How to Be a Successful Business Owner in Times of Coronavirus Pandemic
Did you know that over 30.2 million small businesses operate in the United States? That’s a tight competition!
It’s even tougher now due to the current coronavirus pandemic. The low customer traffic can take a lot out of your marketing efforts. You might find that being a businessman is stressful in these trying times.
Don’t give up just yet.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to be a successful business owner regardless of the situation. Read on and learn some valuable tips to help you survive and thrive throughout this crisis.
1. Make a Solid Plan
As the pandemic worsens, you need to start placing safeguards to protect your business and employees. The most important precaution is to make an emergency preparedness plan. If you already did, consider revamping it to suit the current situation.
The emergency plan shouldn’t only outline your company’s moves when outbreaks impact your business. Also include the precautionary measures for protecting your assets and employees before a disaster happens. That way, you won’t lose your mind when something does happen again in the future.
When making your plan, always include your methods for protecting your employees. Think about how your employees can reach you during emergencies. Also, plan your response when your business operations get affected by the infections.
2. Implement a Work from Home Policy
Now is the right time to add a policy or plan for working from home. With the pandemic already spreading to every state, find ways to arrange alternative work. It’s to ensure that employees won’t need to come into the office and risk unnecessary contact.
It doesn’t matter whether you tested this method before. Its effectiveness will depend on the industry and business you’re in. Some niches might not grant employees the luxury of staying at home while doing their tasks.
Even if your industry allows it, you might not have the equipment necessary. Some industries also require employees to interact with customers directly, face-to-face. If you’re in these situations, try to reach a compromise in other areas.
If possible, consider letting employees work from home. Think about the eligibility of each employee, remote procedures, and other related guidelines. That way, your company doesn’t lose productivity both in present and future emergencies.
3. Inform Your Managers About the Updates
No one likes getting left in the dark. This is especially true now that the pandemic threatens everyone’s safety and health. Successful entrepreneurs will always talk to their managers and keep them updated on any situation that can affect the business.
Keeping your business safe during the outbreak means doing your homework. Check out various websites like CDC to find more information. This includes both state and local news outlets since they will have information about the outbreak spread and related regulations.
Also, discuss with your managers whether it’s okay to market your business at the moment. If you’re not sure, read more now and learn everything you can so that you make the best possible decision.
After doing your research, pass the information to your managers and supervisors. Do this as soon as you can since timing is critical. This ensures they’re all updated with the situation while knowing your current business standing.
4. Keep Employees Updated
While managers and supervisors get priority, your employees should also get updates from you. The best way to relay pandemic-related news is to send out memos or emails. You can also schedule a mandatory meeting using video chat.
Are you unsure how often you should update your employees? If so, consider doing it at least once a day. Update them about the pandemic developments and the precautions your business is making to maintain their safety.
This helps them stay up-to-date with your company policies and adds the benefit of reducing possible panic in the workplace. The more your employees know, the more focused they can be.
5. Consider Revamping Your Cleaning Procedures
This tip might be secondary to your operations, but it’s worth mentioning. Your business needs a thorough cleaning! In light of the current pandemic, the level of cleaning must be far more intense than what you usually do.
First, think about the frequency of your business cleaning routine. Is it twice a week or every day? Regardless of your answer, now is the best time to crank it up.
Try discovering new ways of improving your cleaning procedures to protect your business premises. Intensify your cleaning frequency while stocking up your workplace with microbe-fighting disinfectants like soaps and hand sanitizers. If your employees still come to your office, ask them to disinfect their desks every day before they leave.
If your employees get sick with anything, ask them to stay at home. For healthier workers, encourage them to wash their hands more frequently. This will maintain their peace of mind, which will make them appreciate your extra efforts.
6. Take Advantage of Federal Relief
The COVID-19 pandemic is putting a lot of strain on businesses and the economy. But, you shouldn’t panic since there’s small business relief coming your way. The government has passed legislation that will aid small businesses affected by this outbreak.
This will allow you to take advantage of low-interest federal disaster loans, employer tax credits, and Federal income tax deferment. Your luck didn’t run out if you’re at a struggle to gather money to cover business expenses. With the backing of the Small Business Administration, the government will give millions of dollars in loans to small businesses.
Learn How to be a Successful Business Owner Today
These are some of our best tips on how to be a successful business owner, despite the COVID-19 outbreak. Follow them and you’ll find your business emerging much stronger after it passes. Explore more tips if you need to prepare for future emergencies.
Did you find this guide informative? If so, we encourage you to read more of our posts and learn more useful tips and tricks to improve your business.
