It’s now May of quite possibly the most turbulent year modern businesses have ever experienced: 2020. According to Governor DeWine’s recommendations, many businesses are planning their re-opening either this week or later this month. I think I speak for most local business owners when I say this has left me feeling torn between two fairly strong opinions. On one hand, I’m chomping at the bit to get back in full swing. I’m ready to resume our marketing classes and sign up for all the networking events and pull the trigger on some big plans we’ve had for 2020, our 6th year in business. But on the other hand, I feel apprehensive that we may be pushing our community forward too soon. I know better than anyone how important it is for us to get back out there, but how can we do this safely together in order to ensure we still have a community to serve next year?
Many small businesses have begun to adapt new policies and operating procedures to protect the health and safety of their patrons and staff. It’s a bold move to require masks and/or gloves in your place of business, but I want to commend those businesses that are putting their foot down in the face of protesters and naysayers. Additional measures like limiting the amount of patrons in stores or offices and limiting staff interaction with the public are also commendable decisions. What can we do to continue to show our support for these businesses while their services and offerings are limited?
1) Show Support on Social Media
Most of our local small businesses have at least some social media presence. A like, comment, share, or follow can make a huge difference for small shops or solo entrepreneurs who have reduced their ad budgets to cut costs.
2) Shop Online
Many local retailers have either had or recently launched online options for purchasing their wares. Skip the Amazon search and start looking locally for gifts, every day needs, or just for fun purchases. Plus local pickup options have been added to most local online shops so you can get that (almost) instant gratification.
3) Donate to GoFundMe or Other Crowd Funding Campaigns
It’s probably not news by now, but it’s still a little shocking that so few local small business owners were actually able to obtain the emergency funds that were available. If you do happen to be one of the lucky few still gainfully employed, perhaps consider setting aside a small donation to a local restaurant or service provider that may be struggling. Solo entrepreneurs like massage therapists or cosmetologists are having an especially hard time maneuvering through this time, so make sure to reach out to these entrepreneurs and offer support if you can.
4) Have Patience and Practice Safe Shopping
It may be frustrating to not be able to go back to life as we knew it yet, but it’s important to remember that we are all making changes for the good of everyone. A community cannot survive or grow without a collective effort to do so and our small local businesses are the backbone of our community. Respecting their new policies and adopting new methods of supporting them is going to make all the difference.
I welcome any and all suggestions to add to this list and am available for free marketing advice and support for any Northeast Ohio business. Just send me a message on Marketing Juice’s website at the link below.
I can’t wait until we can get back to normal, but in the meantime stay safe and healthy and shop local!
~ Miranda