Getting Your Business Ready for the Post-Pandemic Future
As of this writing, it has been over a year since the United States first declared a public health emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak. Businesses have faced remarkable challenges in that time, navigating the pandemic while finding ways to ensure the health of their employees, customers, and bottom line. Fortunately, with the creation and distribution of vaccines and a decrease in Covid-19 cases nationwide, we may be able to start looking towards a post-pandemic future.
As the current trend of declining Covid-19 case numbers continues, it becomes time for businesses to start creating and implementing strategies for success in a post-coronavirus climate. But how can companies start the transition back from business-as-unusual? Having spoken with and assisted thousands of businesses prior to and during the pandemic, we have heard what has and has not been a successful strategy in the current climate. Here are some of the lessons our clients have learned that you should consider as part of your company’s “new normal.”
- Think Like a Start-Up: When you started your company, you likely made decisions and acted on them quickly. That decisiveness helped your new company thrive and provided valuable lessons that have carried through to present day. Taking a mindset that favors action and avoiding overthinking can help you break out of a crowded marketplace in recovery mode.
- Empower Your Employees: Working from home used to be a rare perk for only the most trusted employees. Companies feared that productivity and culture would suffer if workers were not at the office. Covid-19 has exposed that assumption as false, proving that employees work best when you put them in their best position to succeed. While there will always be employees who prefer the office environment, do not be afraid to continue providing a flexible work from home option, whether that’s part- or full-time for your staff.
- Increase Community Presence: People are longing for a sense of unity and community, especially after this prolonged time of isolation. By involving your company in the business of the community through sponsorships, drives, events or other local activities, you not only increase your name recognition but can help make a difference in your city. By giving back you can give your business a big boost.
- Be Present for the Future of Work: Odds are you have had to embrace automation and technological tools as part of your day-to-day during the Covid-19 crisis. Those tools have likely improved your day-to-day operations in ways you have not considered and should remain part of your company’s operational toolbox. From online meeting platforms to task management software and virtual receptionists, continue embracing the platforms that help make business work in the modern age.
By combining what worked before and during the pandemic as part of your post-Covid strategy, you will be setting yourself up for success in the “new normal” future of business. Over the past 20 years, we at AccessDirect have heard many stories of struggle and success from small businesses and hope to pass those lessons on to current business owners and the next generation of entrepreneurs. Contact us today to find out how a virtual phone system can help your business as you navigate a post-pandemic “new normal.”
