Forget normal. Be different.

?“The new normal.” “The return to normal.” We heard these competing phrases a lot during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But now that businesses are opening back up, which “normal” are we experiencing? Something new? Or something old?

The answer, of course, is some of both.

So going forward, whatever we mean by “normal” won’t be normal at all. It’ll be about your company’s differences – and how you find new ways to identify, create and take advantage of them.

New focus

In an earlier blog, we noted that reopening will require some companies to create a new marketing identity. But for others, a simple refresh will be enough. Either way, you’ll want to focus on your company’s unique strengths.

Take a close look at what you do, how you do it, and what solutions you offer. You’ll likely find new benefits you can emphasize. Your sales team can advise their prospects of better solutions for their needs – and advise your marketing team on how to communicate those solutions.

New messages

We’ve also discussed fine tuning your corporate and product messaging. But while your customers’ needs may have undergone big changes during the pandemic, your marketing strategies may not need big changes.

Re-aligning your messages can be easy to do. Making your marketing materials more relevant often takes only minor tweaking.

New environments

A recent study found that 26% of workers are planning to look for new work after the pandemic. After working from home, many are seeking new work environments. Family and flexibility are more important than ever.

So be sure to let your employees know they are valued and appreciated. Training is important. So are team meetings and better internal communication.?

New interactions

Some business changes started out big, but since we wrote about them, they’ve been evolving. Consider working from home. (There is less of it.). Business travel. (There’s more of it.) And safety precautions. (Some remain, some are relaxing.)

New insights

?Regardless of how you conduct business, insights into your offerings and how they compare with your competitors’ offerings are critical. Make sure you know your competitors’ weaknesses as well as your own strengths. Online reviews are an easy way to find out what your competitors’ customers think, as well as your own customer’s opinions. You can also survey your customers to ask them about their experiences with you.

?New markets

?A business realignment means opportunities may emerge in areas you haven’t approached before. They may appear as sub-categories where you already do business. Or they may appear in changes to the way your customers do business. A 6-month contract, for example, is likely less expensive per hour than multiple single projects because you can scale pricing. This can be a win-win for everyone. ?

?Conclusion

?With everyone re-opening at the same time, it can be hard to get your business noticed. But a little extra attention and perhaps some new strategies can do the trick.

?Let us know how you’re handling post-pandemic business. We’d love to hear your experiences.

?