Resources for Business Owners Amid Covid-19
We understand that the outbreak of COVID-19 has thrown many of you into an uncertain state. At this time there are more questions than answers, but we want you to know that you will emerge from this experience stronger - as people and business owners. With that in mind we have collected a few resources to help you make informed decisions, reflect and refocus your business, and support yourself through this extremely difficult time.
Stay Informed…
Clear and concise information and news will keep you informed about how COVID-19 will impact you, your family, and your business. We recommend referencing the World Health Organization (WHO), for the most up to date and information related to the spread of COVID-19. The WHO offers you relevant and factual information and guidance, has a helpful Q&A section, and helps limit the spread of misinformation by busting those myths. Our World In Data is another incredible resource for statistics and data. Keep informed, with up to date data and factual information from trusted sources - it is the best way to make decisions for yourself, your family, and your business.
Learn About Your Options…
Governments around the world have begun to roll-out financial and social resources for those directly and indirectly impacted by this pandemic. Shopify has created a directory of government relief programs for small businesses, broken down by country. This list is being updated as new financial and social resources are made available.
For lash artists living in Canada, the Government has outlined Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan where you will find information about federal support for individuals, businesses, and industries. The Government of Canada has added a helpful ‘COVID-19 Virtual Assistant’ to respond to questions you may have related to health & safety, economic & financial support, and general information about the pandemic, and the steps the government has taken. Research your options and ask questions - these relief resources are here to assist you, your family, and your business. Alongside these economic and social relief aids, the Government of Canada has created two new mental health and wellness online supports that you can access. Wellness Together Canada is a portal of free online resources, tools, applications, and connections to wellness and mental health professionals. The second application the Government of Canada has rolled out is the COVID-19 Support App. This resource includes statistics, news updates, resources, and a self-check tool. It is extremely important to remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time, check in with those you love and check in with yourself.
Reimagine Your Business...
We understand that during these unprecedented times, it is not business as usual. Both personally and professionally, everyone is trying to be as flexible as possible - while working within the constraints of social isolation. For service-based businesses, these constraints mean that you are not able to interact with your clients and provide them with your services. Keeping the constraints of social distancing in mind, we have collected three interesting resources that might spark creativity for you and your business.
The Shopify Blog is an incredible resource for small business owners, no matter what type of product or service you offer to your customers. The article about short-term revenue strategies presents resources and advice from Shopify experts on steps retailers can take to “mitigate cash flow concerns, respond to declines in revenue, and redeploy digital marketing,”.
Zapier - an automation platform - has researched and spoken to small businesses around the world, and the key takeaway they have found is that businesses need to be flexible during this time. The techniques and strategies Deborah Tennen presents in her article for Zapier, require business owners to be creative and think outside the confines of what their business traditionally offers. They have highlighted 5 strategies that businesses are implementing during this time of social distancing:
- Expand your market
- Consider new ways to deliver your product or service
- Partner with other businesses
- Stay connected with your customers
- Invest now in your businesses future
Wishpond is a multi-faceted marketing platform that offers users a variety of products, services, guides, and resources to streamline their marketing efforts. They have recently launched an ‘SOS Marketing Series’ - focusing on marketing during the COVID-19 outbreak. The first video they launched, How Service Providers Can Keep Their Business Open during Quarantine - does just that, provides key points for service providers to use as a guide for navigating this difficult time. Executive business strategist, Amy Walker, offers four key areas service providers should evaluate while marketing their service-based business at this time of self-isolation:
- Think about your offer to your clients
- Utilize your community and their support
- Think about the experience
- Now is the time to develop you online platform and presence
These are just a few of the incredible resources that are available to you! Collaborate with each other, support fellow lash artists through social media and other platforms, and keep yourself informed about the resources that are available to you.
