During this critical time of the COVID-19 outbreak, many entrepreneurs are taking strict measures to maintain success. This will also ensure staff and customer safety. But, while large companies can “get away” with fewer hours, small businesses cannot afford to lose sales.
As a small business owner, it’s up to you to take the steps of implementing those safety precautions and continue doing business. That said, if you're operating a small business, here's what you can do to keep things afloat during the COVID-19 crisis:
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) are hard at work to help nations across the world. One of the outlined factors by the CDC is to keep gatherings small (fifty people or less). With that in mind, it would be best to postpone work events for now.
Since many people are staying indoors to cut the spread of COVID-19, small business owners are following suit. Being remote helps to limit exposure.
Business preparations should include proactive work-from-home scenarios that include equipment, internet connectivity, strict time management, skills training, and discipline.
Preparing oneself for a crisis such as COVID-19 is nearly impossible, and needless to say, it has already caused so much damage to the world’s economy.
If your business needs to work during the pandemic in the form of brick-and-mortar operations, then you can cut the number of trading hours. Also, reduce how many staff members you’ll have on-site to slow the chances of spreading disease. Many businesses are resorting to "skeleton-staffs” during this time.
Tell sick employees to stay home and get well.
While this can seem counterproductive, it will secure safety in the long run. Your staff can work from home and you can use freelancers to get certain tasks done. You can outsource them from Fiverr. Since freelancers already work remotely, it won’t be an issue to do so.
You must make sure that there is always a way to communicate with your team. In doing this, everyone will be on the same "page" and will know what developments are happening with your business as news and updates about COVID-19 continue. Your team can also talk to you if they are not feeling well enough to work.
Leverage the mobile freedom of social media to boost communications with your customers. You can do this via a digital marketing strategy. Include newsletters and blog posts to help keep them informed on what your business is doing to make interactions safer.
There are also online calling services for video calls and conferences no matter where you are stationed. People want to put a face to the business owner or spokesperson online.
If you have an online shop, pre-recorded product reviews will be great for you.
Online product reviews give your customers a better idea of the items sold at your shop. Online shopping also minimizes interaction with people during COVID-19.
If you don’t have an e-commerce setup, then this would be the ideal time to take on this venture. Assuming you already have a brick and mortar establishment, your digital business will benefit during this precarious time. Fiverr has professionals that can help you to set up your website and manage your digital marketing efforts.
As per the CDC, everyone is advised to sanitize and wash their hands regularly.
Make sure that workstations are equipped with hand sanitizers and that you and your staff are regularly cleaning and disinfecting surface areas.
Make flexible hours and freelancing part of your business module. It will always be something you can fall back onto should the circumstances make it difficult to interact with others.
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