This is Part 3 of a series on how to ensure that your business will survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most of the U.S. is in quarantine due to the pandemic. When we go out for necessities, we have to maintain a distance of six feet or more and wear protective gear to ensure that we don't pick up the virus from the environment.
Part 1 of the series identifies the problems businesses are encountering due to the closure of non-essential businesses.
It discussed some solutions for certain kinds of small and medium sized businesses to survive and even thrive during the pandemic.
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Throughout the 3 part series, we discussed how businesses can implement an online platforms, (like blogs and YouTube channels) to make a quick transition that enables them to keep at least part of their business going.
This is the last part of the series that talks about how service providers that specialize in events are affected in a different way than other kinds of business establishments.
The reason they are affected in a different way is because they rely heavily on face to face contact and hands on interaction.
Social distancing means that for the time being, there are no large gatherings for the events they would typically interact with.
No weddings, birthdays or anniversary parties. No proms, baptisms or even business events like trade shows, galas, fundraisers and more.
No cocktail parties, and even funerals have limits on the number of people that can attend.
Social distancing requires that we stay at least six feet apart, which that means no one-on-one sessions or services.
[ReviewDisclaimer]
The businesses we'll discuss in this article have had to come up with new ways of doing business or risk going out of business altogether during the shut down.
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To keep earning in a way that adheres to social distancing rules, it's important to take stock in your existing skills, making use of a few different skills, utilizing a few technology tools and add in a little creativity.
The answer to maintaining a thriving business includes transitioning to non contact methods (online) to help your business adapt.
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Businesses like the ones described below have had to adapt their business or risk losing it all.
One thing that stands out from this worldwide crisis is that if your business is not online, now is the time to get it there.
If you've been hesitating to place your business online consider starting a blog, creating an email newsletter or jumping all in with a YouTube channel.
Take a moment to think about the ideas presented in this series, that can help your business now and into the future, long after this crisis is over.
Prepare your business to withstand the next curve ball with the technology tools we'll discuss in this article.
Your Goal as a Business Owner During This Challenging Time, and After
The primary goal of any business that has been affected by social distancing should be to maintain contact and engagement with their customers while the quarantine is in effect.
An email newsletter may also be in order to help customers stay in the know about what you're doing and how you can help them while the quarantine is in effect.
A secondary goal should be to bring in new leads and attract new customers. Implementing something as simple as a blog and email newsletter can help you accomplish both goals.
Blogs can serve as your silent salesman, talking for your company and spreading your marketing message while you focus on other things. Blogs can take orders, generate leads and process payments.
An email list helps you stay in touch with readers, educating, entertaining and sending helpful tips and resources your readers can use to make life easier.
Both goals can be accomplished by taking the following steps:
That means new products, services and finding ways to earn recurring (passive) income. These will be secondary lines of business that will compliment what you normally do to earn on a normal day.
These new services can be used to earn throughout the quarantine and long afterward.
It may take a little creativity to provide services virtually or move your service business online.
The bridge that will help these kinds of businesses a blog, podcast, email or YouTube platforms can help businesses adapt.
One of the questions you should ask is how you can you transition services that were once hands on, to services that don’t require close contact with clients?
For example, are there any aspects of your hands on services that can be offered online? A course or demonstration, a few words of encouragement, or a short wish you well snippet?
Could certain aspects of your business be done through a video or live streaming service? What about Facebook live or other streaming services?
Is there anything that can be taught, recommended or offered that would help your customers while helping your business continue to earn income until you can get back to your regular business?
And how can your business help customers once the crisis is over? People will be transitioning back to their normal routines? Planning for the new normal may also be a new line of business.
Hair Salons
Hair salons, in addition to normal hair styling, treatments and maintenance services, have other services that peak during certain times of year.
Salons really thrive during the spring and summer when events like weddings, proms, reunions, graduations and other events are popular.
However this year, it's also the time of year that we are required to distance ourselves because of the pandemic.
Instead of missing out totally on their peak business, salons can shift gears to offer other kinds of services to their clients.
For example, now that clients are not able to visit salons, what services can be offered virtually? The answer might lie in the reason people visit a salon in the first place.
The primary reason your customers visit any salon is because they want to look and feel great. They also visit salons for convenience. They basically pay to leave their hair and beauty regimen to the professionals.
