How to take care of your business at the time of covid-19

For some entrepreneurs this time of covid-19 is difficult. But I believe it also brings us many new opportunities. It gives us time to do everything we have never had the time to, to check that we still go in the direction we want to go…
In short …
You have two choices – put the head in the sand and wait for this time to pass…
… or turn on your creativity and take your business to the next level.

So what do you choose?

If first, then it probably doesn’t make sense to read this post (unless you’re open-minded). If you choose to improve, I’ve come up with a whole bunch of ideas for you that I hope will serve as an inspiration for you to start brainstorming and find your own way to take your business to a whole new level!

If you are one of those for whom business slowed down or even completely stopped, then you should know that this period is not the sprint for you, it is the marathon.
This time is to build a long-term strategy, long-term collaborations, and loyal customers.
It is important to build trust and good relationships with your customers.

Don’t forget about them, even if they aren’t your customers right now. Rather step into the shoes of a leader and help them with services/tips to break through this period and become better than they would be without you. Who do you think they will remember after that period?

I suggest you think and discover something new, something of your own, here are just a few ideas:

What can I do if I’m a hairdresser …
Virtual haircuts would be great, but unfortunately, it’s not possible yet. But you can, however: build a mailing list and increase the number of enthusiastic followers on your social media. You can start creating YouTube videos, showing how we can take care of our hair, how we care for it, share a great DIY mask recipe, how to style your hair even when we are just at home. Maybe you can do series/games of the best quarantine hairstyles?
You can also create a freebie that you never had time for, or a series of free videos, webinars…
Of course, not all of this is necessary to be free.

What can I do if I’m a pastry chef …
What about a dessert delivery? If you don’t already have an online presence, you can also consider having an online store. Maybe you can organize a workshop (also online) to learn about baking desserts, decorating desserts, nutrition, replacing individual ingredients, how to put them on a plate to look beautiful…

What can I do if I have a beauty studio…
Help your followers, clients, to stay in good shape! teach them how to take care of your nails at home, what kind of DIY mask to put on … You can also think of an online course or webinar to teach them makeup, how to take care of healthy skin, what nutritional supplements are top …

What can I do if I have a yoga studio, I’m a personal trainer …
Hmm, online workouts are very trendy right now! To record your workout program, you only need a camera (a camera on a phone is also ok) and e.g. YouTube account. You can either share the exercise program for free, or not, or even stream it live (online, of course). These can be 1: 1 or group workouts.

What can I do if I am a photographer …
Consider collaboration and networking. You can take pictures of your client’s products (for example, mailed or delivered), you can create a photo package for them for social media… you can also sell your photos online (like stock Photos).

You can start thinking about long-term collaborations – e.g. if you are a wedding photographer, you can work with the wedding organizers and get them some good wedding/organization photos in return (and you will be a photographer on the wedding). This year, weddings are likely to be more “quick” so consider offering smaller photo package. And… organize and automate your process.

If you are a family photographer consider working with a boutique clothing store. On the one hand, you will then be able to offer your customers clothing, on the other hand, you can then offer product photos to this boutique shop. It is also becoming popular to photograph families at the entrance to their home (with no physical contact).

What can I do if I’m in the tourism industry …
Airbnb you probably know? What about “Airbnb Online Experiences | Fun Without Leaving Your Home”? Well, it’s been getting more and more popular lately – you can find different online experiences. From taking you to a certain place and discover a new city to learning how to taste wine … Consider how you can transform your tourism offer for the long term result and offer an unforgettable experience.

What can I do if I just have a physical clothing store …
An online store is a great choice. In the meantime, you can help your clients with tips that they can also dress chic at home, how to combine a tracksuit with a blouse, what patterns or colors are best suited… Maybe even something about organizing and cleaning the closet.

Here are some general ideas:
If you already have an online presence:

Check and update the copy on the website (eg for the “About Me” page you can use the template: HOW TO WRITE AN ABOUT PAGE + FREE WORKSHEETS.
Update social description, it might be time to change your profile/cover photo.
Improve SEO optimization on your website to get the highest ranking on Google (if you need help, you can check out my online SEO Beginner Course).
Write a new blog post (or for a whole year!).
Prepare social media posts (photos and captions).
Analyze what works on your site and what doesn’t and improve them.
Maybe your website needs updates?
Maybe you can automate a process on a website?
Maybe it’s time to change the design of the website?

If you don’t have an online presence:

First, you can get started with a site plan – it can also help you: HOW TO CREATE A WEBSITE PLAN + FREEBIE
Consider what would be a good idea to include on your site (what your visitors would benefit most from, perhaps an online store, an online content portal…).
Then find someone who will design and build your website (you can also do it yourself – if you are interested in working with me, you can check my website packages).
Consider which social media your ideal customer use and which one would be the best for you (for Instagram, these online courses can help you: How to Write a Killer Instagram Bio and Instagram for Small Businesses
Plan and prepare social media posts, then grow your profile

Regardless of your online/offline presence:

You can organize your workflow and workspace.
Think about what parts of the business could be automated – is it possible to create a social media calendar? Or a calendar for sharing an older blog post? You can find templates here.
Make a promotion plan, and think about what else can you do?
Try to find out how you can improve your business and if you need a mentor.
Remember to also offer a gift voucher that the customer can use after this crazy period.
It may also be time to consider creating a mailing list and creating an automated batch of emails (those that are automatically sent in the order when new subscribers join your mailing list).

Now is the time to test (even those more crazy ideas)! Pssst you can blame covid-19 for all the “failed” attempts;)