5 tips to pivot your business for a looming second lockdown

As a second lockdown hangs above our head, we’re all thinking about what steps to take to adapt to the new normal. Businesses take every step necessary to keep afloat by moving to e-commerce, changing their business strategy and offering new services.

Mike Jordan, CEO of Summit Defence, has put together five tips to help your business not only survive, but thrive.

1. Reconsider your business model

A solid strategy is the foundation for each business to be fruitful, yet in the midst of COVID-19 it is of much more noteworthy centrality to know precisely what will keep your clients returning regardless of what the pandemic brings us. Have a critical look at your product and clientele. Engage with your target audience both online and offline to find out what they need and value and adjust accordingly. Running a business is about solving problems. Pinpoint the ‘problem’ your clients have and how you can offer them a pandemic-proof solution.

2. Innovate

Adapt your products, services and business to the changes we are subjected to without losing your flair as a company. Utilise what you already have established in a creative manner. What aspects of your business or products could be slightly changed to provide important merchandise or services to provide national aid? Look for gaps in the market and how your business can play into this whilst improving in order to overcome.

3. Provide customer safety

The main reason many businesses are forced to close their doors or send their staff packing is because their inability to provide a safe work space. If you have no choice but to keep the physical location of your business open whilst welcoming customers in person, you should assess where the risks lie in your business and in order to protect both yourself, your staff and your customers whilst staying open as long as possible. Ideas such as a hands-free checkout, ensuring social distancing, installing safety screens and clear communication about the rules to both staff and clients. If people are ensured about a safe environment, they will return regardless of what happens. 

4. No lost battle

First and foremost, don’t accept defeat, sit back and let it all happen. Be proactive! Having to change doesn’t equal failure. Change can bring a lot of positive things, so aim to both preserve and improve your brand. Take on the challenge and let your business thrive with a fresh start.

5. It’s 2020, join the internet revolution

Now that we are this far into the digital age, it is unacceptable to not utilise the big advantages the web can give your business. A strong online identity has always been important, but even more so when millions of people are confined to their homes. How can your business keep running and provide it’s products and services over the internet? Open a shop online, deliver goods and services to people at home or shift to a streaming service. The internet is the first place people will look for what they need, especially with many of us working from home. Your online presence can also be a great tool to keep your target audience informed about any changes, promotions and opening times.

Mike Jordan, Managing Director at Summit Defence has over 30 years in the plastics industry, running a business since 1990. Recently he’s designed a unique flexible protective screen in light of the COVID crisis, producing and delivering thousands of screens to the NHS, schools, clubs and offices across the UK.