Pandemic and Small Businesses

If you own a “non-essential” small business right now, no one needs to tell you that this is a challenging time with this Pandemic looming over our economy.

Companies everywhere have struggled to survive amid a global pandemic that has resulted in businesses closing and people quarantining. However, if you make adjustments in certain areas and commit to growing your business, you can come out on the other need of this pandemic stronger than ever. Here are four ideas from Designworks on how you can make that happen.

Coming Up with New Strategies during a Pandemic

In order to thrive in these strange times, you have to be willing and able to make adjustments.

  • Give your website an upgrade or get started in eCommerce with the assistance of Designworks.
  • Updating your marketing strategy, thinking of new problems you can solve for customers, and taking risks are a few ways you can start preparing for the future.
  • It’s essential to make financial adjustments, such as reworking your budget, monitoring your books extra carefully, and investing in growth opportunities.
  • Be sure to stay up-to-date on current market trends related to your business so that you can respond appropriately and efficiently.

Embracing Remote Work

Remote work has been around for a while, but the pandemic has significantly expanded its reach across a wide variety of industries. With social distancing measures in place, it only makes sense to embrace remote work in any way possible.

  • Saving money, improving employee productivity, and increasing employee retention are a few other reasons to make remote work a part of your operations.
  • Transitioning your staff to remote work will require time and diligent planning.
  • In order to collaborate effectively, your remote team must have the right tools.

Outsourcing Tasks

If there are tasks that are wasting your time or the time of your employees, it’s time to hire those tasks out to professionals who can do them more efficiently.

  • Marketing is key to success, and hiring a freelance social media consultant can do wonders for your marketing efforts.
  • If you need help with mundane tasks that are eating up your time, consider hiring a freelance virtual assistant.
  • Feeling completely stuck? A strategy consultant can provide insights into revamping your direction.

Updating a Brick-and-Mortar Store

Online shopping statistics are steadily rising, and the pandemic lockdown restrictions won’t last forever. If you run a brick-and-mortar store, it’s now more important than ever that you take steps to boost its appeal to customers.

  • Nothing can transform a space quite like painting. Add major appeal to your store and save money by DIY painting the walls, counters, and any other areas that need it.
  • Replacing the carpet in your store is also cost-effective, and it can go a long way in making your store look and feel cleaner and more professional.
  • Local entrepreneurs can also get help implementing or altering their basic business strategies, which may include forming a new business structure altogether. If you do form a new business structure, first consider which option best suits your needs. The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is often the best fit for most small businesses, as it offers more flexibility and protection than other options, such as a Corporation.
  • Last but not least: Revisit your store layout, and update your retail fixtures.

Running a small business is hard on the best days, so know that you’re not alone if you’re afraid and overwhelmed during this pandemic. Be intentional about re-strategizing, transition into remote work for your employees, and look for tasks that you can outsource. Finally, if you own a brick-and-mortar store, look for improvements that you can make to your property.

Turn to Designworks for more information on how your business can be more successful, as well as for high-quality, high-touch web services that you can afford.