Don't call it a comeback - your business has been here for years
Whether you've been able to remain open, had to close temporarily, or found yourself somewhere in between, things have undoubtedly been different. We give a major hats-off to all business owners who have had to pivot, adapt, or simply wait out the storm. We know it hasn't been easy.
With states beginning to reopen, you may be excitedly (or nervously) thinking - now what? Certainly it will be a while before things are "normal." But to keep rolling with the punches, you've got to stay on your toes and think strategically.
Reopening your physical business should not mean neglecting your online presence. The past three months have driven everyone to rely on a digital world. Although the change was quick, it will be long-lasting. People will reach for their mouse or phone, expecting that the Internet will provide the services, products, or answers they need. Make sure your website is your best and first line of defense.
Make sure your website checks these boxes:
With the constant changes over the past few months, it's time to set the record straight. Communicate early and often about what your business is doing. Here are some of the places you should update your hours, times, or ways of serving your customers:
Shifting to yellow - or being permitted to reopen your doors - does not mean that you can expect to go back to business as usual. Now more than even, you should respect the cultural drift toward the online world. Even industries that think they can only work in-person will be forced to innovate. Is your industry ready for an update? Be the trendsetter who develops a way to provide your service with minimal in-person contact.
Here's an amazing example. Pittsburgh-based nail salon Manikure has been unable to serve their customers since March, when PA went on lockdown. The state's reopening plan suggests salons won't be able to reopen until sometime in July. Rather than sit back and twiddle their unpainted thumbs, the artists at Manikure have developed a revolutionary solution - online ordering for manicures. Clients can visit the online store, select from over 100 colors, and a technician will custom-paint a set of press-on nails with the exact design requested. This brilliant moves keeps customers happy while setting Manikure apart from the competition.
Other Pittsburgh-area businesses have also adapted. North Hills Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy is offering telehealth therapy for physical rehab patients. For patients with limited mobility, it's probably a lot more convenient for them to do their therapy from the comfort of their own home!
Motive Salon in the North Side has started selling in-home root touch-up kits online. They've also been running a hilarious social media content theme called #WaitForYourStylist to discourage clients from cutting their own hair or doing anything drastic.
Boutique workout franchise 3 Minute Fitness has pivoted to online workouts. They offer daily videos with a coach talking you through six three-minute circuits. The most amazing part is that the service is free and available to anyone, not just existing clients. This is allowing them to grow their community through inclusivity and goodwill. Their customers are even insisting on continuing to pay for their memberships, even while the gyms are closed. Take care of your customers and they will take care of you.
Now it's your turn to innovate. Need a partner to brainstorm with? The Joyce, Inc. team loves a creative challenge. We've been talking with our clients for months about how to take their in-person business online so they don't miss a beat. We'd be happy to help you with yours.
This is your moment. This is your time to shine. This is your chance to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and come back better than ever. We are in your corner, excited to see you thrive and outshine the competition.
If you need a little extra hype, here's some LL Cool J to pump you up. Let's go!