Recession + COVID-19…whoa.
COVID-19 has taken us by storm and if you’re like me – you did NOT expect it to get this bad. The virus has taken out many jobs that were once prominent. Many consumer-facing businesses like major-chain hotels, airlines, and entertainment arenas have announced layoffs. It’s getting real. More real than I think we all anticipated…even the political higher-ups (IMO). The doors of businesses are closing with no definite answer on when they’ll open back.
This has caused a huge shift in how businesses operate. Everything is going DIGITAL. Companies are sending employees to work from home indefinitely and the numbers of social media live sessions have skyrocketed.
We’re ALL at home and the internet is keeping us connected. Literally. YIPPIE!
For me, this time hasn’t been as rough. It’s been the opposite. BUSY 🔥. Why? TECHNOLOGY. My career as a web designer is in the highest demand that I think I’ve ever seen in my lifetime.
What a time to be alive.
During this time – I’ve vowed to be even more present online than ever and I encourage you to do the same. Not only that, I’ve put together a few Ways to Keep Your Business Alive in Tough Economic Times that I am also following myself.
“You need to git up, git out and git something. Don’t let the days of your life pass by”
– OutKast
THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX AND ONTO THE INTERNET
I understand that this is tricky for businesses that thrive by in-person interaction. As a waitress – you’re put on ice. The tips that I have driven more towards service-based businesses who are also on ice, like photographers, but can use the internet to STILL sell online.
Thinking outside of the box and onto the internet simply means utilize the internet now more than you have before. Try this:
- 🔥 Photographers: Post previous things from your portfolio. Offer virtual shoots via Facetime. This is fascinating! @Photosbyreem KILLED THIS!!!
- 🔥 Event Planners: First, keep in touch with current clients who are already on your books and be super proactive with rescheduling. Next, promote your services and share events that you’ve perfected over the years. Then, find ways to reschedule events to happen virtually. I’ve been to TWO Zoom parties so far 🤷🏾♀️ and they were actually fun.
- 🔥 Creatives: Be available! You are so resourceful at this time. If you’re a blogger – help us learn how to increase productivity while working at home. Or entertain us; we need it.
- 🔥 Realtors: First, keep networking – just virtually. Next, take advantage of the VARIOUS ways to treat clients through video. Facetime your walkthroughs and/or provide showings from a Zoom video that you recorded while you were there (alone).
- 🔥 Product-Based Businesses: First, get online if you aren’t already. Seriously. Then, highlight or create a product that could be helpful to someone at this time.
- 🔥 Restaurants: First, offer takeout and delivery options!!! Get on UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub, WHATEVER! Next, put your specials on social media. Then, create ads targetted within 5 – 10 radius of your location.
ADVICE FOR ALL INDUSTRIES
These tips can apply to almost anybody.
Use live stream on Instagram/Facebook to offer some of your expertise. Whatever you’re an expert at – entertain the next person who might need your services once this is over with. This is the practice of nurturing leads while you can’t physically get to them.
As much as you might not think – people have needs to be met even inside of a recession. Stay present and be a resource. One way or another!
I hope these help you keep your business ALIVE AND THRIVING during slow economic times. Together, we will get through this all.
Stay home and healthy.
xo,
Olivia
