Who would have thought we would all at once being experiencing this unprecedented time? Now our day to day way of doing business has changed due to no fault of our own. So what can we do?
Take a moment to breathe if you haven’t.
Try to see this as a learning opportunity.
Seriously reflect on your business and see what changes you can make to come out stronger and more focused.
You don’t have to do this on your own! I’m not and neither should you! I’ve gathered some tips and resources to help you start to adapt and try to survive this!
Communication Communication Communication
Even though we are practicing self distancing and many are in self isolation (thank you for doing so 😍) there’s still an effective way to stay in touch with your clients.
Reach out to them via email, phone call, or video chat, and etc.
Can you answer questions they may have virtually?
Can you waive rescheduling fees?
Find ways to help them feel you still value them during this difficult time.
Do you have a Q&A you can share? If not create one!
Get more active on social media
Check in with your followers (your prospects, clients and friends).
Conduct a Q&A session, maybe do it live.
Take time to see what would they like to see from you when this is over.
Support other small other small businesses by sharing their info and engage with them.
Share your knowledge
Can you share tips from your line of business.
Share learning lessons.
Offer free or discounted consultations calls.
Blog
Help others
By The Way Here are some resources for I like to use for you to check out.
Business & Education
GoDaddy How-To Steps During COVID-19
Learn Business Skills
SkillShare
SBA
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
IRS (COVID-19 Tax Relief)
Coronavirus Response Toolkit
LinkedIn
Breaking Down Your Business
Financial Tools To Combact COVID-19
Marketing & Design
Hubspot’s Website Grader
SocialOomph
Google Keyword Planner
HootSuite
Planoly
Mailchimp
Canva
Creative Market
Adobe Color CC
Top 50 Business Podcasts for 2020
Are there local businesses you can give a shout to
Ask how others are doing and be a good listener
Share links and resources about local programs and aids to help
Protect you and your business
Review your contract structure
Review your financials
Reevaluate subscriptions and tools you may not being using any more. Also, call or email current ones you to see if they have any special or waivers because of COVID-19.
Is there a side hustle you can start virtually
Sign up as an affiliate with your favorite brands that you enjoy and use.
Can you think of new products or services for your business
WORK ON YOUR WEBSITE
Now is the time to review your website and update it. With more time on your hand it would be a good time to see any missing holes or opportunities to improve it!
Do you need to update your portfolio?
Update your website copy and images to match your brand.
Declutter your website of thing that don’t need to be on there.
Improve your SEO
Learn about useful tools you can incorporate into your website. Learn more about your Website Platform you are using. They usually have useful video tutorials to help, click here for Squarespace tutorials.
Review your website performance, check which pages work better, which have a higher bounce rate, which ones need to be improved and pushed further. Google Analytics can give you some great insights on that – if you don’t have it installed, we highly recommend you to do so.
Check on your email list. Think of ways you can serve and offer value to your subscribers. If you don’t have a mailing list now would be a good time to work on starting one. Mailchimp and others have free options to start with.
Make your day brighter
Distractions are everywhere on the news, social media, friends with conspiracy theories, and if you have children at home….woah distraction overload! I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. However, doing things to help you have less stress is good for your overall health. Your sanity needs it and it can help you deal with your business with more clarity.
Many fitness and mental health apps are offering free premium features. Like the Nike Training Club app I have. Trying to stay fit a home is a struggle but these apps and other free plans or suggestions we can find online can help us keep moving at home.
Can you find time to declutter? I know I work better in a clean and less distracting space. This also be a good time to set aside items you don’t need anymore like clothes, books, and etc that you can sell or give those in need.
Also, my favorite thing to do is listen to aspiring podcasts. I like to listen to ones that can help me step my game up or give insight I need for what I love to do. And they are free! Check out this cool list of Top 50 Business Podcasts for 2020.
Get to know yourself and those in your home on a deeper level. FaceTime or call family and friends to check in on them. Make plans for the future with them.
Create personal goals. You can think about how you are going to get to a better you right from the comfort of your couch! Plan out how you are going to work toward your goals and you can start now and continue when things get back to normal.
Never Stop Learning!
There are many free and reduced learning courses being made available right now. Take advantage of this make you a better, smarter and more valuable business owner. Get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium Courses! Here you can learn about anything from selling product and services online, podcasting, emailing, to business planning. And lastly, Youtube has a lot of tutorials.
Work on personal projects, experiment with your craft or editing, join a Facebook group of likeminded industry professionals or common interests.
“Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.”
I know this is a lot. More than ever right now your health, your family’s safety, and your sanity is imperative. Today it’s a scary situation for many of us, including me, but this too shall pass. You are not alone in this and I want to have your back offer what I can to help. Stay safe, healthy and inspired.
-BT
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