The COVID-19 pandemic continues to torment small businesses and struggling families. While vaccines are now in production, the general consensus in the medical community is it could still take several months before the world can get back to operating as before, and that is not a welcome assessment for business owners. While sending out business thank you cards might help keep customers interested, what is a company supposed to do to survive continuing months of diminishing returns?
Use Resources Currently Provided By the Government
There is no denying the current struggle to make ends meet, but most governments worldwide have made efforts to curb the continuing decline of small business sectors. The US federal government passed a significant stimulus deal providing companies with additional funding for paycheck protections and loan forgiveness. The current national agreement, recently signed by President Trump, will also extend some of those benefits.
However, beyond protections and funding at the federal level, many state governments offer similar programs to keep the small business sector afloat. If you are unsure of your eligibility, contact your local Department of Commerce or Small Business Administration office or local representative.
Stay Calm and Take Care of Yourself
The current health crisis has many people panicked. While the stress and uncertainty are natural in these unique times, remember that you are not in this alone. You can reach out to other local business owners or city officials to find support.
Keeping yourself safe, happy, and calm during these trying times is of the utmost importance because your business and your employees are counting on you. Talk to those you love and admire about your concerns. Share stories with customers. Now is the time to embrace and establish a community.
Make a Short-Term Financial Plan
Right now, it is difficult to focus on the long-term because everything seems so uncertain. Therefore, set aside any five-year plans, and instead, focus on the three-month plan.
Compile a list of all bills, invoices, and obligations for the next few months. Contact all your vendors and lenders to discuss payment options. Most businesses understand the challenging times and are more than willing to work with their clients to ensure future success and partnership.
Find Opportunities To Expand Your Business
Depending on your service, the COVID-19 pandemic changed your operations significantly. For example, many restaurant owners changed to only carry out because of government mandates. Many of these businesses never had delivery before but found ways to adapt in light of the changes.
Keep Existing Customers Happy and Motivated
Engage with your customers. Make sure that every client feels appreciated and encouraged to return. Business thank you cards are an excellent way to express gratitude, and you can use these messages to offer some promotion or discount for a return visit.
You can also motivate customers to continue to shop or invest in you by finding ways to meet their current needs, for example, selling care packages. Now is the time to take risks, especially if those choices will not hurt your bottom line.
Invest In Your Staff
Because there is no room in the budget to hire new employees, many business owners assume starting new programs or offerings is impossible. However, with adequate training, your existing staff can learn, meaning that you will have a more capable and equipped team when COVID-19 eventually settles.
The pandemic hit the world hard, and small businesses have suffered more than most, but that does not mean closure is inevitable. Call your local representatives, reach out to your clients, and invest in your employees. You might be surprised at the response from a simple, inexpensive technique like sending business thank you cards to loyal customers.
