Control what you can control during a pandemic.

#RamblingsofanEntrepreneur

In my previous blog entry, I mentioned how small business owners need to focus on using their products and services to help those most affected by the pandemic versus hitting hard with sales pitches. 

During a coaching session, I reminded a small business owner of this concept, because he was stressed over the lack of sales and how his social media advertisements were getting little response. I suggested he redirect his focus to help others. So he created "Thank You" gifts for 1st responders, which was his product packed with goodies. Then he encouraged the community to SPONSOR a 1st responder. The 1st responder would receive a "Thank You" gift from the sponsor. 

This concept engaged the community, allowed them to give thanks to others working endlessly during the pandemic, it introduced his company to new customers, put his product in the hands of potential new customers, and helped him to reach his sales goals for the week within 24 hrs. His customers and potential new customers appreciated his time and the convenience he provided to help others. 

This is a time of crisis. Shopping is a luxury that many people may limit themselves during a pandemic. But they will invest in helping others. If you are unable to provide products or services to help those during a crisis, then use your new-found time to strengthen your business so you are ready for the increased flux of business when all of this is done.

This is the time to experiment with new business concepts.

This pandemic has created a new demand for several businesses.  Are you fulfilling the new demand? What does your audience currently need during a crisis? If you are not fulfilling the current demand, then think about developing new products and services for people in crisis. Doing this may carry you long enough until you receive the influx of business. If you are unable to cater to the new demand, then use the time to develop new products and services you never had time to develop. These new updates will be well received by your loyal and potential new customers, through your social media communications. Your competitors are in the same boat as you! You can strengthen your industry by connecting with your competitors and collaborating for the purpose to develop new products and services that will reignite the industry.

This is the time to clean up your dirty little messes in your business. Every business has them! Those weak areas that have low performance. This is the time to evaluate, change, or improve those weak areas. Treat your business as your house. Many of us are getting our homes organized and cleaned during the extra time we have on our hands. We are also getting rid of the clutter. This same mindset should also transfer to your business. Get organized, clean up the mess, and get rid of the things you don't need or that are not working.

This pandemic will come to an end. So during this moment of business pause, prime your business so you're ready for the business above the usual. 

#TheSerialEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessMatters

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