The Coronavirus pandemic surprised many world organizations, major corporations and small businesses on a global scale. Despite the news coverage and ample evidence to advise caution, many of us were complacent. “It’s not going to affect me,” we naively thought. How wrong we were.
Mere days ago, my government shut down all non-essential services to combat the spread of COVID- 19. I’m obviously concerned for the well-being of my family and my friends, but as an entrepreneur, I have an obligation to also feel concern for my business, my customers and my employees’ welfare.
When I started my business, Inception Auto Detailing, I was just 18 and alone. Fast-forward to today, we are an award-winning, internationally recognized facility and workplace to multiple employees. Not only am I responsible for their health and well-being at work, it’s my duty to keep the business afloat, so they can continue to provide for their families.
Thankfully, I have always been excited to adopt tech innovations at work, so my business was better suited than some to handle these extreme conditions. Are you prepared? Have you considered the long-term ramifications of this virus? The following is what I have already learned about operating a business during a global pandemic.
Invest time and money into technology; specifically, remote work applications.
It’s cliché to say that the world is constantly changing and evolving, but it is. And businesses need to keep up with the changing times. The average workday is not so average anymore. But entrepreneurs need not worry about work not getting done.
There are numerous avenues that you can take to enable working remotely. Many of these applications also come with a whole suite of software, which can help monitor your business, stay on top of critical paths, provide flexibility to employees, and foster independence within your organization.
Update features of current services to accommodate social distancing.
Service industries are especially impacted by social distancing for obvious reasons. Entrepreneurs should be open to new ways of providing their services. Instead of customers visiting my shop to drop off their car, I go and pick up their car.
Sure, this adds to my already full plate, but the benefits to the customer far outweigh the disadvantages. With my concierge service, I can pick up a car, perform my work, and deliver it back home without ever needing to meet face-to-face. Consider your business from the customer’s perspective and make changes accordingly.
Re-evaluate your Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) needs
New situations arise and we have to adapt; simple as that. I operate a motor vehicle facility, so safety gear and protective equipment are present and abundantly supplied.
However, this new situation forced me to look at my workplace in a new light. Have you considered what protective gear your employees absolutely need? Even offices can benefit from thinking about PPE at work.
Be sympathetic and consider deferred payment options for extreme situations
Partnering with a financing company can be a valuable way to improve overall sales and attract new customers when people are wary to spend money. Beyond a generally good business practice, a financing company can help ease the strain on customers and work within their budget restrictions.
Have you researched the financing options available to you and your business? There could be a perfect financier equipped to handle your specific business needs.
The Coronavirus is challenging us all. And what’s worse, is there is no clear sign of how long it will truly affect the world. To overcome this difficult time, the globe will rely upon big thinkers, and can-do entrepreneurs like you and me. Consider your business and ask the hard questions TODAY.
- Have you invested in technology?
- Have you adapted to social distancing?
- Have you re-evaluated your PPE?
- Have you sympathized with your customers?
