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The COVID-19 pandemic punched the world in the gut, putting much of the population in the unfamiliar position of dealing with particularly unprecedented challenges. The "new normal" we face will include a drastically transformed business landscape.
Covid spared no business or economic sector, so many organizations are focusing on pressing issues like how to keep operating without laying off employees. Despite the challenges currently on your plate, you also need to take steps to ensure that your business is ready to operate in a post-pandemic environment. Here are some tips to get started:
Focus on building future lead streams.
Most businesses are currently in survival mode. However, if you are able, you can still prospect for new clients and leads. This will help you build a newer, more refined leads list that you can start targeting once things have settled down.
Ensure that your business and delivery cycles are evolving to meet current needs.
Face-to-face meetings with prospects and clients in order to pitch a product may not be possible yet. If that’s the strategy you’ve been relying on, converting leads may be a struggle.
Instead, prioritize new strategies to meet with customers. Many businesses have already shifted to using online communication platforms like Zoom. You can continue to push out your products by using methods like contactless delivery. Don't expect things to go back to the way they were just yet; rather, adapt yourself to how things are now.
Repurpose your business model to suit current needs.
Many businesses are repurposing their business models to adapt to the current situation in a way that helps both their communities and their bottom lines. For example, distilleries and breweries are manufacturing hand sanitizer thanks to their alcohol expertise.
Extending an organization's consulting and analysis services at no charge to businesses that might be facing financial problems is another strategy. Despite being a free offering, these kinds of programs can provide a new steady stream of leads.
You can’t predict, but you can prepare.
We can't predict the future but we can prepare for the challenges this pandemic is producing. Having a basic action plan ready will give you an idea of what to do with multiple contingencies. Brainstorm now, rather than taking a reactive approach later.
Be as reassuring about changes as possible.
Your employees are already uncertain about the way things are progressing, so don’t give them more to worry about unnecessarily. If you still have the resources for your team to operate, ask them to take the initiative on projects to support your adapted business model.
Implement tools for efficiency.
Like many other businesses, we initiated a work-from-home policy to safeguard the health of our employees. Our transition was smooth, and apart from a few hiccups here and there, we successfully shifted from the office to a home environment.
Many businesses don’t have solid processes or technology in place to handle this drastic change and organize their teams in a WFH environment. Working from home can be daunting because there are a lot of distractions, so having processes in place and using time management and communication tools will help your employees with much-needed productivity.