Entrepreneur Tips for Tough Times

Fellow Small Business Owners, we will get through this!

How are things going for you and your business right now?

As entrepreneurs, many of us are really struggling as we deal with all of the drastic changes due to COVID-19. However, there are some things you can do to keep your business (and mental health) going in a positive direction during this turbulent time.

Tips for Surviving COVID-19 as a Small Business Owner

• Ask how you can help.

Most of your customers and clients are busy dealing with their own major problems due to the virus. The last thing they probably want to do is listen to your sales pitch.

Instead, use this time to offer your assistance wherever you can and let your customers, clients, associates, and everyone you work with know you are here to help. Build positive relationships and provide sincere assistance whenever possible. This way, you can work through problems together during this difficult time and get to know your customers better to provide even more value to them in the future.

• Get assistance.

If your business had to close and your stomach is a nervous wreck, there is help waiting for you.

In addition to the tax payment deadline being postponed, check out the SBA Disaster Loans now available for small businesses here. Also, new programs are added regularly in each state so check the National Governors’ Association site here to see what’s available where you are.

Banks and credit card companies are trying to assist businesses as well. Call your financial institution directly to see how they can help you with your particular needs or visit the American Bankers Site here for more information. Also, contact industry associations you deal with and see what they are doing to assist members.

Many credit cards, travel businesses, insurance companies, and more are implementing new policies to help small business owners right now. Call these companies directly to see how they can work with you and assist you with your payment deadlines, rates, itineraries, and more.

• Be creative.

Now is the time to think of new ways to jump start your business.

What products and services can you develop now to help your customers now and in the future?

Is there a way to re-purpose what you already sell to keep things moving forward through this difficult period? Try to be creative and have some fun with new ideas!

If you must sell the same thing, how can you fix your current content and update your website, marketing materials, social media tactics, editorial calendar, and more now to provide more value to your target market?

It’s a great time to revise your offerings and update all of your stale marketing (and erroneous site errors, bad links, SEO problems, etc.). Not only will it give you something fresh to work on right now (and take your mind off the latest news broadcast), but you’ll be ready to come back with a big “Wow” for all of your internal and external customers.

Hang in There!

“Tough times never last, but tough people do,” per Dr. Robert H. Schuller.

As entrepreneurs, we will get through this negative time. Try to help others as much as you can right now and research all of the various possibilities available right now to help you pay your bills and keep your business afloat.

And if you are o.k. and just waiting for this storm to pass, use this time to update your marketing materials and website, develop valuable new products and services for your customers or catch up on your reading and learn new skills.

This does not have to be a negative time.

Instead, look at it as a positive wake up call to revise your business, really look at what your customers want and do something new and creative that you actually like doing.

Are you ready to charge into battle and be victorious?

We can do this. We’re entrepreneurs! Ready. Set. Go!

All the best, and if you need some help, or positive inspiration right now, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Melanie Rembrandt

Author Melanie Rembrandt is a published author, speaker and content strategy expert who helps entrepreneurs boost sales, awareness and credibility fast with a unique combination of targeted, SEO copywriting and public relations. For a copy of her book, “Simple Publicity,” and more information, tips and insights, visit https://www.rembrandtwrites.com.