11 top tips for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak

Beauty business expert, Liz McKeon, says that now is the perfect time to work on your business. Below are her top 11 tips to navigate your way through coronavirus…

1. Don’t be an ostrich by burying your head in the sand
   2020 is a different world now – you need to accept it and steer your boat accordingly. No matter what you planned for your business in 2020, it probably needs to change now. We have to adapt and make changes (and many are being forced upon us). Constantly re-frame your understanding of what’s happening and adapt.
2. Health is your number one priority
   It is absolutely critical not to take any chances as you are the driving force and engine of your business. Be sure you are healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.
3. Your team morale
   Your team morale will likely be down with market uncertainty and possible temporary salon closures. Good or bad, you must communicate with your team members daily.
   

   Liz McKeon

4. Your clients
   You have got to communicate with your clients (past and current) to assure and reassure them about your business status. Tell them what you are doing. Remember, they know and trust you – stay on their radar via social media, newsletters and ongoing marketing activities.
5. Reflection
   Remember the virus is spread physically by people, but it is spread mentally by the media. Rather than watching the news over and over, you can take advantage of this slow period to reflect: spend some time thinking about your business shift. Think about those pending website changes or your next marketing campaign. Take advantage of this extra time to tick off those pending ‘to do’ items on your list. Be ready for a changing world! When everything is back to normal, this extra planning will accelerate your success and you will recover faster.
6. Shift your perspective
   Every time there are massive universal shifts and changes, there are also opportunities. You need to be looking for the opportunities right now. What are the chances for you to do better?
7. Remain positive
   In the current climate, everyone is talking the same stories. People don’t need more negativity. Instead, they will naturally gravitate towards the people and brands who are positive about what is going – so, be that positive person.
8. Adapt a ‘not now’ attitude
   Think about where to reduce your outlays and cut your costs – but this doesn’t mean you stop should stop spending on marketing and business development activities that help your business grow. If you can stop spending on unnecessary things – do it now.
9. Secure your credit
   Go and secure your extra cash to sustain – you may need an extension of credit to be able to fund your business during this time.
10. Shift your marketing to show support
    People are in panic mode and thinking differently, so you have got to be thinking about your marketing from that perspective. The most important question to ask yourself right now is, ‘how can we support our clients during this time?‘ Be helpful and people will always buy from you.
11. Keep faith
    A bend in the road is not the end of the road. When the recommended restrictions are lifted, you can look forward to an influx of business – make sure you’re ready for it.

More information and advice is available at www.lizmckeon.com