How local business can survive or thrive during this uncertain time

Take these steps to keep revenue flowing during coronavirus crisis

By RALPH HARDIN

ralphhardin@gmail.com

“What we do in uncertain times shapes the reality we live in moving forward,” says Allie Bloyd of Allie Bloyd Media. “I hate to jump on the bandwagon here, but my clients, students, friends and referral partners are all anxious about what this ‘lock-down’ means for us. The good news is that there are things you can do to continue business growth if you keep calm and play your cards right.

Bloyd offers a series of tips for local businesses to weather the COVID-19 storm and come out on the other side: 1. If your business is a crowded retail location or other space, have reservation or appointment only options. This will help those who are serious buyers still come with confidence.

2. Be willing to do delivery, in-home consults, or virtual consultations. Remind your prospects that it’s crowds and very close personal contact, not human interaction in general, that should be limited.

3. Take any possible product sales online for the time being. If you need help with this, let me know.

4. Nurture your lists and take the time to develop content and engage with your audience as a group or individually.

5. If you’re hosting in-person events, switch to webinars. We’re doing this with clients of mine for the time being.

6. Showcase product options on social media and give people the opportunity to buy through messages.

7. Send out messages or emails confirming the cleanliness precautions your business is taking and letting them know that it is, in fact, safe to shop/consult. It has been repeatedly stated that we do not have to limit human interaction, but only groups of 100 are discouraged, and social distancing in smaller groups should be observed.

8. Create brand awareness by doing community outreach such as donating to food banks for those affected by not being able to work (if you can).

9. Cut out wasted spending. That doesn’t mean sales, marketing, customer service or your people. It means cable in the office, Starbucks, stocked fridge full of snacks, high-end gym membership you never use, etc. Double down on the things to help you gain more clients and increase revenue. 10. Don’t panic. You will survive this. The more we panic, the less we spend. The less we spend, the worse the economy becomes. Don’t contribute to the problem. Stay safe, but support other local business owners who need you as much as you need them. Come together as the entrepreneur community to support each other in a time of uncertainty!

I hope these tips help. Feel free to reach out if you need someone to explain how to take parts of your business online. I’m happy to help. Contact Allie Bloyd via email at alliebloydmedia@gmail.com.

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