With lockdown 2.0 in full effect, small businesses, like ours, are back to working from home and readjusting their plans in this ever-changing world of ours.
I’m sure it’s not just us, but this second lockdown feels a bit more draining than the last! So, we thought it would be useful to remind ourselves of the top 5 things to focus on during a lockdown.
- Self Care
There’s a reason this is at the top of the list! Your business won’t run if you burn out.
It’s so easy to forget to stop when working at home. The stress of not knowing what the news will bring or where your next bit of business will come from can quickly overwhelm you.
But your business won’t succeed if you’re running on empty!
Have proper breaks throughout the day, turn the computer off at the end of the day, take work emails off your phone, only check the news once a day if at all. Take some time to do what you love each day. If there’s one thing we learned from the last lockdown it’s that preserving time for us is so important for our mental health, especially now the barrier between work and home is so thin.
2. Team Morale
Look after your team!
Now more than ever, your team needs to feel safe, reassured, and respected. What restrictions do they have whilst working remotely? How can you help them work as efficiently as possible? Do they have the tools they need? Working from home can be somewhat isolating so keeping in touch with your team will make them feel involved and included and keep their spirits up. A motivated team is a productive team!
3. Client Welfare
Remember, clients, are people too!
Have you checked how your clients are doing during the lockdown? What challenges are they facing that you can help with? How can you best be of service to them? Have you communicated with them to let them know that you’re still there, that you’re working differently during lockdown? We need our clients now more than ever and as business owners, we’re all in this together! Don’t forget to reach out to them and let them know you’re still there for them.
4. Cash is King
An expression I’m sure you’re sick of hearing now but an important one nonetheless!
How much cash do you have in the business? How much cash do you need in the business? Where can you access funds or grants?
Talk to your financial advisors about what grants and funds are available for your business. There’s been so much talk and fight for more funds so make sure you know where you stand. Don’t know where to start or who to talk to? Head to the FSB for access to valuable resources.
5. Marketing
Now is not the time to go silent!
Now is the time to shout about your business and tell the world what you have to offer. Effective marketing doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. Take a minute to evaluate what your customer’s biggest pain points are and then communicate how you can solve their problems. Find out where your prospective clients are and get in front of them. What social media platforms are they on, what networking groups are they in etc. Whatever you do, be consistent. As my friend and mentor Lucy Rennie would say, “Silence is rarely golden”, so speak up!
