“I had a dream, and this just isn’t it!” Well, you aren’t alone. Especially right now, with all the craziness going on.
Its hard to find help (employees) so we are working extra hours, doing the jobs we thought we wouldn’t have to do anymore. Our customer base is asking for things we haven’t done before and wanting to shop in ways we hadn’t expected. So?!?
It doesn’t mean we can’t still have our dream! It just means the end result looks a little different. We need to be open to new ideas, listen to our customers and figure out how we can give them what they want while still maintaining our integrity.
Can we get our product on-line? Is it possible for customers to shop and make purchases without coming into the store? Are we able to ship or deliver? Can we still offer an exceptional shopping experience this way-is that even part of our mission? (I sure hope so!)
If face to face service is required to sell your product, how can you streamline the process, so you are still able to offer great service with limited contact? If your service requires you to be on site with your customer, what can you do to make them feel safe, while offering them your best?
Here is what I see as the reality- we will be forever changed by this pandemic. Yes, restrictions will start to slide, but the public is getting used to being able to just call in an order and pick it up. They already were shopping on-line before, now they will do it more often. How can you stand out? What can you do differently from your competition?
Make sure your heart and soul are in everything you do. Stand behind your product, service, and your crew! Build a team of employees that embrace your philosophy and care about bringing your vision to life. Ask that team for their ideas about how to stand out, what kind of out-of-the box ideas can they come up with?
What new products or services can you offer RIGHT NOW that are still in line with your business model? Here are a few that some smart business folks I know are doing:
Brianna Caster, So Cal Wedding Photographer – offering Business Portraits & “porch
sessions” with social distancing
Caleb Suda, WI Restaurateur- offering themed multi-course dinner nights & drive by
pick-up breakfast wraps made with veggies grown on the premises
Chef Lawrence, WI Chef offers “heat and eat meals” for tourists in the area to pick up
and heat in their condo. (instead of dining in the restaurant)
As we slowly move out of the quarantine, know there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can do it! You can keep your dream alive- just keep ducking and weaving!
Here’s to your success.
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