Running a successful business is challenging enough when everything is “normalâ€. Business owners like yourself are likely finding the current health and economic climate especially difficult. We understand the burden this point in time is placing on all of us—from first-hand experience as a business and from what our business customers share with us. Therefore, we understand the significance of sharing tips and information to keep your business afloat.
Tips
Customer Communication
Communicating with customers is more important than ever. However, make sure your touchpoints with customers are not only relevant but useful. If you’ve adjusted your service (product, pricing, fulfillment, timing, etc.), share that with your customers. If you share a message surrounding other matters relevant to your business, make your points are clearly understood and genuine.
Flexibility
Flexibility has always been an advantage of long-standing businesses. In these times, this quality is of high importance. Consider that flexibility with customers and your employees may be the very thing that sustains and even helps grow your business during challenging times.
Research
In the age of information, research can be daunting. There is tons of information available and navigating through it all to find something valuable can be challenging. Nevertheless, you need to do it. Focus on reputable sources, like the ones we share below. We’ve contributed to our business community with articles like Tips and Resources for Small Businesses: COVID-19.
Involvement and Connectivity
Business Owners are finding so much value in participating in networks of entrepreneurs and business owners. Explore your local chamber of commerce for resources and support. You may also be interested in the US Chamber of Commerce.
Social Media is another resource that you can leverage. When executed correctly, it can be a useful avenue to communicate with customers and colleagues and receive support. LinkedIn is a great option for a more professional-minded network. Search and join groups on LinkedIn that align with your business. You can also follow accounts like AIS Insurance and the U.S Small Business Administration. Take advantage of their business-related information and engage with others.
Information
The SBA and the CARES Act Program
CARES Act Program contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. If your business needs economic assistance, this is a resource you should look into. The SBA is administering this program (in addition to other services) and you can find the information on their site.
Inc.
Inc. has published its Essential Business Survival Guide for the Covid-19 Crisis. It a resource they continuously update, offering “expert advice on handling panicked customers, interrupted supply chains, webinars, Zoom meetings, hyper kids, and a work environment that changes by the hour.†It is easy to navigate, and you can find advice on topics ranging from cash flow and technology to customer relations and motivation.
USA.gov
This multilingual government site has tons of resources on financial assistance, business regulations, health and more. Explore this resource at U.S. Government Services and Information.
U.S. Chamber – COVID Small Business Guide
There is a wide range of resources offered here, many of which come in video format for your convenience. You will find strategies on reopening businesses, taxes on loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), connections with your local chamber, customer service advice, and more. View their guide here.
SCORE
SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It offers useful online resources for small businesses, but it is also known for its free mentoring programs. Mentorship programs are provided in-person through more than 250 local chapters and remotely, which is especially convenient at the moment. SCORE’s Small Business Resilience Hub is a great place to start.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only. It should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
