We were told four weeks of lockdown, from 26 March until 23 April New Zealand is at Alert Level 4, as that initial phase is coming to a close it is anyone's guess as to whether we head back down to Level 3 or not.
What is important is how your business is treating this this time, and the continuity plans you have moving forward.
Cashflow within the economy needs to be stimulated, and I am here to guide you while getting your business ready. We can explore what you need to think about to recommence trading and ensure you are in a strong position to take up the new opportunities (buying patterns) consumers are going to have.
Do you have the essentials in place for communicating with your clients?:
- Email marketing
- Social Media
- Website
- Google My Business
- Online advertising.
Smart businesses are always marketing
How will you finance moving your business forward when you don't have any income coming in?
This question is so pertinent, like many others you are faced with finding the money to invest in moving your business forward, while still meeting the cost of business outgoings.
If you are thinking about a mortgage holiday etc, then perhaps consider how you can use that money in the short term to grow going forward.
Some actions you can take include talking to professionals you can trust, such as:
- Your accountant or financial advisor to look at your cashflow and where savings can be made.
- Your bank, discuss overdrafts, loan holidays, payment extensions.
- Locally, there is the Hawke's Bay Business Hub, who has a host of free webinars happening on business continuity.
- And the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce who has a dedicated Facebook Group for community, and resources on their website.
I urge you to consider taking action sooner rather than later, so your business can put their best foot forward and thrive after lockdown. To discuss where you online presence is at, and how I can work with you to help it grow, please get in touch.
Takeaway Tips
- Stay connected - with fellow business associates and clients. Consider the situation from your client's perspective - keep them informed where necessary.
- Be resourceful - consider your business and how it can support your clients, at this point in time people don't want a product forced on them, they want to know you are there... and ready for them when they are. Add a sign up form to your website, or perhaps you have free resources you can share. Here is a great example of one business doing just that AwesomeInc.
- Plan and prepare - people are at home at the moment and online, they will be making lists of things they need when they can get out and about again. Be ahead of the eight ball and ensure your business can be found online.
I am here to help - this is a difficult time for everyone,
Optimise, Maintain and Grow Your Business
These are unprecedented times, and they require unprecedented actions, if you have any questions on how your business can thrive online and digitally please get in touch. I am committed to providing you with reliable and accurate resources and information.
