This is Part 2 of a series about social distancing and it's effects on small business.
We ​identified the problems facing businesses in Part 1 - How Businesses Can Adapt and Thrive While Social Distancing. The article also distinguishes between reactive and adaptive behaviors that can help or hurt a business owner's ability to get back on track once this is over.
We mentioned moving business operations online ​as ​a solution that has helped many business owners adapt to social distancing standards while keeping ​their business afloat.
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In this article, we'll look at business types that because of the way they are structured have had an easier time moving their operations online. They ​have for the most part been able to continue to earn during this challenging time.
​Some of these types of business types have already have socially distanc​ing processes in place. For example, many fast food restaurants (because of existing drive through procedures) have transitioned from in-person dining to pick up and delivery only services.
Many ​of these restaurants have drive-thrus that allow customers to stay in their cars and make payment through one window and receiv​e meals through another window.
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This allows workers to use protective gear like masks and gloves while making minimal contact with customers.
Other restaurants have a process that includes a website and/or delivery. Because they have a website they are able to transition quickly to shut down their dining rooms and move to online ordering.
Services like GrubHub and Doordash were already partnering with restaurants to make delivery easy.
Services like InstaCart with Aldi and Amazon with Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods have partnered to deliver groceries in select cities.
These businesses had the resources in place and were able to adapt their operations quickly. They were the most prepared to handle the ongoing pandemic.
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​Businesses That ​​Can Make a Somewhat Easier Transition
​Other businesses have ​used a consulting model that relies heavily on in-person meetings to earn. ​They have had to move their meetings online.
What's the best way to move meetings online without frustrating your clients? You need an easy to use platform that you can direct clients to.
An online platform gives consulting businesses a place (similar to a brick and mortar building) that they can use to interact with clients for discussions, meetings, documentation and other business transactions.
Now more than ever, a blog or website is ​a critical component for businesses that earn from in person ​activities. ​It's important to be able to do business online as well as offline.
The pandemic has forced many business owners to take a crash course in technology tools ​to ​keep their businesses going.
They are learning that without technology during a time like this, they will be left in the dust by companies that have adopted online tools.
Smart business owners know that a blog can be used to foster new relationships by doing the talking for your business 24/7.
​Business like the ones below are excellent candidates for Skype or Zoom for their in person meetings.
These tools, when paired with a blog can follow the rules of social distancing while their business thrives in a sea of chaos.
All that is needed for virtual meetings is a quiet room, a good headset and microphone for the best sound quality.
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These service providers may have had clients visit their offices for meetings. They may have contracts or documentation that they need to review or distribute.
Here are some examples ​businesses that ​are dependent on ​these kinds of activities to continue to earn during the quarantine.
​Here are examples of businesses ​that are not as dependent on in person activities to earn money. They will have an easier time moving their operations online:
A business that has a blog or website would be excellent candidates for Skype or Zoom for their in person meetings.
All that is needed for virtual meetings is a quiet room, a good headset and microphone for the best sound quality.
A blog can take orders, book appointments, showcase presentations and videos, sell products and collect payments.
Any business that has a website, blog or access to an online meeting platform, will be able to easily move their offline processes online.
If you don't have a blog, there will never be a better time to create an online presence. Sign up for our free blogging course.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's post to discover how to transition hands on businesses to earn during the crisis and after.
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