How to pandemic-proof your business

Who’d have thought back in March that we’d be where we are now. The teachers were told to prepare learning for just 2 weeks, we were free to hug our grandparents and commute to work on busy trains and buses with a bare face!

As a nation, we have learnt a new way of living and working. Whether you worked from home, were furloughed or sadly made redundant, the last 6 months have affected every single one of us. Many businesses have lost members of staff, lost their premises and potentially lost their businesses altogether.

If your business has made it this far, then congratulations!

We are gradually seeing the reinforcement of tighter measures to reduce the spread of COVID, and with so much of this situation being out of our control, what can you do to protect your mental health as well as your business?

Keeping up business momentum

Communicate with your clients. Keep them informed with what’s happening in your business. No news, is never good news for a business, and if people don’t keep up to date with your news then you risk them losing interest.

There are various ways of doing this, one being set up a monthly/bi-weekly newsletter. This is the most direct way of talking to your audience.

Up your online presence. If you’re not utilising the social media platforms then you will miss out. Also use this time to update your website, creating various blog posts, updating new images etc.

Tackle the technology. Look for new ways to streamline your business, how can you improve your processes?

Get a support network! Whether that be your fellow team members or other business owners, join some local Facebook networking groups and help each other out.

Don't forget to look after you too...

Take a social media break. There is such a thing as too much news. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all the media coverage, not to mention the heated debates with people’s opinions on COVID on Facebook.

Start a new hobby – you’re never to old to learn a new skill! Maybe a craft activity or learning a new language.

Check in with family and friends. For most of us, one of the highlights of being in lockdown was catch ups with family over facetime, why not carry on the virtual family quiz nights!

Use positive affirmations. It’s proven that our mindset can create our reality. By keeping positive and looking for the good in a situation, we attract more happiness!

The power of meditation. When was the last time you were alone with your thoughts? It’s a great idea to check in with yourself from time to time to prevent yourself getting bogged down and overwhelmed.

Above all else, remember we are living through history. This is new to everyone and we are all learning to cope as we go, so don’t be too hard on yourself.