Coronavirus: How Businesses Are Adapting in the Face of Crisis
It’s an unprecedented time for businesses all over the world. But where some companies have felt the toll of shut doors and at-home work forces, others have found ways to thrive. Today I want to share a little positivity in a really difficult time, and talk about the ways businesses have adapted to the crisis.
Time to reflect
Many of my clients have taken this time to review their business processes and work on tasks they might not have had time for before.
While work is quiet, they’re updating their website, working on marketing, developing new product ideas, and just generally planning for the future.
It can be extremely scary if your sales have dropped off a cliff, but it doesn’t have to spell the end for your business. Because now is the time to…
Find ways to adapt
Thousands of small businesses have been forced to find creative ways to keep trading during lockdown. Bricks and mortar shops have taken their product range online, many restaurants and coffee shops now offer takeaway, while gyms and personal trainers are creating video workouts and online nutrition plans.
Adapting in this way has had a very surprising benefit; an exponential increase in sales. Many business owners have even had to hire new staff to cope with demand! Going online has allowed firms to reach a far larger audience than ever before and many business owners say they will continue to work in this way post-pandemic.
Use all available resources
The government has launched a series of initiatives to help keep businesses and jobs afloat during this crisis.
These initiatives include the furlough scheme, funding grants, business interruption loans, and a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England. There is also a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme which provides grants to sole traders whose work has been affected by Covid-19.
Proactive business owners have taken advantage of these schemes to ensure their business weathers the storm. If you want to do the same, make sure you find out what help you are entitled to.
It’s not just the government helping businesses stay open, but other businesses too. Companies of all shapes and sizes are doing what they can to offer help and support. This includes free resources such as marketing workshops and website advice; small grants; free or discounted software subscriptions… the list goes on. Again, make sure you keep an eye out for these resources, as they may prove very beneficial right now.
I hope you’ve found this blog post both helpful and motivating. If you have any suggestions of your own, feel free to share them over on Facebook! And thank you for reading!