small business marketing

How Can My Business Survive The Coronavirus?

CORONA VIRUS

Advice for Small Businesses In The Wake of The Coronavirus Quarantine

For years the WHO (World Health Organization), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and many world leaders have been warning us that a pandemic was imminent. With the Coronavirus at our doorstep, we face a rapid shift in our way of living. For businesses, especially small business, survival concerns arise amid health and financial challenges. The Mauldin Group offers tips to help navigate the Coronavirus storm.”

Tips For Your Small Business In Handling The Coronavirus

Communication. We cannot say this enough, Crisis Communication is vital during this time. Communication to both your team members and customers is going to be a crucial part of making it through the quarantine whether your business is open or closed. Now is the time to use every communication tool in your marketing toolbox.

Social Media is the best way to get your message out in a timely manner. Twitter and Facebook are the leaders and will help you communicate your message about business hours, services, and general updates. For companies in the B2B environment, you will want to make sure you include LinkedIn.

Don’t stop with social media, this is one of those times that every communication tool used is the better. Exercise caution to avoid excessive messaging via email or social media. Local businesses with foot traffic can use fliers for updates like new hours or closures.

coronavirus-telecommuting Flexibility. Now is the time to be flexible. When possible allow employees to work from home. You may also wish to consider taking another look at your leave policy especially for working parents who now have children at home from school. Encourage sick employees to stay home by loosening the absentee policies.

For companies that have both U.S. and international clients, consider video conferencing for necessary meetings. You may also want to limit travel for your team members temporarily, most companies will understand in lieu of the current crisis.

Work with your technology team to assure team members have access to the software and servers they need to work remotely. If a team member lacks the necessary hardware for remote work, consider letting them borrow company equipment. Ensure a signed liability contract covers any accidents for insurance purposes.

Consider Online Sales. For retail businesses this may be the time to experiment with online sales. While yes it does take time to set up a “full online store”, you can offer one or two of your most popular products online with the help of your web design team. Keep in mind that you do not need to create a masterpiece webpage for this, for right now simple is the best way to go…it’s all about business survival.

Along with online or even phone ordering, comes shipping. USPS offers free shipping supplies for use with their service. If selling larger products such as furniture, appliance and large quantity boxed items, you may consider renting a box truck for a few weeks. The key here is making sure you have a team that is capable of delivery and making sure your policies for delivery are firmly communicated. Also remember, many businesses will be thinking of “out of the box” solutions as well, so packing supplies, trucks and even temporary staffing may be limited.

coronavirus-restaurant

Be Prepared. For restaurant owners, now is the time to make sure your stock levels are adequate, perhaps even a bit over the normal level, especially if you provide food delivery. Grocery stores are seeing shelves emptied quick. This also means that distributors may struggle as well to keep up with the demand.

Another side to the coin, however, is as consumers start to self-quarantine, eating more meals at home, you may see a decline in customers. This is the time to consider options such as limiting your business hours and menu options.  You may also think about offering options like online ordering with curbside pickup or porch deliveries. 

Protect Your Team Members. Make sure if your staff comes in contact with the public that they are protected. This includes making sure that everyone washes their hand frequently, following CDC guidelines, and offering hand sanitizer if they will be out and away from restrooms such as making deliveries. If yours is an office offering medical services, be sure that your team takes protective precautions. The CDC has practical information available on their website for limiting your staff’s exposure to the Coronavirus.

Order lunch in! You will want to limit the exposure of your team members to possible outside virus sources, so this is the time to splurge and order meals in. This will also show your staff that you appreciate their dedication to being on the job in this time of confusion.

We’re All In This Together!

Your Business Can Survive. Okay, so you do all of this and still find that you need to close up shop for a limited time. Don’t panic! Thanks to the swift action of the Federal Government, there are some new provisions in place to help both small businesses and employees that are out of work due to the coronavirus.

For Employees

For employees, states have been given new flexibilities for Unemployment Insurance from the U.S. Department of Labor in light of Covid-19. These “flexibilities” make it easier for employees to care for themselves and their families during the crisis.

coronavirus-unemployedThis includes employees that are out of work due to:

        • A temporary company closing due to the coronavirus.
        • An employee who is quarantined due to Covid-19. 
        • An employee who leaves a job due coronavirus exposure risk.
        • An employee who leaves a job to care for a family member.

“In addition, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.”  The U.S. Department of Labor

coronavirus-sba For Small Business Owners

The Federal Government is working hard to protect small businesses affected by Covid-19. The Small Business Administration (SBA) now offers loans up to $2 million for small businesses with no available credit.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also has a toolkit it is offering to businesses and employees to help in addressing the coronavirus. Additionally, major banks and credit card companies announced they’ll work with customers affected by this crisis.

coronavirsu-USChamberOfCommerce

The Mauldin Group Is Here For You During The Coronavirus

Like many companies The Mauldin Group puts the health and safety of our customers and staff first. In March, The Mauldin Group team is working remotely from home offices but rest assured, we’re here for present and new clients.

If your business requires ‘Out of The Box’ solutions for operations or communications, we offer a digital marketing solution. Whether you need a website for online services or innovative client communication, our creative team offers customized solutions for your unique needs. We are offering video conferencing and conference call meetings during the Covid-19 quarantine. Contact Us Now or Call (678) 846-2306.