Most of our clients are small business owners, sole proprietors and entrepreneurs. With many storefronts closing, trade shows and events canceling, distribution channels slowing or shut down, and overall workplace disruption, there has been tremendous anxiety and uncertainty. Nobody knows the answer to the big question of when the economy will improve or if things will ever go back to “normal” again.
As a marketing agency, we had a pretty busy week changing up social media content calendars to more timely and relevant material, adjusting website messaging, and sending out newsletters to keep customers informed. I’ve been on the phone asking clients how they plan to deal with the changing business environment, and what we can do to help. The answers have varied from cutting back on all marketing in order to conserve any money for future expenses to launching brand new products. Some clients have asked if we can train them on how to do more with their social media marketing and website updates on their own, and the answer to that is, “Yes”. I’m happy to do whatever I can to help my clients keep their business afloat during adversity. We are all in this together.
It’s always interesting to me how different people deal with similar conflicts and challenges. Some are depressed and lost in despair while others are sincerely excited to do something different. I’m the type of the person who has to keep busy because I’m used to a lot of multitasking in my day. On a personal note, I’ve been working on a couple big landscaping projects in my backyard while brainstorming ideas for my clients. I’ve also planted dozens of extra vegetables that I’m donating to a community garden for furloughed and unemployed neighbors. Doing something positive for others helps keep my mind positive and open for creativity. My best ideas come when I’m not sitting in front of a computer monitor.
Here is some advice that I have for the small business owners out there that are struggling emotionally and financially to cope with COVID-19:
1. Stay busy – Whether you are actively making improvements to your business or even projects in your home, if you stay productive, your brain will naturally process and come up with solutions.
2. Stay in front of your customers – If you shut down your marketing and stop communicating with your customers, your chances of rebooting when the economy turns around are much lower than your competitors who are marketing during this time.
3. Provide solutions for your customers – There are many needs that need to be fulfilled so be part of the solution and sell something that helps improve those problem areas.
4. Be open to new ideas – Your business may need to deviate from the original business plan, but that is ok. This is a new frontier for all of us so be open to adapting to change.
Stay Healthy. Stay Positive.
Angela Miles / Creative Director
Branding Creatively
