5 Tips For Running a Business During COVID
Businesses across the board were completely blindsided when COVID-19 hit and have been working tirelessly to save their jobs ever since. But after the initial shock was gone, people got to work and showed the world they weren’t giving up without a fight. From adapting business models to new business ideas to fill needs, people have been learning as they go, but are better for it. Below are five top ways to navigate this time:
Strategy #1 – Pivot & Adapt
The word “pivot” has been used over and over again because it’s a great way to describe what businesses have been doing since the pandemic started. The key is being ready for change at a moment’s notice and being able to constantly adapt. Adaptation during this is one of the differences between businesses who have been able to stay afloat and others who’ve had to close their doors.
Strategy #2 – Determine The Need
Ok, so you’ve pivoted & adapted…and part of that adaptation is determining what the current needs are of consumers. After the pandemic started, the need was toilet paper, then it was flour, then the meat shortage happened. All of these “needs” spawned adaptations in businesses and even new business ideas. That’s what business is anyways, creating a product or service that fills a need or void. Find your customers’ needs or your communities and pivot if need be.
Strategy #3 – Adjust Your Budget
Everyone is suffering – people are losing their jobs yet local businesses need consumers to keep shopping to support them. Make it easier for people to buy, but without you losing the profit you need. Understand that right now is about getting by, not necessarily making money so make the adjustments necessary to do so. Make your consumers feel good about purchasing from you as they will remember down the road.
Strategy #4 – Give Back
Determine what you can do to fill a need and help your community. Is it donating a product or service you sell? Volunteering at a shelter or preparing food at a soup kitchen? Whatever it is, do what you can to support your community during this time of need. Some businesses are offering things complimentary, others are discounting, but overall they are showing consumers they understand and are doing what they can to still encourage you to work with them.
Strategy #5 – Be An Advocate
Show your clients and/or consumers that you are here for them and support them/their industries. How can you work harder to show consumers their need for support while being sensitive to the fact that we’re all affected during this? Perhaps it’s doing work beyond your scope? Whatever it is, show your advocacy for them and others around you. Again, people remember what you did to show leadership, strength and support during a crisis.
About Bettie Bomb
Founded in 2005, Bettie Bomb are Experienced Chicago Publicists, offering a suite of services from trusted industry partners under one creative umbrella. PR, Marketing, Social Media and beyond…we work as an extension of your team, creating personalized campaigns, building awareness and telling your story when it matters most.
We’re Veteran Chicago Publicists specializing in all things lifestyle: food, fashion, hospitality, retail, health & wellness, medical, consumer and philanthropy. Partners Rebecca Kussmann & Laura Collins work closely with businesses & organizations to target key audiences and generate exposure all under the Bettie Bomb umbrella. Work one-on-one or have us build a team. We can be BIG and we can be small…that’s the beauty of it. Small, but mighty with the ability to grow. That’s us in a nutshell.
