more of the work online, and planning for post-COVID adjustments are all excellent ways to strategize during the lockdown. And when the lockdown is lifted, you’ll be prepared.
—Amy Collett, bizwell.org
