We are in this together

No one saw this coming, or if they did they sure forgot to tell the rest of us.

Some of you may not know that like many people impacted by the Coronavirus better known as COVID-19, I am a small business owner that has had to adjust the way we do business. As business owners, we brace for impact on a daily basis, whether it be a shortage of supplies, clients or an act of nature we cannot avoid. However, none of us braced for impact on a global scale, and even when this all started many of us still did not take it seriously.

Reality has since sunk in, as many business owners have had to shut their doors to limit exposure, some quite likely will not recover. In fact, even large companies are ill-prepared for something like this, and they too must either change with the times we currently live in or succumb to the harsh reality that there may not be a tomorrow for their business.

While I know that sounds pretty dire and you quite possibly want to quit reading this as it appears to be all doom and gloom, there is actually light at the end of the tunnel. Let me explain.

It is time as business owners that we think differently. Yes, I know just to be a business owner that is required, but this takes it one step further. What worked for us yesterday, will quite likely not work today or even tomorrow. Our dependence on the "normal' business model no longer exists.

“To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.” —Thomas Watson Sr.

Here are some things you can do today to prepare for tomorrow.

1.) Create a Brand That Lasts - A brand goes beyond a logo or a tagline, a brand represents something, it represents YOU. What separates you from everyone else, how do you do things differently? It is time to develop, create or refine your brand to last.

2.) Get Your Business Online - Sure this sounds like a no brainer, and as the owner of a web design and marketing company, for me it is. For others, though they believe a Facebook page and an Instagram account it enough "online presence." If you do not have a website, a business page on LinkedIn, then you are not really online for success. Time and time again companies lose their online identity overnight at the whim of social media. If you do not own your online identity in the shape of a website, you have no real identity to protect.

3.) Put Processes in Place - Having processes that are replicable will create a model that is sustainable. In the instances of a pandemic or just simple everyday life, sometimes we need a break, get sick or just need help. Having documented processes make it easier to keep business running smoothly with or without you at the helm.

4.) Clarify Your Message - This sounds easy and I am sure your message makes sense to you. If you cannot tell people what you do and why you do it in person, it is even more confusing online. Make sure that your message is clear, to the point and used everywhere. A clear, concise and consistent message will help you stand out against all those clamoring to be heard.

5.) People First, Always - At the end of the day, we are all human. Whether you work with clients face to face, via Zoom, phone or email, they all want the same thing, to know that you care. Caring for others and being compassionate to their circumstances creates not only great clients but many times lifelong friends. Putting them above your personal gains, and showing them you truly that you care will be the loudest message your brand can ever have on or offline.

As someone from Florida, who is used to hunkering down as well as someone that runs the majority of my business online, I can say that we as a human race are resilient. Sure times are tough and scary right now, but we will survive. Be kind to one another, follow the protocols put in place to flatten the curve.

If needed give us a call and we can help you and your business get online. Nothing else you will have a friend and fellow business owner here to support you, we are in this together and together we win.