When the going gets tough, the tough get agile
We have spoken many times here about the importance of being flexible and adaptable as this pandemic continues to hit small business hard. That has never been more important than it is right now.
Once again we are facing another set of changed circumstances to try and fight this deadly virus, and many small businesses are set to take a big hit when the new changes begin at midnight tonight.
There’s no doubt that it is going to be a tough time.
I spoke to a real estate agent that is no longer going to be putting up boards or printing flyers and is operating by video appointment only.
There are the lawn and garden maintenance guys who can no longer go out and do their job and are trying to negotiate deals with local councils, and mechanics who will now have to go and pick up a car themselves, sanitise it, drive it back to the workshops, fix it, santise it again, and drive it back to the client.
It is a crazy time indeed, but it’s important for businesses in other states to understand this and the impact that Victoria’s restrictions could have on their own businesses.
There is the ripple effect on businesses in other states that rely on Victorians as suppliers or contractors, or who use Melbourne’s ports to transport goods. There will be a bottleneck at the Melbourne end, so businesses in other states will have to remain patient and plan accordingly when dealing with ports or Victorian suppliers.
It has never been more important to have a strong online presence, and to do whatever you can to ensure you are visible and active in that space.
Whether it’s your take-away food at the local cafe, video consultancy, or online fitness classes, the reality is that many businesses could have to operate this way longer than the six weeks if the virus numbers don’t fall quick enough.
The ATO this week promoted a series of webinars that they are running to help businesses think their way through this, and I’d recommend taking a look.
They cover everything from digital options for your business, to cash flow management and record keeping, and even starting a new business.
Much like all the different grants and stimulus packages that have been made available in recent months, take whatever help you can get for your business and help it survive this terrible time.