Keeping Your Business Healthy During the COVID-19 Crisis

A successful company knows how to shift priorities at anytime, in order to stay ahead of a crisis. In an unstable world where anything can happen, being prepared for something as small as the loss of an employee, to a National Disaster causing large losses in company income or shutdown, takes careful planning in order to keep risk and financial damage to a minimum.  No one could have predicted that COVID-19 would happen, but having certain Policies & Procedures in place, can help you ride the wave, until the nation returns to normal business again. 

As someone you who operated a 6 figure company for over 13 years, through challenging ups and downs, the ability to cohesively jog left and right from Plan A to Plan B has kept us staying in the game.

1.  Company Policies – Make sure you have written company policies on how you handle emergencies, from the loss of a key employee, to natural & national disasters, medical procedures, etc.  Make sure all employees are cross trained in various positions within the organization, in order to place staff in emergency positions when needed, for the financial protection of the company. Staff members who are quarantined can be utilized for work from home administrative projects such as contracts, sales calls, etc.
2. Communication – Keep that all important trust with your clients and communicate how your company will operate during the COVID-19 crisis with regards to its employees, and how you will be, or not be conducting services. Being proactive on how your company will operate during a crisis, shows a level of professionalism and excellence they will remember long after the crisis is over.  Happy Client = Happy Life
3. Additional Staff – If you need additional staff members during the COVID-19 crisis, remember there are hundreds of workers being laid off that welcome temporary employment you may have. Also consider College Students who are home from school and are studying web design or other specialties that may be of help to you.
4. Plan B procedures – If your business conducts on site services, now is the time to shift to Plan B and take care of your clients remotely. Having knowledge and instruction on how to conduct remote services, BEFORE a crisis strikes can be the glue that holds your company together.  Think like a Girl Scout and Always Be Prepared. You do not have to be an expert at everything you do, but knowing you have Plan B and Plan C services to offer your clients that relate to your business model, can mean the difference between seamless success and financial loss.Services like remote Staging & Color Consultations are good when on site services cannot be fulfilled.  Remember that these services can be done in conjunction with your current business, but then shifted to a priority service whenever needed. Never put all your eggs in 1 basket. Diversify in moderation for best financial success.
5. Stretching Dollars – Purchasing additional inventory may be physically impossible with low stock levels by vendors. Try to make your current inventory stretch further by not installing as much “filler furniture” as you normally would for your staging installations without sacrificing the look needed for the success of a home. For example use only 4 DR chairs when possible instead of 6, less décor, etc.
6. Save future clients – Never lose a future customer, because of something happening today. Don’t let a customer cancel or walk away because of fears. Offer them preferential future scheduling and/or execution of their service needs with a VIP pre-paid reservation. Customers know they will receive preferred treatment once business resumes normal activity again, and you have a pre-paid or upfront deposit contract to ensure that business will continue, once the crisis passes.Remember there are no guarantees in life or in business, but being prepared for when disaster or even small emergencies strike, is the key to keeping any business healthy and strong during difficult times.

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Patricia Marie Kelly

RESA Member & Owner at Marie Kelly Unlimited

Patricia Marie Kelly has been described as a goal oriented visionary. Her passion and unique vision to see what others cannot, has helped thousands of Chicago area Homeowners, create beautiful homes with warmth and style.

When Patricia created Marie Kelly Unlimited in 2007 she wanted more than just another Staging and Design company. Patricia wanted a company that would truly help change the lives of every homeowner she serviced, with her experience and knowledge. Armed with a multitude of Industry Certifications, along with experience in Commercial Photography, Remodeling, Residential Construction, and more, Patricia wanted a company that was based on Service Excellence and attention to detail, in order to maximize success and the unique character, for every home she touched.

Today Marie Kelly Unlimited is the fastest growing Home Enhancement Company in Northern Illinois, and a Nationally recognized and awarded leader in the Home Staging & Design Industry, earning numerous Industry Awards, National News Coverage, and Customer testimonials, for their outstanding service and customer focused excellence since 2007.

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• Keeping Your Business Healthy During the COVID-19 Crisis - March 24, 2020