Few businesses were prepared for anything like what the coronavirus pandemic has wrought on the global economy. In just a few short months, COVID-19 has caused countries to shut borders and businesses to close doors, either temporarily or permanently.
When a crisis strikes, it can be tough for a business owner to figure out the next steps. Thi is particularly true when it is unprecedented, like a pandemic. But, business leaders and entrepreneurs can take some proactive steps to remain strong and be in a better position for recovery once the current crisis subsides. Here are a few strategies for business recovery from the impact of the coronavirus.
Consider How COVID-19 Affects Your Customers
Depending on your industry, your customers might be dealing with some different challenges related to the pandemic. Think strategically about how COVID-19 has impacted your target market and any ways that you might be able to address their new issues. For example, are your customers:
- Concerned about travel restrictions?
- Worried about juggling homeschooling and working from home?
- Struggling with general market uncertainty?
- Concerned about disruptions in the supply chain?
Many of these challenges are unique to the coronavirus or have at least been exacerbated by it. As a business owner, your job is to identify which pain points your customers are dealing with and see if you can address any of them with your products and services.
Identify and Leverage New Sales Channels
As shelter in place orders continue, or at least recommendations for continued social distancing, people still want and need to make purchases. Your business might be able to identify some new opportunities that go beyond what it was doing in the past.
For example, some retail businesses have transitioned to eCommerce platforms. Many restaurants have started selling takeaway meals or offering delivery services. Beyond this, some companies have shifted product offerings. For example, some microbreweries now make hand sanitizer instead of the latest IPA.
Explore Long-Term Investment in Your Business
Are you seeing a short-term slowdown in operations? It might be the perfect time to explore some long-term investments in your business. Take a step back and re-evaluate any big projects you might have in the pipeline for feasibility.
Check in with prospects to continue nurturing those opportunities for when business picks up again. Finally, consider re-evaluating your current platforms, operations, and processes for upgrades and improvements.
Prepare for Pent-Up Demand
China, where the coronavirus originated, is already experiencing signs of economic recovery. In some cases, that recovery has been swift due to pent-up demand. The lesson here is that cutting back too much during a temporary downturn might not put you in the best position post-crisis recovery.
While every business needs to take the proper precautions and watch its bottom line, strategically planning for recovery is vital as well. Companies that take the right steps in the midst of a crisis will be in the best position to come back stronger as things begin to reopen.
No one knows what the future holds, but many businesses will likely need to make some adjustments to survive and thrive in a changing world. For over four decades, Carolina Services Inc. (CSI) has helped businesses throughout the Charleston, SC area expand, renovate, and manage properties to deal with different business environments. We offer specialized commercial construction services and turnkey solutions for our clients. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business in the coming months.
