How To Run Lean Operations During The Pandemic

Many small businesses are struggling to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help increase your odds of success both during and post-pandemic, use this time to take a look at your overall operating strategy and make tweaks and upgrades where necessary. Make sure your website is up-to-date, as well, so your customers can still find you. Web Design by Rick can be a great resource in making sure your company remains viable — and even thrives — during the current market.

Revisit Your Operating Plan

Chances are, when you launched your company, you developed a comprehensive business and operating plan. Since the economy and the consumer landscape has changed so dramatically, the U.S. Small Business Administration says it's time to revisit and revise as appropriate. Consider re-evaluating consumer demographics and target markets, and explore ways in which employee roles might be altered to help the business continue running at an optimal pace. If you’re in need of short-term funding, look for banks that specialize in small business loans or pandemic-related financial assistance. You'll also want to re-evaluate your overall financial structure, particularly if your revenue stream is in a slump. Look for ways to cut back as necessary, — at least, in the interim.

Strive For Lean Operations

If your business is running on a tight budget and you're looking for ways to reduce operating costs, it’s tempting to look at advertising as a non-essential expenditure. However, this potentially takes you out of public view, which can have a detrimental effect on your business. Customers may assume you’ve closed down during the pandemic or even gone out of business. According to Entrepreneur, it’s wise to cut back in areas other than marketing and publicity. It may be worthwhile to look at app development, website upgrades, and customer service-focused outreach campaigns. Some things you might be able to do on your own (like mass email marketing), while other services, like website design, might be more cost-effective to outsource to freelancers rather than pricey advertising agencies.

Revise Your Marketing Agenda

Just as you take the time to review your business plan, make an in-depth assessment of your marketing strategy and make tweaks where necessary. For example, if you've made changes related to the pandemic, staying in touch with your customers is important. If you're offering online sales options, pick-up, or are limiting the number of people in your establishment, convey this information to customers, and emphasize the ways in which you're trying to be a resource during this challenging time. Online and social media outreach tools can be a good way to connect. In fact, integrating photos and videos into communications is an effective way to stay in the minds of consumers. Look into hiring a professional who specializes in high-quality video marketing services. You’ll want to read reviews to assess work quality, delivery time, and cost before selecting someone.

Being a small business owner presents challenges even in the best of times, and operating during a pandemic represents unchartered waters. Try to keep negative thoughts at bay and be a cheerleader for your staff and employees. Let customers know you appreciate their business, tell staffers they’re valued and appreciated, and get creative in how you innovate and pivot to keep your business moving forward. Focus on providing high-quality products and services, staying in touch with and in front of consumers, and looking for ways to set yourself apart from the competition.

If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality web and digital marketing services, reach out to Web Design by Rick at (315) 652-3820.

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How To Run Lean Operations During The Pandemic