Adjusting to the Current Business Climate: 12 Ways to Cope with the Challenges of “Social Distancing

1. Open for Business? Shout it from the Roof Tops!

Announce on social media that you are open.

Tell your customers about any changes in the services you provide. Assure them of the quality service despite any changes or modifications.

Everyone is making adjustments. Your customers will understand. They just need to be reassured.

2. Sell Your Products and Services Online

If you aren’t already selling online, you should be! Selling direct online increases your reach. Online, your profits are no longer limited by the number of customers that can physically visit your brick and mortar location.

There are numerous options:

• Online Store

• Marketplace

• Facebook Live

• Post on Instagram

• Facebook Shop

3. Is Delivery an Option?

If your customers can’t come to your product, can you bring your product to them?

If your customers are local, consider a delivery service. If you are in a relatively unaffected area, perhaps bringing your product directly to your customer's home/office is possible. (Please verify the recommendations in your specific area).

If delivery isn’t possible, what about shipping?

4. Amp up your Website

Many of us “sell” our products and services in person, via networking, or at a brick and mortar location. During this time of social distancing, people will instead learn more about us online.

It is important that your website is up-to-date with current products and services, pricing and clear contact information. If you are serving customers during this time, it should be clearly stated on your homepage.

5. Stay Relevant: Post on Social Media Often

Ever heard the saying: “Out of sight, out of mind?” It’s almost scary how true this is. Don’t fall off the radar!

Post to social media regularly (Minimum 3x per week, daily is even better!). Post quality content: Helpful tips related to your field, information about your business, how you are handling the social distancing. Ask questions. Be engaging. Be original. Be helpful.

6. Familiarize Yourself with Online Meeting Software

Online meetings, conference calls, webinars and video chats are the wave of the future, and now the reality of the present. Use this opportunity to learn more about this growing innovation.

There are many alternatives to a traditional face-to-face meeting. Shared screens allow for full presentations, and so much can be accomplished in a simple multi-line phone call.

Watch for an upcoming blog post on this topic for more information.

7. Host Facebook live videos for engagement

Do you have products you would like to tell your customers about? An exciting service? So what if you can’t see them in person? Tell them all about it on Facebook Live!

This interactive platform allows you to reach numerous customers at once. You can answer questions in real-time. Best of all, the content is saved for potential customers to replay and reference at any point.

8. Offer giveaways and incentives for loyal subscribers

Over the past few years, subscriptions and memberships have become a popular business model. Many businesses survive on this model. Be aware, traditionally, when people need to start cutting expenses, discretionary subscriptions are one of the first things to go.

Incentivize people to stay. Offer gifts and giveaways they can’t resist. This doesn’t have to mean physical gifts. Perhaps you have an ebook, an exclusive video or special discount. You know your audience. What can you offer?

9. Have an online sale

Many people are stuck at home with nothing to do, and are spending their days scrolling through online shops. With Amazon limiting shipments, you now have an edge.

Having a sale can incentivize your customers to buy from you. Just remember, you must make a profit. Don’t forget to factor in your shipping and overhead.

10. Reach out to B2B clients. Do they need services updated? Product replacements?

With the unexpected downtime, many businesses are choosing to do maintenance to buildings, machines, offices and tech.

Do you offer a product or service that is best updated/upgraded when businesses are operating at limited capacity? Send a friendly reminder that it’s time for a check-in.

Be genuinely helpful, try not to be not opportunistic.

11. Work together with other businesses

There has never been a better time to collaborate with other small businesses. It could be simple: share each other’s social media posts, recommend each other to friends, make a purchase. Or, partner to offer discounts if a customer buys from both of you. Could you put together special packages with combined products? Have a virtual meet-up and brainstorm your creative ideas.

We’re all in this together!

12. Make use of your downtime