Business As Usual During the 2020 World Pandemic

Online Business Owners…

• How much is your business being affected by the current world pandemic?

• Are you promoting your business during these sensitive times?

• Is your business thriving or struggling right now?

Whether you are being directly or indirectly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the effects it’s had on the economy, you may be having to adjust something in your business to adapt to the new “norm.” This could include a wide range of changes such as your marketing approach, pricing, the subject of your blog posts, or perhaps the number of employees you currently have staffed. 

Sadly, some businesses are closing due to current circumstances. Others… are thriving. 

Some customers are backlashing online business promotions and asking, “Why are you promoting your business during this sensitive time? You shouldn’t be focusing on making money. You should be giving your products away.” They are hurt, confused, and believe that no one should be promoting during these scary times. 

According to that logic, how many days, weeks, or months should a business hold off on regular promos? When is it ok to resume business as usual? 

Perhaps, we need to think clearly about how continuing to do “business as usual” will continue to impact others during these times of need. 

Business as Usual

• Do you have clients that rely on you to keep their businesses running? 
• Does your business help provide a way for others to start their own business?
• Do you have a team of people that rely on you for steady work and a paycheck?
• Do you have affiliates or partners that rely on your business for the livelihood of their business?
• Are you a leader in your industry that others are watching and closely following?
• Do you contribute a portion of your proceeds to nonprofit organizations?

If you answered yes to any of these, perhaps you should continue business as usual. Does that mean you shouldn’t take into consideration offering support or discounts to those that may need it? No. But that’s the beauty in owning your own business. You can continue promoting your business and help those in need if you have the capacity to. 

Helping Others 

If your business is hurting right now, give yourself grace and adapt as much as you need. If your business is thriving, you have the option to use this time for growth, to help others in need, or perhaps both.

Some quick ways to help are:

• Give to charity
• Purchase from other businesses that are in need
• Promote another business that may be struggling
• Offer discounted promotions
• Offer your products for free
• Manufacture items that hospitals and essential employees need
• If you’re a coach, offer your services free to someone who really needs it
• Hire more people that are now desperately searching for jobs
• Simply let your current employees know their job is not in jeopardy, as this is a tremendous burden many have on their backs

Without a doubt, this is a touchy subject for many business owners right now, but it’s a very unique reality everyone is facing- whatever your circumstance is as a result of the 2020 pandemic.

If you can better understand what’s happening with businesses around your own, there are opportunities for either growth or collaboration to help others rise above the struggles they are currently facing. During this time, it may take more grit to run your business… as usual.