Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, every other business (big or small) is embracing technology- It’s the only way to survive. The chances of surviving during this crisis depend on how fast you can transition to an online business model.
If your business relies on in-person services, you better work on establishing your online presence, or you might go bankrupt. Pivoting the entire business strategy for accommodating this new shift seems daunting, but small businesses are successfully cashing on the new tools to navigate the pandemic thanks to technology. First of all, you need a stable Internet connection to continue selling your products/services. Fortunately, small business owners can consider opting for Spectrum Internet plans to seamlessly run their operations.
Is this the only way technology (via the internet) is serving to be the lifeline for entrepreneurs in these unprecedented times? There is more to the story. Let’s see how businesses are leveraging the available technologies and continuing their operations:
Stay Connected
Most of us didn’t know Zoom existed before March 2020 when this video conferencing tool became the most downloaded app for virtual meetings. It’s effortless to use, and it’s free if you have to make calls in under 40 minutes. Video calls, audio calls, screen sharing, conference calls – Zoom can handle all.
For businesses with scattered teams who need to communicate not just within but with clients, Zoom is the way to go. Fitness experts are giving classes via this video streaming platform. I have seen even so many chefs of small restaurant chains using Zoom to teach how to make novel food items such as empanada.
Give Updates
Customers want all the nighty gritty details on their favorite brands such as are you open. Are you sure you are offering them these updates?
Use social media and email marketing to let your customers know what’s up. By now, customers are trained to watch their social media feed and email for updates from their favorite brands and retail outlets. It’s a great way to let your customers know about the current condition and any new offerings.
Brand Awareness
Small businesses are growing their fan following by tapping into the power of social media. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are great for raising brand awareness in certain demographics. And if you would like to target a new audience, then Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram are your go-to platform.
With social media, businesses can create a community of fans who play the role of unofficial ambassadors and spread the word about your business. Focus on building your fan following because this strategy will fill your sales pipeline with more and more customers.
Chatbots for Customer Service
COVID-19 has certainly created confusion about policies, hours, and some other things. If you have a website, post the most recent content related to the pandemic at the center of your website. As a visitor lands on your site, they would immediately know what’s up.
Some businesses are thriving during the pandemic. If that’s you, then you probably feel you need more representatives to respond to customer queries. Right now, it’s maybe tough to hire more manpower. No worries, you can employ chatbots. They are just as great as humans when it comes to answering frequently asked questions. They respond cheerfully and quickly. Great customer service is what customers need during the pandemic.
Leverage Technology ASAP to Survive
I have recently started selling fondant cakes. I don’t have a website yet, I am using social media to engage with my target market. One of my friends suggested me to dial the Spectrum phone number and see if they have an Internet plan that can meet my business’s need.
No doubt COVID-19 has posed challenges, but technology is here to help you reinvent or adapt your business model and keep the doors of your business open.
These technologies include e-commerce CMS, social media management platforms, video conferencing tools, chatbots, appointment scheduling software, and more. They don’t require heavy investment. You may be able to reinvent your business in a way that transforms everything. Even when things return to normal, it makes sense to stick to these practices.
