How to Plan a Business Launch Amid COVID-19

Surely your business plan did not include launching your small business amid the worldwide chaos that is COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean you need to put it off until everything settles down a bit. Here are a few tips and tricks you can employ to ensure your business launch goes as seamlessly as possible during this time of uncertainty.

By now you’ve probably heard of the videoconferencing app/website, Zoom, which has gained quite a bit of popularity in recent weeks. This easy to use app is the perfect solution for all the meetings with clients, coworkers, and employees you’d have to cancel otherwise.

It may take some getting used to, but everyone should catch on to the ins and outs of video conferencing etiquette. Zoom makes it easy for everyone to be heard when speaking by way of their mute button, where users can mute themselves when not speaking.

If you’re worried that some of the content discussed in the meeting may not have been understood or remembered, you also have the option to record the meeting so everyone involved can go back and rewatch if needed.

Keep workers safe and employed.

Unfortunately, there are some instances when team members will not be able to work from home, like warehouse workers, administration, or maintenance, but it’s still your duty to keep these employees as safe as possible.

In this case, it’s your responsibility to keep as many people out of the workplace as possible, limiting it only to those who have no other choice, and providing them with safety equipment, like gloves, masks, and cleaning supplies.

It’s no secret that many people are being laid off or losing their jobs at this time due to the current work conditions, so to keep as many employees in their jobs as possible, it’s imperative that you keep up to date with what services and products people are still buying.

Many bigger businesses and companies have been able to modify their business model to better accommodate the greater needs of the general public, and you may want to consider following their lead.

 

Provide employees with access to good wi-fi.

When working from home, you may need to provide your employees with a wireless network and reliable internet connection to ensure they’re able to work efficiently from home. As you’ve probably guessed, doling out equipment can quickly add up, but a quick search of “routers for sale” pulls up a lengthy list of affordable options perfectly suited for working from home.

Working from home can prove to be challenging, as having wi-fi access and little to no supervision can make it easy to stray away from the task at hand. By making your goal objectives and key results clear from the beginning, your team will have a better idea as to what is expected of them while working under these unusual circumstances.

 

 

Launching a business during this time may cause your team members to have some feeling of uncertainty, confusion, or doubt. Making yourself easily accessible during this time may help to relieve some of their uneasiness.

It may be helpful, and maintain some sense of normalcy, if you continue to follow previously established business hours. This way, you won’t be receiving calls and texts with work questions at all hours of the night, and your employees will be able to maintain their usual work-life balance.

We understand that the current state of the world isn’t ideal for launching a new career endeavor, but there are steps you can take to maximize the future success of your business. Take time to figure out what is best for your business and team, but most importantly, stay home and stay safe.