Breathe.
This is an incredibly stressful time for everyone. Whether you are a business owner, salesperson, advertising pro or work-a-day Joe/Jane, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re feeling that way, take 30 seconds, close your eyes and breathe deeply. And know, we’re all in this together.
Now for your weekly marketing tip. If you’re working from home, now is the the time to leverage social media and web apps to connect with customers and potential customers. Even if your business can’t help them now, you want to stay in touch, so they think of you when you can help them. If you have an essential business, leverage online resources to let people know.
Easily said, but how do you do it? Here are some tips:
- Offer assistance to your neighbors and your community networks. All of us have a talent we can offer. If you’re a handyman, you can help people troubleshoot issues over the phone or video. If you’re a restaurant owner, offer meal prep tips or share the most popular entree recipes (don’t worry, no one can make it as good as your team).
- Share your expertise on Facebook (on your profile and via groups), Twitter, LinkedIn, NextDoor, Houzz or wherever is relevant for your business. Note, this isn’t selling – it’s just being helpful. Call it good karma, paying it forward or being a good neighbor — people will remember.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some of the best messages we’ve seen recently have been from business owners making heartfelt asks as they try to keep the doors open. From the automotive repair shop creating a simple video to let people know they are open and supporting 24 employee families, to the independent sales rep asking people to consider her products when making buying decisions, it doesn’t hurt to ask. As the old sales adage goes, “if you don’t ask, the answer is no.”
This approach isn’t a guarantee of success, but the techniques will be familiar to any successful salesperson. And we all need every advantage in our businesses, now more than ever.
