The coronavirus pandemic has impacted industries in ways many businesses are not prepared for. But to survive the impact of the pandemic on the economy, businesses must promote safe practices at work and ensure that their most vulnerable members are safe from the risks of infections. It is the responsibility of a business to protect their customers, employees, and communities. Moreover, they are also responsible for trying to help their businesses stay afloat during these harsh economic times.
No business was spared by the pandemic. Stores had to close temporarily. The kids’ dentist has to stop consultations. Restaurants have to think of creative ways to reach out to their customers. Even fine dine-in restaurants have to offer takeout meals and delivery services because their clients no longer feel safe to enjoy their dine-in services.
But these changes don’t mean businesses should take everything lying down. Human nature will push these business owners to try and survive the impact of the pandemic. And while closing down is still a real possibility, you owe yourself a chance to try to cope.
Be Transparent
Humanize your company. Reach out to your employees and customers. Let them know where you stand. Your employees deserve to know how financially stable the company is. This allows them to make smart decisions that will benefit them and their families. Spell out steps you’re taking to protect your workers and other stakeholders. Your customers would want to know you’re not only after making profits but you also genuinely care about your people and clients.
Reinvent Your Employees’ Job Descriptions
For example, you can redeploy your restaurant staff to deliver food. Front-of-the-house employees (receptionists and waiters) can be deployed to deliver food to customers. Patrons will appreciate seeing familiar servers bring familiar menu items to their houses. It will remind them of what they loved about your restaurant even before the crisis. For your part, your business will save on the cost of outsourcing these services to third-party food delivery companies.
Educate Consumers How to Reach Your Business
States are reopening businesses. How will your business fare in the new normal? Make sure your consumers know how to interact and reach you. If you’re providing services, let your customers know how they can set an appointment with you. Is it through your website or social media? Tell them about the changes in your business operations. If your business has new hours and staff reductions, make sure your customers are aware of these.
If you have a physical store, encourage your customers to order online instead. Make your return policies a little lax to convince your clients to try ordering online. You should also ensure that your business is responsive to inquiries. There should also be different payment schemes in place.
Highlight the Values Your Consumers Have Come to Love
Continue strengthening the value of your business to customers. Assure your consumers that despite the world being upended, you will continue delivering the quality products and great service they have come to love about your brand. If one of your business’ values to customers is personalized service, reach out to your clients and offer them the same service albeit online.
Do you own a car repair shop? Instead of making clients bring their cars to your shop, offer to pick up the cars from their homes or offices. Return it within the day. Ensuring that they do not have to make more changes in their lifestyles because you’re willing to do that for them will remind your customers why they patronize you in the first place.
Revolutionize How You Deliver Products and Services
What are the things that are most valuable to your consumers right now? They want to feel safe, healthy and protected. You should work on this framework. When pharmaceutical companies were unable to meet the demands for alcohol, liquor companies turned the alcohol they distill into hand sanitizers. When face masks became unavailable, even big retail stores started making their own version of the mask. Addressing the growing needs for what makes people vulnerable right now will show customers how you’re trying to make their lives better.
A business’s survival rate during this pandemic is hinged on its ability to adapt. These changes are not going to be temporary. You won’t wake up one day and the world is back in order again. These changes will stay and there will be many more to come in the future. This isn’t the first economic crisis your company has to go through. You have to ready your company for many more after this.