The pandemic has been a huge problem for many industries, but it’s especially difficult for small businesses. One in five small business owners is not able to work due to the pandemic. Many are unable to return because there are not enough employees left standing. If you are a small business owner that’s been affected, here are six tips on how to recover from the pandemic:
Tip #1: Keep Your Ear to the Ground
The pandemic is likely to make it difficult for many businesses in the area. Take the time to speak with other small business owners to get their perspective on what they’re dealing with. It may be difficult to know what, if anything, will work in your specific situation.
With that said, you may find that one small business owner’s solution may work well for you. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any government programs that are available to help small businesses.
Tip #2: Think Inventory Management
This pandemic could have an impact on your company’s inventory management system — whether you are currently creating products or not. Make sure you keep all of your records and files so you can refer back to them in this difficult time.
If your business is unable to operate, it may be helpful to go over the financial records for insight into where the company’s strengths and weaknesses lie.
For example, do you have sufficient funding for your heating and cooling company to operate while the pandemic is affecting business? Can your business continue to operate or will you need additional employees to resume operations?
Tip #3: Remember Your Customers
You would be surprised by how many businesses forget about their customers when they’re in a tough spot! There are several ways that you can ensure you don’t fall into this common trap:
Keep an updated customer list
Make sure that your sales staff or marketing team has an up-to-date list of customers who should be contacted during these difficult times. You never know what situation a customer may find themselves in. In addition, make sure your employees have a script to follow when contacting customers.
Use Technology
Make sure you are utilizing technology to the best of your ability. This can include website design, online marketing, and email campaigns. For example, you can send automated emails to customers who have purchased in the past.
This is an excellent time to utilize your social media accounts. If you are not able to meet with customers in person, you can use the power of social media to communicate with customers and make updates as the situation changes. This is a great way to inform customers about your company as well as how you are recovering from the pandemic.
Tip #4: Utilize Your Resources
In this difficult time, it is important to remember that you have a wealth of resources at your disposal. You just have to be willing to look for them! This could include seeking out help from other businesses in your industry, as well as local and state governments.
Many private organizations may be able to offer assistance. Additionally, there are business consultants that can be accessed, at least in the short term.
Tip #5: Continue to Operate as Usual
You may have heard this before, but it is important! Your company continues to operate as usual. You will not be able to continue business as normal with employees being so heavily impacted by the pandemic.
However, you can take steps such as divvying up work among employees, implementing remote work policies, and staggering work hours. This will help to ensure that your company can continue to operate without significant interruption.
For example, if you are a restaurant, you can have employees work in shifts. This will help to ensure that there is always someone at the restaurant. Additionally, you can stagger work hours so that not everyone is coming in at the same time.
Tip #6: Keep Things in Perspective
Remember that this pandemic will eventually come to an end. The key is to make it through this tough time. Even with these five tips, it will likely be challenging to overcome the pandemic and recover completely. For example, your company may lose customers, which will require you to find new ones.
Instead of getting caught up in the negatives, focus on what your business does well and how it can be even better after this pandemic has passed! Take pride in what you’ve managed to accomplish so far, and let your future show the results of all your hard work.
Small businesses are feeling the brunt of this pandemic. With many business owners unable to return to work, there is a direct impact on small businesses. The key for these small businesses is to make it through this tough time and take pride in what has been accomplished so far.
Remember your customers, utilize your resources, and keep things in perspective! This pandemic will eventually come to an end, so stay focused on what your business does well and how it can be even better after this difficult time has passed.
