The economic uncertainties that the pandemic has caused should be motivation enough to consider how you can maintain and continue to grow your business. It’s definitely not “business as usual” any longer.
 
For the last four months, our routines and lives have had to change. If people feel insecure, then browsing, shopping, or comparing goods and services may not be on their priority list. Are you wondering what this means for your business? Unless you reconsider your marketing strategy, your ability to expand your business will be threatened.
 
An unpredictable economy can create just as many opportunities for you as it destroys. Depending on your industry, some losses will be unavoidable. However, many entrepreneurs can successfully minimize their losses and find methods to capitalize on opportunities.
 
When the Great Recession happened in 2008, I quadrupled my marketing efforts (and did a lot of praying!) I’m sharing my tips and tricks with you today, so that your business can stay afloat (and even grow!) during the pandemic.
 

Communicating Effectively With Potential Clients

If you can’t convince your potential customers about your product or service, they’ll just move on to the other available options. Today, communication can happen on many different levels, including traditional ads, email campaigns, webinars, Google AdWords, the phone, and on social media sites.
 
With today’s climate, your communication with your customers needs to be transparent and personal with messages that touch their inner needs. Your customer wants to know that you are a real person. It’s good to share personal examples. People remember stories. Whenever possible, tell a story to get your point across. Stories are retained a lot more than instructions.
 

How to Structure Your Work Day

Instead of starting your day with worry and anxiety over all the things and activities you need to accomplish, start your day with a positive attitude. Statements like “I know my day will go exactly as it’s supposed to, and I’ll get everything done at the right time,” or “I’m excited to see what I’m going to learn today.”
 
Stay positive and practice self-praise throughout the day on your accomplishments. For example: “You did a great job on that proposal.” Our self-talk is one of the most important things that we can do to help us accomplish what we need to, to move forward to more success and feel good about ourselves.
 

Developing Your Everyday Routine

Structure systems and good routines are extremely important for people who are in control of their schedules. When speaking to other successful professionals, I have found that most people who get up and get going every day at around the same time and have a plan for their day are more successful and accomplish more.
 
Look for times you can accomplish more. For example, take advantage of dead time, such as travel time. Turn off the radio and instead turn on and listen to a podcast that would benefit you and your business. Some other pockets of time when you can learn more are while you’re cooking, gardening, taking a walk, and working out. Remember to listen to things that will help you learn and advance in your career.
 
Set a timer for tasks you must do, too, such as time spent on social media. You might need to check it to see how your posts are performing, but be sure you don’t get caught up spending hours on things that won’t help with your goals. If one of your favorite things to do is to relax scrolling through Facebook, then set a timer. Be sure you’re in charge of your time and what you are looking at. Remember, “garbage in garbage out.”
 

Seek Positivity

Remember always to have an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness no matter what the reaction you get to your offer or presentation to a client.
 
What and who we surround ourselves with can make a difference in a positive way, or become a downer in your life.
 
Keep your life full of variety and positivity. Always have a grateful heart and outlook. It will make vast differences and doesn’t cost a thing. It is just a conscious decision.
 

Making a Persuasive Presentation

When you’re speaking to a group, writing an article, or preparing for a pitch, be clear on what you want to say in advance. Try asking yourself, “what do I have to say, and does anyone want to hear it?”
 
Try not to overwhelm the audience with tons of details and points. It’s best to keep it between three to five main points. When presenting, you don’t want to try to include everything. Instead, choose a few compelling points that you want to make. Keep your presentation as simple and straightforward as possible while still bringing your audience with you on a journey.
 
During your business presentation, speak as naturally as you can. The goal is to sound competent and approachable. So stay away from unusual terms or big words.
 
Your goal with the presentation should be to communicate clearly. Make sure you’re speaking articulately and precisely without talking down to your audience. It will take some practice. But if you’re comfortable with your goods or services, you should be able to explain them in a professional and friendly way.
 
 
None of us know how severe the economic impact of COVID-19 will be or how long the recovery will be. What’s clear is that the effects of the epidemic will be extensive and, in some instances, permanent. Use the resources available to you, which will help as you navigate today’s uncertainty. After your business gets through this crisis, you’ll be ready for whatever tomorrow brings!