Covid-19 is just another hurdle, 6 steps to face as business owners/Entrepreneurs
Given the current situation worldwide most countries have imposed a lock down or a stay indoors/work from home initiative. While it sounds like a logical solution to slow down the Covid-19 Pandemic it will definitely affect the financial stability of many businesses, especially entrepreneurs and new businesses.
1.Stay Informed
It is essential that as business owners, you stay on top of the news surrounding the virus.
Only take notes from official authorities like the WHO or your local government.
Follow the public service announcements (PSA) made by your local government.
Always verify the source of whatever information you receive, ensuring it’s from an official channel.
Do not believe everything you read on Social Media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, etc. unless it comes from a certified medical authority.
Discourage the spread of any kind of fake news around yourself.
Inform others of the current situation and ask them to regulate only authentic information as well.
2.Proactively Manage Client Relationships
In times like these, it is essential for you to keep in touch with your clients and reassure them that you are on their side.
First, ensure to get in touch with your confirmed bookings.
Talk to them and reassure them that you are as worried about the situation and their upcoming events and wedding celebrations.
Give them confidence that you will side with them no matter what their decision is.
Clients that trust you are more likely to return in the future for further business so make sure that you proactively manage client relationships who are planning to get married soon.
3.Keep Your Potential Customers Engaged
It is important that you stay in touch with your potential customers. Though they may not book right away, given the circumstances. They are likely to return to your business and book for a later date if they trust you. So, always ensure that you keep a cordial and healthy relationship with them.
4.Become More Digitally Active
This simply means one thing that you Avoid physical meetings with clients. You need to adapt to digital modes of communication and use them at full capacity.
The use of digital communication will show your client that you care about their safety and well being and strengthen their trust in you. To ensure this note down the following points that will come handy to communicate with your customers:
Hold meetings over Video Calls, rather than face to face meetings.
Use Emails and Phone Calls to keep in touch with clients.
Reply your (customers/clients) messages asap.
Create a good and impressive portfolio online.
Work on ways to improve your digital presence through social media platforms.
5.Revise Your Cancellation Policy
Though it sounds a bit discerning, this is probably the best time to revise your cancellation policy and improve it further for your clients.
Your cancellation policy should be flexible and framed in such a way that the customer trusts you with their booking and is not scared of financial losses if they do end up cancelling it for it.
Ensure that you will help them in whatever ways possible.
When your cancellation policies favor customers, their trust in you will become greater and they are more likely to return to you for future bookings.
6.Ensure The Safety Of Yourself, Your Family And Team
Above all, it is essential that you follow all the precautions given by medical authorities to ensure the safety of yourself, your team and your family members. Your business is healthy as long as you and the people around you are healthy. Saying this make sure you follow these 9 steps, which are as follows:
Wash your hands frequently, especially if you have come from outside.
Carry a hand sanitiser with you always.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing with the bend of your elbow or a tissue.
Discard all used tissues immediately.
Keep your surroundings (homes, office spaces, etc.) clean and hygienic at all times.
Avoid crowded places and practice social distancing.
Stay at home if you are feeling unwell, even if it’s a slight cold or sore throat.
If you have a fever, cough or difficulty in breathing, then contact your nearest medical examiner or doctor and schedule an appointment. But always call first.
Always remember that the situation around the virus outbreak is still not as bad as it can be. It is up to us to practice caution. Only we can stop the spread of this virus by being careful of all the precautions set by the authorities. Creating panic is not going to help anyone, so please remain calm and patient and wait for the circumstances to improve.
Till then,
Stay Safe, Stay at Home! 😊
World Health Organisation's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1APwq...
MYTH BUSTERS: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disea...
Ministry of Wealth and Family Welfare: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/
