Where we are
We are all going through a stark readjustment to our lives. Many businesses are closed or are limping along, it’s hard to be positive. We need to take some time, to take stock and focus on our health and our families, yes, but we also need to move on from that phase.
Where we are going
Once we find some inner peace we will need to fill the time we have on our hands and find some positivity.
This will end - not in months, but in weeks - if we look at those countries that were struck down before us and where they are now at the beginning of recovery - we can see the light.
When it ends, and it will, and we get back to work there will be a surge of pent up demand - and we need to be ready for it. We need to come out of the blocks fast, prepared and able to capitalise on the rush of business, by having ourselves and our staff primed, energised and ready to get back to work.
The three things you need to consider
With this in mind, we need to put things in place, NOW, that we will need to hit the ground running. We need to reassure our key staff that their future is with you - this is a wobble and with their help, we can come out of this stronger, leaner and meaner.
Staff - they need to be reassured that there is a future beyond the gloom, they need to be supported during the downtime and they need to be challenged to come back to work motivated, up-skilled and ready to go.
Suppliers - We need to tee up our suppliers so we have stock when we reopen and not wait until the back to work day arrives - this also sends a positive message to suppliers who are also worried about the health of their customers and in-turn their business.
Attitude - When the end of the tunnel is reached we will be faced with one of the biggest business opportunities of our lives - and we need to prepare - we need to be ready to capitalise on it. We need to be positive - excited - chomping at the bit.
Provide support and learning now.
We need to help staff that can and are working remotely - with good habits and advise on mental health - we ensure they have the tools and support they need - we can help them use this time to educate and upskill themselves and ourselves - to brush up on our knowledge of the software we use each day, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, GSuite, CRM, Business Managment, Cyber Security, GDPR. Whatever tools you use in your day to day business. Help them with Customer Service best practice, Sales techniques, Leadership - etc.
Make the decisions - NOW
There were probably a dozen things you were considering before this hit - suppliers, software, security, training, development, product range, website, social media, staff etc. Now is the perfect opportunity to make those decisions - have those meetings with your suppliers (existing and prospective) over Zoom or Hangouts or Teams. Ask for quotes, plan your social media, get cracking on the text for that new website you keep putting off - engage the providers that you need to make these things happen - get off your arse, shake off that fear and put your business face back on - now is the time to plan, to learn, to develop, to grow.
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