Running a business is hard — really hard. Running a business in the COVID-19 era? Well, you know. As scary and discouraging as this time may be for non-essential small businesses, there are really two approaches that owners can take: staying the path and hoping to survive, or rolling with the punches and making the adjustments necessary to thrive.

If you’re willing to go with the second approach, read on for advice on growing your small business during the pandemic.

Re-Strategize

From reworking your marketing plans to embracing automation, succeeding during the pandemic is all about re-strategizing.

• AQ Marketing offers expert web design, hosting, and SEO services so you can revamp your online marketing.
• Studying your competitors (particularly the successful ones) is a good place to start.
• Research federal, state, local, and private programs and grants to access financial assistance.
• Forming a Massachusetts LLC will limit liability and bring tax advantages.
• Tailor your product or service to meet the current needs of your customers.
• Embracing automation can save you significant amounts of time and money.
• To enhance local exposure and build connections, join the Business Collaboration Group.

Transition to Telecommuting

There’s a reason everyone is doing it: It makes sense in today’s world, and it works.

• Cost-effectiveness, reduced turnover, boosted morale — these are just a few of the many advantages of telecommuting for employers and employees.
• The most essential factor in having a successful team of telecommuters is collaboration.
• Using the best tools is critical to ensuring your team stays on the same page.
• Creating and maintaining company culture is still important when your workers are telecommuting.
• Whenever you and your team work online, you’ll need to bolster cybersecurity to protect your devices and network.

Keep a Connection with Your Customers

At the end of the day, the health of a business still comes down to gaining and retaining customers.

• More people are visiting company websites than ever before, which makes it essential to keep your site up to date.
• You can also connect with your customers through an occasional email that is clear, concise, and addresses their needs.
• Find ways that you can reach your customers through social media.

There’s no use in downplaying how challenging it is for non-essential small businesses right now. But if you commit to developing new strategies, embrace telecommuting, and foster your connection with customers, you will put your company in a position to thrive. And who knows, maybe you will find that you like some of the new ways your company does things.