Nearly a year of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak hit the world and no one could have imagine that it would leave a huge impact on the world economic landscape. Malaysia itself is one of the countries that immediately acted with the process of Movement Control Order (MCO) for almost three months from March 13 to May 3 to curb the spread of the pandemic. The implementation of the MCO has left the country's economic sector paralyzed for a while and many industries and businesses have been affected.
Even so many have this kind of question “can i still grow my business during the pandemic crisis, are there any hope my business will doing well”? The answer is YES! despite the setbacks, there are people who to take full advantage of the current situation and continue to grow their business that might seems impossible at first to make the sales but they make it eventually.
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” - Milton Berle
Therefore, here are some ways that you can do to keep the business sales growing and to ensure your customers and employees are engaged, no matter where you or they are.
#1. Build relationship with customer
In general, business growth is often dependent on the customer, but due to this pandemic, customer involvement and the engagement with customers becomes priority. Due to the outbreak it’s become a new norm as your customers spend more time online working remotely, taking virtual classes and even holding family events through Google Meets and Zoom. Thus it is important for companies to make use of social media channel to identify your target customers and pay close attention to what they're saying and doing online.
At a time when everyone feels insecure about their health and economy, you can stand out by answering your customers needs and concerns, and addressing things from their perspective. Let your customers know that you are there and you value them, and give them incentives as a reward for spreading the word about how much they love your products and services. "Look at your brand from consumer perspective," "Are you different? Are you affordable? Does the market really need you? There are always opportunities for uniqueness and attractive products regardless of economy, but at the moment, it requires a careful and well-executed approach.
#2. Brush up your marketing skills
In this pandemic crisis, every ringgit matters. Now, more than ever, marketing decisions need to precise, targeted and data driven to deliver the best results. Use marketing technology and automation platforms or known as “martech stacks” that are integrated with all of your channels so you can coordinate with other management system, track broadcast performance, how your customers are responding and use that information to drive your decision-making. Consider hiring an agency or consultant with marketing expertise in your industry to immediately raise your profile and increase customer interaction across your social media platforms.
#3. Explore new idea that interest and educate
This is not the time for you to surrender to destiny. Yet this is the time for you to take risks and be creative with your marketing tactics. When marketing your business in this pandemic situation you need to be creative, the more creative you are, the better. Having a unique way to market your product or service makes you stand out from your competition. Not to be outdone, improving your marketing can help attract new customers and continue to grow rapidly during the coronavirus.
So, you might be asking yourself, how can I improve my marketing when dealing in a pandemic situation? For starters, you can promote unique offerings, such as DIY kits, handmade products such as embroidered calendar. You can also offer virtual options to customers, for example online classes for skills upgrading, virtual workout classes and personal trainings and webinars. Whatever creative way you take, enjoy it and have fun. Have a brainstorming session to think about what you can do to attract customers and make them want to spend their money on your business especially during these tough times.
#4. Reassure your employees and their work
Like you, your employees as well may feel scared or unsure of the current pandemic situation so don’t forget to check on your employees. Your team needs leadership in times of crisis, they will contact you for information on how the outbreak is affecting the company and supported them in these difficult times. Use this time to build community bonds between your team members This can give your employees a better understanding of their value to the company and make them feel more motivated and productive, which will ultimately lead to business growth. Regardless of the audience, be authentic and transparent in all your communications, and remember to listen to your staff. Asking and checking their circumstances will show that you value them as people. Pandemic or not, a little empathy goes a long way.
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." – Henry Ford”
Final thought.
When first starting a company, you may have dreams of success and recognition. You are sure that sales will increase, and you will be busy making a lot of money. However when reality hits, you may be tempting to give up but you must be persistent if you want to be able to sustain your business.
If you’re going through bad times, keep going then you will see the door to the sunshine”. - Winston Churchill