The big reopening – a quick pause for thought
After months of being forced to close, for many hundreds of thousands of businesses, this and next month will be the time they have waited so long for – when they can finally reopen their doors.
Having spent months in mothball mode, many business owners will have had time to think about the way they want to operate moving forward. But it can be all too easy to slip back into old ways without applying some thought and effort.
So here are some things to think about…
Stop
Don’t head straight back into auto pilot…stop and think things through first. The landscape for doing business in your sector may well have changed over the last year. Consider how your customers’ needs may have changed and/or how they might like to interact with your business in the future. There may also be changes you have made to accommodate Covid that you plan to make permanent.
It’s important as a business owner not to be swept along by the ideas or preferences of others. It’s your journey so be sure to take the time to plan and execute your own vision.
Time to grow
For businesses that kept busy during lockdown, perhaps by adapting to operate in a different way, the reopening period may be the perfect opportunity to take their business to the next level. If you’re taking on new staff, select the right people carefully. Recruit for attitude and find smart people who are willing to help and support you along the way. If you have existing staff with these qualities, consider increasing their responsibilities and bring new people in beneath them.
Reward loyalty
There will be many customers who will be only too happy to support your business upon reopening. But don’t take this for granted. The ongoing support of happy and loyal customers will see you through the months and years to follow after the initial excitement surrounding reopenings has subsided. Simple things like loyalty schemes can work a treat or if you’ve used the time over lockdown to get on top of your customer database, make the most of it with regular updates, newsletters or promotions.
We know you’re excited to get going… But the main message is not to lose sight of where you want to go. Don’t get lost in the excitement – stick to the plan and be the business you promised yourself you’d be during lockdown.
We’re helping businesses in this exciting period as we all transition into life post lockdown. Get in touch with our Business Consultants to find out more about how we can help businesses to be better, stronger and more profitable versions of themselves.
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