In a flash, businesses, networking, and so many of our usual face-to-face gatherings have gone virtual.
Are you ready to take this leap?
Thankfully there are far more options now than even a couple years ago. If you are a business that relies on customers coming to you, likely you are stressing out - how will you survive? Well, I don't have all the answers, especially given the vast numbers of industries there are.
If you have been putting off a website or online presence, is it too late? There are no firm answers as the situation is fluid each day. The advice I want to share is to not panic. Don't throw in the towel. Why?
I grew up in a family business. Before the internet, before smartphones and websites. Over the decades, huge market changes or changes in the products or services we could offer would feel like the rug being ripped out from under. Several times it may have made "perfect sense" to give up and quit. Amazingly, my mom would get busy finding what was next.
Being a small business owner is not for the timid.
Kudos to those who walk that path!
Roll with the situation, if you normally meet in networking groups, you may need to move to the virtual meeting format - for now. Examples include Zoom, Skype, Facetime (although Androids don't have that), WhatsApp, ...
If you are not familiar with using those kinds of tools, please give a call to your teams (most have someone who is familiar with how to use the specific tool. If you are a client of mine or a member of a group I network in, I am happy to help you to the best of my abilities. For instance, I helped a friend set up her computer at home to work remotely - walked her through a monitor setup for her business laptop (all by phone and email).
A Few Tips for Video Calls
- Does your device (computer, laptop, tablet) have a camera and mic?
- Smartphones usually have this, so they may need an APP
- Be professional - for networking or client video calls.
- If you were meeting in person, you would be dressed appropriately, pay attention to the person speaking
- Mute your device if there is noise in your area.
- Think about the environment behind you - plain or uncluttered is better
- Don't move around or be doing other things when you are visible
Understand that others are probably stressing out with the uncertainty too. However, remember that your success is not just related to this week, month or so. Think long term, it is a great time to fix problem areas in your business.
What Is Your Online Appearance? Website Old, Broken, Missing Key Parts?
If you have a website that needs to communicate the schedule or change in how you will do business for the near term. Let me know if I can be of service. I will reach out to my clients and have had some reach out already.
As small business owners, we can feel extra stress about our employees, customers and families. Often, we put ourselves last. This is a time to make sure your health and wellness is as high a priority as the others.