COVID-19: Ways to Adapt Your Business
“Drastic times call for drastic measures”
This old adage has taken on relevant meaning during these uncertain times to a society, economy and population devastatingly impacted by COVID-19. The definition of normalcy is altered here in the United States and around the world - marked by empty shelves in grocery stores, shuttered down restaurants, and deserted dorm rooms and lecture halls.
In the midst of uncertainty and grief, businesses and patrons alike have learned to adapt to ever changing environments and expectations. As your business makes changes in response to the pandemic’s impact and statewide public health recommendations, you put new systems and procedures in place that perhaps were not used before. Here’s the thing: even when something akin to a sense of normalcy returns, many of those changes have the potential to energize your business - even if they are no longer “necessary”.
Let’s take a look at some examples.
Remote Work Capabilities
When Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued a statewide stay-at-home advisory on March 24th, thousands of “non-essential” businesses and employees were suddenly thrust into the world of remote work. These employees were expected to manage their workload from home using a variety of available tools, the most popular of which is video conferencing software provider Zoom. With Zoom, multiple users log into one call at a time, making it possible to emulate, however imperfectly, the experience of an in-person meeting. Other video conference software programs include WebEx, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and more. By being forced to adapt the majority of their workforce to remote meeting platforms, many businesses show that such a feat can be achieved - and perhaps is something to consider when evaluating both employee and business needs in the future.
Similarly, access to reliable cloud storage has been helpful for employees and business owners that work with job-essential documents and programs during this time. The cloud has proven itself for such a time as this. Indeed, when things do go back to “normal”, heavier reliance and use of cloud based solutions could do much in the way of mitigating document and time loss - not to mention sustaining job-related efficiency.
Business Creativity
Does your business rely heavily on in-person interactions? If so, the impact of COVID-19 has probably been felt more acutely. Nevertheless, the pandemic has forced many such business owners to be creative and take advantage of technological resources that may have not been used before.
For example, many medical providers now provide many - if not all - of their consultations via telehealth. By implementing telehealth options, medical service providers can reach patients that might not have ever walked physically through the door.
Car dealerships have also stepped up to the plate in providing opportunities for virtual showrooms - something which more technologically savvy companies like Tesla have already been doing for some time.
COVID-19 has forced many businesses to be creative in their sales and service processes, and the results of this can certainly be applied and retained even after the coronavirus’ impact has been steadily mitigated.
New Services
Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has given American businesses the need – and opportunity – to repackage (sometimes literally!) their products and services to reach their target audience.
All types of brick and mortar businesses have put more time and planning into curbside and delivery efforts. Online ordering is a vital service that businesses can offer. During the acute time of statewide social distancing, restaurants have made their takeout and delivery options both efficiently and readily available. While only seemingly a temporary solution, alcohol pickup has provided a way to market to potential new customers. Banks and other financial service providers have streamlined and promoted their online and mobile features to service the customers that they cannot help in person. Similarly, implementing both “contactless” pay options (think Apple Pay, Google Wallet, etc) and transitioning from cash only establishments to taking credit/debit card payments is a way to promote the safety, health and convenience of businesses and employees alike.
Despite the circumstances that might have compelled your business to take some of these measures, the truth is that you are reaching customers and clients that perhaps you never would have before.
Need Help Planning for Post COVID? We’re Here for You!
As we’ve seen, businesses like yours have taken steps to respond to an unprecedented economic and public health scenario. But - hopefully sooner rather than later - these difficult days related to the coronavirus outbreak will be behind us, and all of us will have to pick up the pieces in its wake. COVID-19’s impact has most likely forced radical and even exciting new reliance on technology, creativity, and rethinking on your business, and there’s nothing that says those things have to go away once the virus does.
We want to know:
How will your business be different as we emerge from social distancing and restriction guidelines in the weeks to come? Hit us up. We’d love to hear from you.
Want some guidance along the way?
BizHelm is here for you and can help your business make the transition from the uncertainty of today, to a more stable, creative, and resourceful time in the weeks and months ahead.