So how as a trusted professional, can you help them look and feel great from an online or “virtual salon”? Is there something you can teach or demonstrate that will help them in these areas?
For example, when social distancing orders suddenly happened, it was probably time for some of your clients to get a touch up of some kind, maybe color touch ups.
Now they are visiting Walmart or Target for a color solution. Is there a way to help them with color tips, aftercare, or recomendations for a color brand based on the client's hair type?
During the quarantine, they are going to have to do “something” to bridge the gap until they are able to make it back to your salon.
Would a video or two be in order that will walk them through doing their first color touch up, with tips, equipment and other recommendations?
Do you think they might appreciate a word from you on how they can keep their hair, skin and nails well groomed until they can return to your shop.
Many clients also look for treatments to keep their hair well groomed and healthy during the interim. Is that something you can help them with? They also look for products that will help them reduce the signs of aging, keep acne under control and maintain radiant skin.
How will clients bridge the gap when it comes to the treatments they receive from you until they can make it back to your salon? Doing helpful videos doesn’t mean giving up your trade secrets of special techniques,
Making the transition from hair only to hair, skin and nails and related products and treatments that help them receive DIY services from home with a recommendation from you, could go a long way to help them during the transition.
Fitness Coaches
What could a fitness coach offer clients who are now working out from home? Some may have fallen off the grid and are not staying shape or working out at all.
Maybe a live or recorded coaching series would be in order. How about recommending your favorite gear, equipment, and tips?
Video and live streaming is a great way to provide the feedback and tips needed to keep your clients connected to your business.
Starting a YouTube channel with some expert advice on working out, eating right, keeping boredom and depression at bay and living a healthier lifestyle while they are at home.
Exercises that can be done while parents are working from home can also be of benefit. Maybe even provide tips for having a routine for the kids since they are at home as well.
Recommending products that you use in your business can be another way to earn during the quarantine. Sports nutrition products, protein powder, energy bars and healthy snacks. Products that your clients can use, make videos about your experiences and recommend them to your clients.
Photographers
A photographer for example, might be able to offer services related to photography, like photo editing, selling stock photography and more.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
Use your videography skills to coordinate and execute live streams for events like weddings, parties and anniversaries can help you get through the shut down.
WordPress plugins like Thrive Themes will enable you to create stunning portfolio websites, lead generation pages and landing pages with ease. Create a free Thrive University account to learn more.
Check out the website for My Streaming Wedding for ideas on services that are being offered for videography.
During the normal course of your business, are you working with clients to help them solve a problem? How can you help them solve their issues with a solution you can walk them through online?
Combine presentation skills, product knowledge and a few pieces of equipment and you may have a new product that can boost your business long after the pandemic has passed.
Recommending equipment you use in your business can also be a source of income during the quarantine and even after the quarantine has been lifted.
Caterers
Product sampling is an excellent way to drum up business.
Send your best clients free samples of your products, like mini cupcakes, horderves, quick meals etc.
Photo by Elle Hughes from Pexels
Follow up your samples with a live stream of clients trying the product and providing feedback.
As a caterer, you have great cooking and organization skills. Give your clients short, daily or weekly tips that can help them get through the work from home transition.
Consider that kids who are in school or daycare have daytime meals provided at their respective centers. Now in an unexpected turn of events, kids are at home with parents who are working from home.
For the first time this school year, parents are having to provide quick meals for the entire day, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Would your clients appreciate receiving a few videos on meal preparation, products, tips and equipment that would help busy parents who are working from home.
A blog, and a good meeting platform with a few pieces of equipment is all you need to make the transition in many cases. Use your creativity to find solutions that will help you get through these challenging times.
If you have a business that requires hands-on services, how can you offer services that don’t require close contact with clients? For example, are there any aspects of hands on services that can be offered online?
Could certain aspects of your business be done through a video or live streaming service?
Is there anything that can be taught, recommended or offered that would help your business continue to earn income until you can get back to your business?
Are there any offers you can make that will draw customers back to your business once the pandemic is over?
Can you start an email newsletter that will enable your clients to receive regular updates, deals, offers and products related to your business?
Make sure you have your customer's email addresses. Place a survey on your blog or website to get feedback on how your business is doing that includes a place for them to enter their email addresses.
With permission, contact your clients by phone to request their email addresses. Refer them to your blog or send out a postcard that requests their email address and information that would help you tailor offers and information to their needs.
