For small business owners especially, the past few months have been scary. You have had to temporarily close your business or at least make major adjustments for any business that you have been able to continue. Sales have been down, and staff has been lost or at least temporarily away. Pouring your heart and blood, sweat, and tears into your business is nothing new. But this time brought different stress and heartache that most had never even imagined.
Most business owners should be commended for their resilience and creativity. It has been impressive to see how many of you have adjusted your business model to still provide your services and sales. We are reminded just how important you are to our community and how important that we, as customers, are to you.
Most realize that things will not automatically bounce back to how things were prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. It will take some time to ease back into a new norm. The transition may be gradual but one that most welcome and are ready for.
As you prepare to re-open your business, there are some steps that you can take to ensure the safety of your staff and customers.
Take time to examine your physical location. Use this time to make any repairs that you might have delayed. If you have done renovations or made changes during the shutdown, make sure to contact your insurance agent to review and make any necessary policy adjustments relating to those changes or updates.
Review your inventory. The final days of the shutdown are a good time to review and make sure that your inventory is documented. Make sure that your business personal property limit on your insurance policy is adequate for your contents.
Test your alarm and security protocols. It is a good time to review your security procedures with all staff and make sure that you have a plan in place to protect your employees and customers.
Implement new health safety standards and protocols. Review cleaning procedures if you have not already done so and make sure that you are taking all necessary steps to keep your business clean and sanitary. Identify ways that you and your staff can take precautions to keep your customers healthy but also to ensure your own health and wellness. Some businesses may now have all employees wear gloves and masks. Other businesses may also ask customers to take this precaution. Employee should NOT come into work if they are not feeling well.
Put your new safety measures in writing. Make sure that staff have been presented with the information. It may also be a good idea to post any new protocols to social media or on your door so that customers are aware.
As we ease back into life, it is important to remain vigilant both from a health standpoint and a business standpoint. Be patient and be understanding. Not everyone will share the same opinion and that is okay. One thing we can all agree on is that our community small businesses are the best! You are valued and appreciated more than you know. We will continue to support you and look forward to seeing you soon!