7 Ways to Thrive and Survive During These Challenging Times
There’s a ton of information circulating about the Coronavirus pandemic, and I don’t think I need to repeat any of it here. No matter where you are, your life is affected and may be for some time.
In addition to worrying about your health and that of your loved ones, you may be concerned about the impact on your business. I can’t promise everything will be all right, but I do have a few suggestions for you.
1. Work remotely
Working face-to-face with clients may not be feasible for the next few weeks. If you offer virtual services, that’s great – you already have a foundation in place. Let the clients you normally meet in person know that they have this option until social distancing is no longer required.
If you don’t currently offer virtual services, this is the perfect time to get started! I have clients in several industries who work this way, including professional organizers, resume writers, coaches, and others.
There are many tools available for hosting online meetings, some of which are free. To learn more, read COVID-19: Ultimate Guide to Free Video Conferencing & Collaboration on UC Today.
Many of these video communication tools are suitable for groups as well as one-on-one meetings. If you have to cancel your local workshops or other events, consider moving them to an online platform instead.
2. Develop information products
While facing a loss of income, some people may not be able to afford your services, but they still need your help. This could be the perfect time for you to package your expertise into e-books or online courses that will fit your clients’ budgets when your services won’t.
Start with blog posts you’ve already written or presentations you’ve given in the past, and I bet this job won’t be nearly as big as you think.
The best part is that you’ll be able to continue selling your information products even when things return to normal.
3. Explore other sources of income
If you’re not ready to develop your own products, you may be able to earn commission by promoting other businesses. Look into products and services you like that would benefit your clients, blog readers, or website visitors, and find out if they offer a referral or affiliate program. If not, ask if they’d be willing to enter into an agreement with you.
Members of some of the local Facebook groups I belong to have made themselves available for childcare, grocery delivery, or other services they don’t normally offer, as a way to support others and replace lost earnings. Is there anything like that you can do?
4. Work on your business practices
How many time-consuming tasks do you perform in your business? You know there’s probably a way to streamline, but even that takes time to research and implement. Take advantage of the unexpected break to attend to those issues, once and for all.
5. Work on professional development
I’d bet my lunch money that you’ve signed up for online courses and free downloads that you’ve never got around to doing anything with. Take some time to go through them, decide what’s most relevant to you and just do it! While you’re at it, delete any files you’ve downloaded that you no longer want or need.
6. Work on your content marketing
There’s no need to go on a blogging or social media blitz, but there’s also no reason you can’t create content you can publish in the weeks and months ahead.
And remember – you don’t have to start from scratch! Read 10 Simple Ways to Get the Most Mileage from Your Content for some great tips for repurposing content you’ve already created.
7. Review your website
If you’re like a lot of people, you never even visit your own website, let alone read the content to make sure it reflects your current offerings. In a few days, I’ll be starting a new blog series about the elements that should be included on the key pages of your website and I think you’ll find it really helpful.
Need some help?
All of our members are available to support your business remotely or help you get acquainted with virtual tools. Browse or search our Member Directory to find the right VA to help you, or submit a Request for Proposal.
Photo by Larisa Birta on Unsplash
