While everyone is glued to their smartphones, or flipping between news apps and clickbait articles, small business owners know that now isn’t the time to party - but it’s not the time to panic, either.
What small businesses do during this time of economic and lifestyle upheaval is largely going to determine their future. Small, local business survival is essential to our communities and the growth of our cities. In this strange time a lot of us are in survival mode.
But remember, we will survive. We will find a way through this, together.
Our friend and fellow entrepreneur, Mark Coudray, inspired us with his COVID-19 Small Businesses webinar and we wanted to bring our similar thoughts to you in a way that’s easy to digest. Many of the below suggestions came from his brilliant mind and have been adapted for any type of business.
Make The Tough Decisions Early
Don’t wait for a state mandate if you think switching to remote work and focusing on your online store will be safer and more profitable. Reassure your customers that their orders will still be sent out in a timely manner. Assign your small business staff to online duties – have them help reorganize the online store or set one up if you don’t have one yet. Send the message that you’re #1 goal is staff and customer safety.
Work Remotely As Much As You Can
Going remote is a small business solution that we have the privilege to take advantage of this day in age. Use this time wisely to check off things that have been on your “to-do” list for too long! Be sure to read our other blog post with six more tips for building your business from home.
ARE YOU AN OHIO BUSINESS OWNER?
Signup for our fundraising campaign & raise extra money for your business. (Totally free to participate)
So far, we've donated $5,380directly back to 44 local business owners in Ashland, Mansfield & Wooster Ohio.
Of course we would love to make you some custom printed face masks, but for now, stop unnecessary spending and collect any outstanding accounts receivables. While we know that you need to spend money to make money, but until the Coronapocolypse is over preserving as much cash is a top small business solution at this point in time.
Focus On Your Community
Traditional selling just isn’t cutting it right now. While the Battle of ‘Rona wages on, your small business should be focused on what kind of aid you can offer your customers and community. When the war is won, your business will be remembered as a pillar through good times and bad.
Simplify Your Product Selection
Even though people might have more time on their hands, they’ve got too much to worry about (and so do you). Whittle down your SKUs for now and tell buyers what they need and why they need it. Limit your shop to items that are quick and easy to produce and keep that sales ball rolling.
Get Creative & Try New Things
In spite of everything, this is a really interesting time to be a small business owner! No, we aren’t naive, we’re hopeful. This is a great opportunity to get creative with your small business solutions and try out some new methods of running your business. Who knows, you might find something that sticks or be the next big online retailer in town!
And as always, stay positive and remember that this is just an event. A bump in the road of life. Use your resources provided by your government, community, friends and family. Just because you have to stay 6-feet apart or have dinner and drinks via FaceTime, doesn't mean you can't still lean on each other for support.
BIG NEWS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS:
Here at Superior Merch, we are showing our love for our community by creating our Here For Good Ohio campaign.
If you’re a business owner in Ohio (That means Ashland, Mansfield, Wooster & beyond) sign up over on: https://SprMerch.com/covid-19-fundraiser - It's completely free to participate. What do you have to lose?
