The year 2020 is not what everyone expected it to be. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. Almost all countries in the world have imposed some kind of lockdown and restrictions.

This means most of us are at home and can't go to school, colleges, offices, and other workplaces. We have loads of time in our hands.

That doesn't mean we waste it. We can either sulk about it or make the best use of our time.

For business owners, this is a difficult time. The world has changed forever, and so the new business strategies have to be used. Start brainstorming on how you can survive this year. Read along, and I will help you in doing so!

Shutting down of economic activities

Businesses, factories, import and export of goods, offices, and other commercial activities have been shut down. Many firms, restaurants, shops are getting out of business because they can't pay up their rent and debt.

The pandemic has also created an uncertain business environment. Many businesses have closed down. Thousands of people have lost their jobs.

Economies have stagnated. But this can't go on forever. To boost the economy, governments of many countries have allowed the economic activity to begin. But at a minimal rate.

With lesser man force, many factories, shops, restaurants, and hotels have started. But they are in a challenging position. 

Surviving an uncertain business environment

So how do you survive as a small business owner in these uncertain conditions?

The only way to come out of the situation is to accept and adapt these conditions and sustain your business. Taking your business online is one way. Bringing business online seems to be the most suitable way to reach out to your buyers in a pandemic.

This is the best time to go online!

Easing of lockdown

Lockdown has eased with time, but that doesn't mean that the virus has gone. People are afraid to go out to shop and work. Most offices have given their employees work from home facilities, some even extended for the year. 

But what about small and medium businesses?

Over 90% of the business population represents small and medium businesses (SME and SMB). Most of these businesses work through brick and mortar shops or offices. During such conditions, it is challenging to run a business in physical establishments.

During the initial months of strict lockdown, small businesses have been hit hard the most. During the lockdown, minimal to no business activity took place. Despite that, salaries had to be paid, and other costs were incurred.

So there was 0 income but loads of expenditure.

But all roads of hope are not closed yet. There is no other right time than now to retrieve your business. The conventional methods need to be modified. Shops are not working full-fledged, so you cannot rely on it. Moreover, people now prefer to buy what they need from e-commerce websites.

Switch your business online

Getting what you need to be delivered at your doorstep is a blessing. Especially during such conditions as it is a safer alternative than going to the market.

Home delivered packages can be easily sanitized. Moreover, many websites have started with no contact deliveries. That is why it is safer to shop.

The consumer behavior is favoring online shopping. So why are you holding back?

Set up your business website and online store now! 

There are many simple and affordable options available for that, like Budo and Njinjin, to build your website and online store. 

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Within a day, your business can be online and running.

Reach out to your customers

Reaching out to your customers should be your main focus right now. If you don't, your competitors will. Your website can reach your customers. They can purchase their products online, and all you have to do is deliver it.

Why wait for customers to walk into your shop? Reach out to them with your website.

Work from home

A large population worldwide is suffering from this virus and are home quarantined. A lot of them are businessmen.

Even though they are at home, they need to manage their business. If their business is set up online, they can easily do so.

From managing orders to sending invoices and supporting your customers, everything can be done from home with the right tools.

Conducting business online is safer for you and your customers.

Shimbi Invoice, Mikan CRM, and Project Management tools have revolutionised the way people conduct business online. 

Anti-China notion

Many countries and world leaders are furious about China because of the way they mishandled the Covid-19 scenario. Due to the pandemic, other countries have incurred substantial losses and are now banning Chinese products, websites, and apps.

Now is the best time to start your business online as people will prefer to buy and use your website over a Chinese one. Governments also began promoting startups and small and medium businesses at home.

So, what's stopping you?

Don't sign over the lost business. Buckle up. Take your business online and reach new heights!

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash