Small businesses have more to worry about than just the pandemic. When you haven’t got the backing of a massive corporate structure to act as a buffer, the waves can crash down on you pretty hard. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should go curl up in a corner and wait for this crisis to blow over. If you’d like to come out on the other side with your business intact, the following tips will help you overcome everything that’s being thrown at you right now.
Problem 1: Missing Base Of Operations
Unless you’ve got a small team and a massive office, you’ve probably been forced to vacate until such time as it’s safe to go back. This can have you feeling like a boat lost at sea, especially if you’ve had to end your lease and are now trying to run a business with no home base.
Luckily, virtual offices are here to save the day. For just a fraction of the cost of a traditional office, you can claim a premium address, have someone act as your receptionist, and even use the physical area for meetings and collaborative work (as long as you book in advance). For those looking to cut costs or wondering where to have their business mail sent now they’re locked out of their previous premises, virtual offices can be a lifesaver.
Problem 2: Lack Of Exposure
Where previously many small businesses have relied on trade shows and industry events to get their name out there (and stay front of mind) this is no longer an option. And if you don’t have a solid online marketing strategy, you could be feeling a little invisible.
While you won’t be able to gain all of that exposure back without pivoting and establishing your online presence, branded promotional products can be useful for nurturing current relationships and building new ones during these distant times.
Problem 3: Falling Sales
Everyone’s bottom line is a little lower this year, but if you don’t have an online sales funnel, you’re probably feeling the pinch a little more than others. Luckily, establishing a fully operational online store isn’t all that difficult, and there’s software available to suit your business, no matter what niche you’re in.
Work out how you’re going to market your products and fulfill your orders, then get to it. In this instance, you’re going to want to strive for progress, not perfection. Your online store can always be polished later, but you’re going to want to have steady sales coming in as soon as possible.
Problem 4: Disconnection
Teams within small businesses tend to be more connected with their coworkers than their big business counterparts. While this is generally great for morale, creating a positive environment in the office, it also means team members will suffer more when disconnected from each other. This can lead to a drop in collective mood, as well as productivity. To help fight this off, make sure you set aside some time each week to help your team members feel connected. They’ll appreciate it and so will your bottom line.
There’s no denying that times are tough at the moment, and small businesses are feeling the weight more than anyone. By implementing these fixes, you should be able to overcome at least some of the obstacles you’re currently facing and get things back on track. Remember, this too shall pass, so do your best to stay positive.