Al Bhakta Discusses How Small Businesses Adapted to The Pandemic
No matter how often we hear about the latest coronavirus outbreak, says Al Bhakta of Plano, Texas, it remains a constant threat to small businesses. The pandemic has been going on for so long, most people have lost hope and don’t think they need to protect themselves or their businesses against this virus.
When the pandemic first broke out in 2020, small businesses were hit hard. Though many small businesses have closed their doors due to the virus, many have adapted and remained open for business. Given that plenty of people still need professional services from these companies, it is not surprising that they keep adapting to survive this pandemic.
Small Businesses owners have done many things to adapt and keep their business alive during the new normal.
Using Contactless Deliveries
By using contactless delivery, small business owners can meet their clients’ needs while reducing the risk of infection. There are also other services that small businesses provide that help them adapt, says Al Bhakta of Plano, TX, such as mobile office spaces for entrepreneurs who can’t work from home anymore or virus-proof clothing rental services. Even offering online services is a great way for small businesses to adapt.
Training Employees in New Skills
More and more small businesses are training their employees in new skills that can help them survive. For example, when many businesses went on lockdown, retail workers were retrained to provide online customer service. Small businesses must keep up with the times and continue adapting to stay afloat during all of this pandemic chaos.
Adopting New Revenue Streams
Small businesses owners have to constantly think of new ways to generate revenue, and adapting means making sure that they are constantly adapting their business strategy. Many companies have done things, says Al Bhakta, like changing production lines to produce in-demand items like hand sanitizer.
Improving Efficiency
After the pandemic hit, many small businesses owners knew they had to improve their efficiency or risk closing their doors for good. They have accomplished this by automating more processes and improving communication between all employees so that everyone knows what his job is during an outbreak.
Many small business owners can see opportunities in this chaotic world and adapt to become even stronger as a result.
Instituting New Safety Measures
It’s not surprising to see small businesses adapt when considering how many different kinds of viruses are still emerging. By instituting new safety measures, says Al Bhakta, small business owners can adapt their companies to the constantly changing world.
For example, some small businesses have started using antiviral drones that can help sanitize the environment in front of the business. Many companies have also installed Plexiglas barriers between staff and customers to reduce the risk of infection.
Adopting New Technology Processes
Small business owners are always looking at new technologies that can help them grow their businesses. For example, wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular in the small business community, especially for companies requiring high security or health services.
Many small business owners have also changed how they do their inventory to consider items that can be used to protect a company from virus threats.
Investment in Digital Tools
Small businesses are also looking at ways to invest in new digital tools that will help them adapt to the pandemic and improve their business processes. For example, management and employee apps can reduce the risk of virus exposure because they allow employees to communicate electronically instead of having face-to-face conversations which contain germs.
Many people are doing everything they can to survive the pandemic and improve their lives during this crisis. Small business owners are no exception, as many have taken on new tactics and strategies that serve them well during this new normal.
Keeping an Eye on the Competition
Small business owners have to watch their competition closely to know whether they are adapting effectively. Small businesses that have competitors adapting successfully will need to do the same if they want to stay competitive.
Survival of the fittest is a very real concept during this pandemic, and it’s not surprising to see small business owners adapt their business strategies to make sure they stay successful.
Negotiating with Vendors
Small business owners that can negotiate with their vendors can cut costs and reduce the risk of future pandemics. By negotiating with vendors, small businesses can adapt to changing market conditions and even get better deals on all kinds of services they need to stay afloat.
Creative Business Models
It’s not surprising to see small businesses innovate and create new business models. For example, many companies have gotten rid of their storefronts entirely and now operate exclusively online or from a smartphone. These kinds of creative business models help small businesses adapt to the changing world quickly and effectively.
By adapting their business models to include new technologies, small businesses can improve how they operate and survive a pandemic.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, small business owners need to adapt their businesses no matter what to stay afloat during this pandemic. Small businesses that can’t adapt or don’t know how to adapt will struggle and may even fail. That’s why it’s so important for small business owners to continue evolving to stay competitive during this chaotic pandemic.
Small businesses have been adapting since the beginning of the pandemic for the simple reason that staying the same means going under. The pandemic has forced us to think outside of our boxes, but small businesses are always looking outwards, which is why some can find new revenue streams while others remain stagnant. Nothing is stopping small businesses from continuing to do what they do best — adapt!
