The Coronavirus is causing financial difficulties all over the United States. Isn’t the “19” part of COVID stands for the year 2019? Well it needs to get the heck out of here because it’s a new year…a new decade. Businesses have been forced indoors to deal with the current crisis. It is affecting small businesses in dramatic ways. As the situation evolves, small business owners are unsure of how to best protect their employees and clients. Moving forward, owners are trying to mitigate risks as much as possible. They have been faced with the decision: adapt or shut down. Covert Results has been faced with the same dilemma. We have chosen to adapt and have compiled a list of a few way we have kept up during COVID-19.
Business owners need to think about their whole company, looking at the big picture and being realistic about long term growth. But, don’t get caught up in all the negative. Focus on comfort and compassion. Make sure you are communicating often with employees, contractors, clients, and customers. Lucky for you, as a business owner and leader, it is 2020 and technology is on your side. Reach into your toolbox and pull out some of those resources like Marco Polo, Zoom, and FaceTime. A video chat app or a face to face meeting over your laptop can go a long way. Heck, you can at least pick up the phone and give that person a call. People will remember how they were treated during this pandemic, so be nice!
Most companies live and die by their employees; they provide the largest income and largest expense. No one likes lay-offs and you need to make sure you can sustain through this crisis with everyone on your payroll. Keeping everyone on board can be a big help to ensure your current workflow. For those that do not need to downsize or apply for a loan, still be ready to adapt. Right now, that mainly means transitioning your employees to work remote. Working remotely can prove to be difficult for those that have never done it but it can be made easier. Business owners need to make sure the right equipment is provided. Having the necessary tools will help keep up your company’s normal production.
Since many businesses are being forced to slow down, this could be an opportunity for your workers to get the additional training they may need. This could be an opportunity to utilize continuing education classes or workshops. Another way to keep your employees on track is to set up your expectations for work at home. Make sure you, as the leader, communicate and make yourself available to all personnel. This could be done by morning and afternoon calls with the team or individual calls to better manage workers based on their specific needs. Helping your workers know you’re trying to meet their needs to work remotely could drive their productivity. Checking in can also show you how much and what type of work everyone is doing and if you’re wasting time or money on certain tasks being performed. Having clear cut expectations, such as prioritizing tasks, will keep everyone track. Another way to get the most of this time, is to finish the projects that may have been on the backburner. These are tasks that may require extra time but not extra dollars. Organization of certain files or programs, scanning documents to become paperless, or even putting together new projects could be an efficient way to continue being productive. Set goals for 2020. Don’t let this virus get you down.
If you are a business owner then I am certain you have heard of the CARES Act and you have researched about the EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) or the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans. There is lots of confusion surrounding these types of loans. Covert Results took our own advice and utilized Zoom meetings with other business owners to learn more about these loan options. When we had additional questions that could not be answered by talking with others in the business community, a simple phone call to the SBA did the trick. You won’t believe it, but it only took 3 minutes for an SBA representative to answer the phone. The phone number is 1-800-659-2955. As we write this blog, things are changing. Do your research and talk to industry leaders and expert for the correct answers.
Just because this is a hard time does not mean your business has to completely suffer. These are just a few ways to cut costs, support your employees and promote productivity. All of these are essential to keep up the work for when the pandemic comes to an end. At Covert Results, we are excited to set goals and talk about the near future, as we plan to come out on top of this virus, all while maintaining our employees and independent contractors. If you or your business find yourself asking about private investigations, professional armed security or handgun training please email, call, or visit our website. contact@covertresults.com 615-861-1680 Covertresults.com
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