Changes in the Workplace: Post Pandemic

Posted on by Jon Arentz

A recent article predicted a “W” shaped economic curve moving forward as the U.S. begins to re-open the economy.  Medical experts anticipate a resurgence of the coronavirus in the winter months coinciding with the annual flu season.  All businesses will be critically impacted if this forecast comes true!

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, we as business leaders must prepare our organizations to cope in a volatile economy. There needs to be a restructuring of the workplace; reduced open office layouts, increased sick leave and more cross training.  Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms may replace non critical business travel while in-house meetings attendees are pared back to the vital few.  More businesses may continue or begin a work-from-home workforce, this will present new management challenges.

There will also be opportunities.  As the economy ebbs and flows, many businesses may not recover creating opportunities to expand market share, acquire additional talent or introduce new product lines.  Planning for an uncertain future is key.  Begin now to evaluate your strategic plan.  Can you avoid a bankruptcy?  Closing your business? Can you create a pathway for growth and acquisition?

There is no doubt there will be economic turmoil ahead.  We will get through it with advance planning and determination.

How Your Business Can Survive The Corona Virus Recession

Posted on by Jon Arentz

There is no doubt the Corona virus is affecting the U.S. economy.  As one American city after another implements “stay-at-home” orders, the goods and services we use are drying up. Small business owners struggle with keeping their employees working and staying solvent. 

Getting through this difficult and uncertain time will be a challenge, but one we will survive.  The American economy is robust and the American people are resilient. We have survived worse!

So how can a business survive the corona virus recession and be ready for the inevitable recovery? Here are four basic steps you can begin implementing now.

  1. Customer Service

Beginning immediately you need to provide the best service possible to your existing customers.  Serve and delight them in every possible way. You need to make your customer’s experience working with you or your team an overwhelming experience! 

How do you do this? You build relationships with your clients. People want to do business with people they trust and generally feel good about. Develop relationships with all your clients, help them with things you don’t do. Remember, not everything you do for a customer needs to make money. By providing extra value, your customer will be more comfortable spending their money with you. 

  1. Connect

Connect with as many people as possible and ask for referrals. The people and businesses that you do business with like you and trust you. Take the time to bring people together, connect people and businesses you know and trust with your other customers or others you know. When someone thanks you for the connection and asks how they may help you, ask for a referral. Remember, you need to give before you can ask.

  1. Visibility

This step may not be possible under the current “stay-at-home” directives and the “social distancing” advice.  As the crisis dies down and life gets back to something more familiar and recognizable, we will gather in groups once again. This step may then be implemented at that time.

Attend as many group meetings as possible and offer to give educational presentations or talks to those groups. Educate attendees both inside and outside of your industry on the value your solution provides. Do not turn down any opportunity to educate, you never know who in the audience may need your solution. 

  1. Communicate

Create as much FREE valuable content as you possibly can. Post on LinkedIn, Facebook Groups or wherever your customers hangout. Use videos, images and other digital content. Be as visible as possible. Develop a following.