The world with bustling streets, jam-packed stadiums and crowded malls. A world where a handshake is not a potential death sentence.

Indeed, once there’s a vaccine, things get under control and there’s no need for people to be socially distant —we will eventually see the world function as it did previously. But looking at things from a historic perspective, pandemics do change the world significantly.

In short, a different world goes into the pandemic and a completely different one emerges from it.

Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar retailer that’s temporarily closed your doors or an online business that’s experiencing a spike you weren’t anticipating, we’re here to help you identify the best next step for your business.

Stay connected
If you find yourself in need of inspiration and encouragement, don’t hesitate to reach out (virtually) to your community of fellow entrepreneurs. We’re all in this together, so try to set aside some time to share a few stories, trade information about what’s working well, and build a stronger sense of camaraderie with your peers.

It’s also important to stay connected to your customers and supporters, too. Here are a few ways you can do it.

-Keep folks updated. No matter what type of business you’ve got—whether you run a hair salon, a clothing store, or a stall at the local farmer’s market—there are plenty of people out there who want to hear from you. -Consider adding a signup form to your site and sending regular email updates to keep the conversation going with your customers, fans, and friends. Not only does it help you keep folks in the loop about any changes to your hours or product availability, but it’s also a great way to let them know how they can support you during this difficult time.
-New store policies or practices that customers need to know: For example, your customers should know if your business’s first hour of operations is only for seniors. But you don’t need to tell your customers everyone at your business is washing their hands—they expect you’re doing that.
-Updates on closures and when you predict you’ll reopen: The time for your customers to find out you’re closed is not when they read the sign on the door. And when it’s time to reopen, make sure everyone knows the date and time.
-Current products or services you’re offering: Let your customers know about your new offerings: takeout, delivery, virtual services, etc. Don’t wait for customers to come to you—you’re going to need to tell them about your alternative operations.
-Strengthen bonds with your community. Right now, a lot of people are adjusting to new daily routines. For some, that might mean working from home, for others, that might also mean taking care of (or homeschooling) their children. If you’re able to provide any resources or services—even if it’s just a free, downloadable coloring book to help keep kids entertained—consider creating a landing page to help you easily share it with those in your community.

We’re here to help

We know that this is a difficult time for everyone. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re committed to providing you with accurate, relevant, and timely resources that you’ll need as you navigate through the uncertainty ahead. We’re in this together, and we’re here to help.

READ PART 2