No one can predict the future. However, it is possible to prepare for this by writing a solid business continuity plan.
“By having a business continuity plan, you demonstrate to your employees, shareholders, and customers that your organization has a proactive attitude,” said Issa Asad Florida entrepreneur. Mr. Asad is the CEO of Q Link Wireless, Hello Mobile, and Quadrant Holdings, all located in South Florida. He is also the author of 4 e-commerce and marketing e-books that can be purchased on Amazon.
Here, Issa Asad Reveals How to Deal with Unplanned Pitfalls in Your Business:
Communication
As an employer, you have to define what is communicated internally and in what way. Only provide factual information and clear instructions, no speculation. Make sure that all information is always up to date. A good flow of information does not cause panic. Make sure that communication is from a single source. Control the topic centrally.
Working at home can be a significant change for some employees. It is essential to understand how to make the transition smooth, provide FAQs, tips, and best practices for employees, and host all critical information on an accessible internal site. High-quality, timely support can be maintained by adjusting the routing and prioritizing each inquiry according to the location and situation of the support team.
Plan for the Worst
Be prepared for the situation to last longer. In a crisis, you can have a financial problem due to the lack of customers. Try to cut the cost of running the business. Some budgets are not necessary for the office.
Use this time to review your business and plan its future. Instead of reducing the number of employees, encourage them to use their time to update information about customer’s profiles, preferences, internal systems, improve skills and create new products and services to be better prepared for the eventual recovery. Recovery planning needs to start while you are still responding to the crisis.
Loyalty
How do I keep in touch with my customers? Communicate with customers, on how they can be reached. Train employees that they pass the proper messages in terms of content that there will be no confusion for the customer.
A business saving health and people’s lives, even when there is an unplanned crisis at the expense of marketing budgets demonstrate brand loyalty. It gains a better image perception as socially responsible brands, responding to what is happening around them. Make sure you and your clients are showing successes. Make calls to key customers. It’s even more valuable to listen and react to concerns promptly.
Innovation During Crisis
Review your business model, the way you deliver products, add service, and value. Example: if you have a physical store, a small retailer, offer services to your customers at home.
Do you have your customer’s contact details? Send messages offering specialized services such as a sample, discounts, and home delivery of products. Reinforce the promotion of your products on your online channels, make special offers with home deliveries.
Furthermore, not everyone is panicking during the crisis; many people are confident that we can return to a peaceful situation and are inclined to buy goods and services at a discount for the future.
About The Author
Issa Asad
Issa Asad is a well-respected entrepreneur, best-selling author and marketing strategist from South Florida. With over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications, technology and marketing industries.
