{"id":10802,"date":"2020-08-20T17:50:49","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T17:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jboitnott.com\/?p=10802"},"modified":"2020-08-22T18:39:58","modified_gmt":"2020-08-22T18:39:58","slug":"keep-these-7-strategies-in-mind-as-you-reopen-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jboitnott.com\/zh\/keep-these-7-strategies-in-mind-as-you-reopen-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep These 7 Strategies in Mind as You Reopen Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

The current health crisis has created a feeling of whiplash for thousands of business owners across the U.S. Some quickly sought to reopen business, but a resurgence in the crisis meant many had to slow or stop, operations again.<\/p>\n

No matter your individual business situation, if you\u2019re set on staying open long term, it\u2019s time to develop plans to keep the doors\u00a0open as effectively and consistently as possible. However, this will mean navigating some challenges and possibly rethinking how your company\u00a0operates, especially early on. Keep the following strategies in mind.<\/p>\n

1. Get creative with limitations to reopen business<\/h2>\n

As states stop and start reopening over the course of the coming months, businesses will face limitations. Flexibility and creativity will be vital when getting your business started or restarted.<\/p>\n

Before you begin \u00a0envisioning your soft opening<\/a>, check your state\u2019s regulations. Certain activities, like allowing staff to return to stores to fulfill orders, or permitting limited numbers of customers within the building, might\u00a0be allowed. But\u00a0those activities might\u00a0also be paired with restrictions and requirements that you\u2019ll need to follow. The\u00a0<\/a>U.S. Chamber of Commerce\u2019s\u00a0reopening guidance<\/a>\u00a0makes it easy to access your state\u2019s timelines and reopening information.<\/p>\n

Once you know your state\u2019s requirements, have a brainstorming session with your leadership staff to create a plan that lets you follow those requirements. Be sure to check your state\u2019s website frequently or sign up for email updates and alerts so that you\u2019re aware if conditions change.<\/p>\n

2. Define your vision to reopen business<\/h2>\n

When it\u2019s time to start or restart operating again, your business might\u00a0look vastly different than it did before the health crisis. You may need to offer limited services or products to save money, or it may be wise to pivot and restructure your company significantly. Reassess your business with the current economic climate and your local customers in mind.<\/p>\n

As you develop a vision for your business, you may need to\u00a0write a new business plan<\/a>. You\u2019ll rely on that new plan for guidance as you plan your reopening and your business\u2019 development afterward.<\/p>\n

3. Openly communicate with employees when you reopen business<\/h2>\n

While you might\u00a0not yet have a definite date for your soft open, you\u2019ll still need to communicate openly \u2013 and frequently \u2013 with your employees. If your team members have been laid off, it\u2019s time to check in with them and describe, as best as you can, what you can offer them in terms of hours, positions\u00a0and pay. Ask your workers both now and closer to your launch if they are planning on returning to their jobs.<\/p>\n

Be prepared to learn that some employees might\u00a0be unable or unready to return to work. Some might\u00a0not yet feel safe, while others may be facing new challenges of having to care for children who are out of school. Workers who receive lower pay might\u00a0have been making more on unemployment because of the $600 per week federal\u00a0unemployment add-on<\/a>. That may or may not continue on into the future. Be prepared to act quickly to fill staff vacancies.<\/p>\n

4. Do a social distancing check as you reopen business<\/h2>\n

Depending on your business, one of the most significant challenges in preparing for a reopening may be\u00a0implementing social distancing<\/a>. This is the time to start designing your business practices with social distancing measures in mind. Making some changes can help to keep your customers and staff safer:<\/p>\n