Tips for Small Business Success in a Changing Economy

From mom-and-pop shops to fan-favorite local diners, small businesses help national and local economies thrive. If you are a small business owner, odds are you were impacted in some shape or form by the COVID-19 coronavirus and forced to close or rethink business efforts. Explore these simple strategies to keep your business afloat when it is time to reopen your doors.

Smart Screening and Hiring

Many small businesses had to temporarily close or furlough employees to stay afloat during this changing economy. When your business is ready to reopen, start by first calling back your former employees to see if they are still looking for work. If you need to hire additional employees, consider posting your listings on online job boards or in local newspapers. Be sure to ask smart interview questions to determine if candidates are a good fit for you and your business. Learn about a candidate’s past but also explore future motives and career goals to ensure special skills can grow and thrive in your business. Once you find a great group of candidates, consider using employer background check services before extending any official job offers.

Training Tips

After hiring a rockstar team, it is crucial to implement a training plan to ensure all employees are performing at high levels as soon as possible. If you have a larger business, consider outsourcing help to create professional training manuals. Include all important “must-knows” for your business, such as technology operations, software, employee etiquette and record-keeping notes. Do you run a smaller business? Recruit help from a current staff member to create training resources and onboard new team members.

Marketing Moves

In a changing economy, it is more important than ever to connect with customers, both current and potential, in authentic ways. Consider changing your social media platforms to promote engagement and honest conversations that connect to current world events.

Smart retailers that survive pandemics have turned to marketing concepts that common families can relate to, such as in-home entertainment and social distancing related products. Think of creative marketing tactics that relate to your business model and products. For example, takeout restaurants can capitalize on themed to-go menu options, while small clothing boutiques could create social distancing appropriate shopping events.

Start planning now so you’re prepared when the reopening day arrives. Stay strong small businesses!