Admittedly, all small business owners are still attempting to figure out where we all fit and what services and/or products translate to our audience amid a pandemic. It's a lot to think about. There are so many moving variables that it is sometimes difficult to hone in on exactly what you can do to see immediate relief or, even growth!
Here are three simple and cost effective things that you can do today (seriously, right now if you want) to get your business on track and present online.
Narrow Services and Products Offered: If you've ordered take-out or visited a restaurant recently, you've noticed some big changes. Socially distanced pick-up areas, empty bars and booths, and most noticeably bit smaller menu. There have been several issues in terms of demand of certain food items. Restaurants have responded by offering a truncated menu. Businesses in general can follow their lead, however.
Is there a product or service you are offering that just isn't conducive to our current situation? Perhaps you could reduce inventory and/or focus efforts on marketing services that your customers want. Why not create a poll in Facebook and ask your customer directly if there are any products or services they just really don't have an interest in? This accomplishes a few things - you've engaged with your core audience, you've showed that you value their feedback, you're getting free market research, and you're reminding your client base that you're still around.
Automation: If there ever was a time to do this, it's now! There are customer relationship management tools out there that can automate all of the repetitive emails, payment reminders, etc. that you send out all the time. Imagine if you just set it up and the software does the rest. It's a beautiful thing. Personally, I love Dubsado. It's newer than some of the others out there but it's comprehensive and I really like the features they offer. Plus you can trial it for free with a few of your customers to see if you like it before you commit.
Ask for Help: All business owners have the thinking that they have to do everything in order to be successful, myself included. Why? For me it's not wanting to put anyone out. I hate asking for help when I can't compensate someone what I know they're worth. Or if I ask someone to help with something that is outside of the scope of their job description. Right now, people are more willing than ever to help you out. Use free resources online like Facebook groups or communities that have members that are happy to help others. Do you have a family member that can help? If you ask, they may even do it for free. (Note: If you owe this family member money and/or haven't spoken to them since the Clinton administration, don't expect free labor.)
We are always looking for ways to cut costs and become more efficient. It's important to take a good look at your business and honestly see where you may be pouring money that isn't giving you enough of a return. Of course, there is always the option to outsource some work to offset some of those expenses as well. This is something to consider as you may be getting busier as we open up, but aren't necessarily ready to start hiring an employee.
No matter what, continue to get creative and look for opportunities to keep your business in front of your client base! For more help with assessing the efficiency of your business, visit our website: www.my9to5office.com. We are offering a free 30-minute consult to discuss the current systems you have in place and offer some advice on how to improve.
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