The COVID-19 pandemic is like nothing most of us have ever experienced before. The enforced lockdown has seen many businesses suffer and sink into oblivion.
In order to survive the crisis, business owners need to devise strategies to keep their company’s head above water during these uncertain times. Here are some ways to keep your business afloat during the covid19 pandemic.
Go Online
If you have a business selling goods, open an online shop using an eCommerce platform such as Esty, eBay, Shopify, or Facebook. Opening an online shop is relatively straightforward and cost-effective. Having a shop online means that you are trading 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can reach customers all over the world.
If you don’t already have one, set up a website with the facilities to sell your products to customers. Ensure your online shop and website is easy to navigate, has good quality photographs of your products from all angles, and is entertaining.
Take Advantage of Financial Help
Governments around the world are installing financial measures to help businesses cope during the lockdown. Companies can apply for grants, business loans and get help to pay staff salaries, tax, and VAT.
Suppose your organization has fallen on hard times. In that case, you may wish to consider your options in terms of external funding, such as an unsecured loan until the business recovers, or consult a company that offers tax relief services and other information on how to manage finances during a crisis.
Stay Connected
As many business employees are working from home, it is vital that your company has an efficient communication system in place to keep staff in contact with one another. Some people may struggle with the concept of working from home as they rely on work for daily routine and social interaction. Ensure you use a platform such as Skype or Zoom to host video meetings with your staff to discuss work and check that your team is coping on a personal level and a professional one. Also, use an efficient system that allows you and your staff to share and view files and documents.
Besides staff, you need to stay connected with your clients and keep them up to date with your status during the lockdown. Assure them that you are still available and willing to provide them with your services, even though it might be delivered to them in a different manner. For example, if you own a restaurant but have been instructed not to have customers on your premises, you could improvise and offer home delivery or take away service of your meals.
Stay Calm
Work may be quieter than usual, so it gives you a great chance to take care of the tasks you always put off “until tomorrow.” Streamline your workplace by doing the overdue, mundane tasks that take up lots of time but are necessary so that when you are running at full throttle again, you will begin with a nice clean slate.
