As the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic evolves, many business owners are unsure of what steps to take to mitigate risk, protect staff, and support customers. We know businesses like yours across the country are experiencing unexpected challenges in the wake of this unprecedented health crisis.
As states across the nation are implementing strict policies to slow the spread of the disease, there are endless questions about how to keep our country’s businesses afloat in this time of uncertainty. As a small business ourselves, we certainly understand how this pandemic can impact your business and threaten your livelihood.
Our focus has always been supporting small businesses and this is no exception. That’s why we’ve put together a list of a few steps to take to keep your business running smoothly in the days and weeks to come:
1. Stay Informed
Stay up to date by following credible sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO) so you can respond quickly to changes that could affect you and your customers.
Keep your staff informed of the latest news, developments, and health regulations. Be aware and on the lookout for common symptoms like a dry cough, shortness of breath and/or fever. If available, allow staff to work from home if they’re not feeling well or if they traveled recently.
2. Keep Communication Open
We’re all facing this crisis together, so be transparent about what your business and staff are going through. Share information with your customers using email, Facebook, Instagram, or however you typically connect. Let them know the measures you’re taking to make your premises safe. Proactively tell them of changes in hours, shipping delays, and what they can expect.
If you do not regularly communicate with your customers via social media or email, there is no better time than the present. Moving Targets can help you get your message out to all of your customers while you focus on running your business.
3. Postpone Events, Services or Appointments
Keep events information up to date and current but don’t be afraid to change the date to TBD if necessary. Unfortunately, postponing events may be the best way to ensure everyone stays healthy. If you do plan to proceed with planned events or appointments, make sure that guests understand the measures you are taking to protect their health.
4. Be Proactive About Sanitation
Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Encourage guests to wash their hands. Keep hand sanitizer, soap and tissues in common areas.
5. Keep Calm and Carry-out (Restaurants)
All restaurants should offer takeout or delivery if it’s a viable option. Offer pick-up areas where customers can dash in, get their food and leave. Use special offers to make this option appealing and keep sales coming in. Delivery apps like Instacart and Postmates, have introduced no-contact delivery, which involves dropping off food at a specified location, or leaving the meal outside the customer’s door, which reduces the risk of person-to-person transmission even further.
6. Get Creative
There is no one-size-fits-all plan, especially since this situation is rapidly changing. Be prepared to think on your feet to find solutions that are right for your business based on the information that is currently available to you.
Communication is key in times of crisis.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Moving Targets will be waiving setup fees for new customers on any program through March 31, 2020 (Up to a $597 value). We’re here to help your business through this stressful time.
