5 STEPS TO COVID-PROOF YOUR BUSINESS’ MARKETING IN THIS TIME

The coronavirus COVID-19 is no joke, and it is spreading like a raging fire across the world.  The latest information from the World Health Organization indicates that more than 120 countries are now affected and the virus shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

Of course, many businesses are affected, either by closure or reduced operating hours as countries seek to identify methods of slowing down the spread of the disease.  From partial to complete shutdown, the world is literally ‘playing it by ear’ as they seek to deal with the economic and social fallout of this disease.

But while the coronavirus is trending and taking up all the airspace now, the fact is that when the virus peaks and the affected have recovered, businesses will go on.  Especially for our small business operators, here are some tips to ensure that your business survives when the excitement is all over.

1.       KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN – If you did not have an online presence before, now is the time to set-up your social media accounts.  These accounts will allow you to have direct access to your customers/clients and to update them on the business.  It is also a good idea to reiterate the tips provided by the government and health officials to your clients… they will know that not only do you care about your business, but you care about their well-being as well.

2.       DEVELOP A CRISIS PLAN – So the coronavirus is a crisis situation.  It is the worst possible scenario that your business can face.  While it should have been developed earlier, your business’s crisis plan should kick in, NOW!  Areas to be covered include; operational hours, staffing, how will staffing operate, who can work from home? If it is a delivery based business, do you expand the business to cover more deliveries? How do you protect the staff from exposure during this time? When does the business shutter and reopen.

3.       CUT YOUR EXPENSES – With many persons now on lock down, consumer spending will be lower than usual.  Now is the time to cut your business costs.  Of course, reduced office hours mean reduced electricity consumption but more importantly cutting out unnecessary or less-used services right now and focussing on the services demanded by customers, will not only cut your expenses but increase your revenue.  Managing office/production time wisely will also reduce your overall production costs; use technology where applicable; virtual meetings.

4.       LOOK FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES – Even in the midst of a crisis situation there are opportunities.  Is your business able to provide a new product or service? Can it spin on a dime and provide a solution for customers? Do an evaluation of your business and see which areas you can maximise to identify a new income stream.

5.       KEEP CALM, IT WILL PASS – Right now, there seems to be no end in sight for the coronavirus (COVID-19).  The numbers of infections and deaths continue to climb worldwide.  It makes little sense to panic.  Follow the instructions of the health professional and do all that you can to keep your surroundings and family safe and sanitized.  Remember, it is always best to wash your hands with soap and water versus using a hand sanitizer.  Use this time to evaluate your business and identify areas of wastage and how to maximise those areas for new income streams and new revenue.

Six tips to market your food business this holiday season

Food is a significant part of the Christmas holidays. There are staff parties, class parties, family gatherings and countless other opportunities to eat. So, if you have a food business now is the most opportune time to position your food business for a financial windfall. 

The following are some tips that you can use to market the business during the festive season (and maybe beyond).

• Start early – Know what your holiday plans are for the business and pull together those plans early enough to craft a comprehensive marketing plan. Contact current clients to find out what their needs are during the holidays and use the opportunity to advertise your offerings for the season. Use both traditional and non-traditional media tactics to attract new clients as well.  A rewards programme for existing clients may also be a good option to attract new clients.  But again, you must start early!
• Use social media – Incorporate appropriate social media into your marketing campaign.  Social media platforms provide a unique opportunity to reach audiences in real time and basically ‘show and tell’ your holiday offerings.   A good social media campaign will engage your audience and assist in spreading the word about the business.
• Take great photos – And if you’re using social media, ensure that you have high-quality visuals to share.   There’s no better way to promote your business across platforms than with superior, drool-inducing photos from your menu. #Enoughsaid
• Incorporate your customers – Encourage customers to share pictures of their favourite meal at your restaurant, and to say why it’s their favourite --- kinda like an endorsement.  You in turn, can share that on other social media networks or even in your traditional marketing campaign.  Offer an incentive for the most compelling story, just as a reward for any random customer sharing their experience.

 

• Offer a delivery service – The great thing about offering a delivery service is that you do not necessarily have to have a delivery department as part of your business.  There are several small delivery companies that now offer these services, and at a minimal cost.  Partner with one of them for deliveries as this can boost the attractiveness of your business to clients.
• Offer a catering service – In addition to operating an ‘eat-in’ facility, offer a catering service for both corporate and residential clients.  This will not only diversify the business but provide an additional stream of income.

Especially during the holidays, food is a connecting force over which new memories are made and festive moods shared.  Your establishment, once prepared can capitalize on the many opportunities that this period presents.