Managing Your Biz During Social Distancing
As we’re all practicing social distancing and staying home as much as possible, our team decided to start hosting Virtual Happy Hours. Simply stated: a way to get our Members together while not being able to actually, you know, get together. We decided to kick off this series with a conversation between business owners and managers to see where everyone’s head is during this uncertain time.
Below are the notes from our hour long discussion. We could have talked for hours, which is why we’ll keep this up! Sign up for our next Happy Hour now.
How to Pivot Your Business Strategies
This is the major question - and it all depends on your business and your industry. However, one thing is for sure, you need to take things virtual as much as possible right now. Brainstorm ways to take your business online - whether that’s adding extra newsletters, virtual services, changing your social media messaging, free shipping, online consulting and so on.
Our group all agreed that the way we’re staying sane is by getting creative and brainstorming new avenues of business. Join one of our Virtual Happy Hours or Facetime with some friends to bounce ideas around for how to go virtual. You’ll be amazed at what a few “new minds” can do for business strategizing.
What To Post On Social
Keep things positive! But acknowledge the situation. Our group made it clear that they don’t want to see you bragging about life right now, just as no one wants to see you crying day in and day out. Keep a healthy balance. People want to see real, but they also want to see hope, positivity and, overall, a bit of normalcy!
Add value to your followers during this time, in a way that’s not just about you or your product. Give recommendations and educate: favorite online workouts, easy recipes with items already in your pantry, that podcast you can’t live without, how to trim flowers, start a book club within your following, how to work that camera they never took classes on, etc.
Make sure everyone knows they are not alone. Acknowledge that it is a stressful time and we’re all feeling that. Understand people really want to see compassion and humanity right now. Support each other. We are going through this together after all! A little bright side is that we all agreed there is an opportunity to build some serious brand loyalty by understanding what your customer want to see and running with it.
*We’ll bring you a blog post specifically on what content to share soon!
How to Help Other Small Businesses Right Now
Make it a goal to buy from a new small business each month
Offer consultations to other small business owners
Leave a Google Review for their business
Follow them on Instagram
Share their information with friends
Facilitate connections within small businesses between people who don’t know each other
Think of ways to collaborate with people
Buy gift cards!
So How Can I Handle The Inevitable Stress?
Naturally, your first inclination is to exercise (at home!), walk around the block, sip some wine, online shop or Facetime with some friends and family. That’s all great and we’ll continue to share our favorite podcasts, online workouts, etc. don’t worry! We’ve also seen a ton of best practices to alleviate stress during work from home, but our favorite is to block out your day. When your “day” is done, find a way to mentally shut off and get lost in a book, movie or conversation. This gives you a sense of accomplishment and avoids burnout.
On a business note, take this as an opportunity to sit down and write out goals, brainstorm new ideas and learn something new. Use this time to actually organize those folders, brainstorm photoshoots, events or meetings that you keep meaning to plan. Even if it’s just loose plans for now!
Tell us, what are your tips for small businesses during this time? We’re all just doing the best we can and any ideas can help. Comment below with your thoughts or reach out to your go-to small businesses with ideas!
xx,
Girl Gang
