The emotional and economic survival plan for getting through the lockdown

A lot has changed since I wrote my last blog. The ripple effects of the coronavirus are hitting businesses of all sizes. At Icon we work predominantly with SMEs, companies that are just starting out and need marketing support but can’t afford to employ a member of staff. It is no surprise that over the last couple of months, times have been tough in terms of trading with many temporarily closing their doors.

So what position are you in? Are you a key worker? Furloughed member of staff? Working from home? Business owner? Or are you the small percentage of workers that can’t work from home? I was on an early morning walk this week and was surprised to pass the train station as a train pulled in. It reminded me that although I’m in my little bubble the wheels are quite literally still turning!

I, like so many, have found the lockdown quite challenging both mentally and economically. With no face to face meetings the new business leads I’d worked so hard to secure earlier this year have fallen to the wayside. I find myself thinking about what will be left of my business once lockdown is over. But for now, there’s not much space to worry as I have two kids at home who with the help of my husband, I am home-schooling.

This slowness of pace is alien to me I’ve always gravitated to fast paced roles and love to be in the company of my friends and family. I’m sure this aptitude is what drew me to a career in marketing. The PM’s speech last night offered a glimmer of hope that we’re moving to the right side of this pandemic so for now we need to continue doing what we’re doing keeping our family safe and happy. So, what can we do?

Relax

What did you do to relax pre-lockdown? A massage? Facial? Listening to or playing music. I used to do Yoga classes on a Wednesday morning. I love the floaty, care-free feeling it gives me and have being guilty of falling asleep during the relaxation at the end of the class on more than one occasion! So, for me I am gaining relaxation doing an early morning workout with Adrienne. Gardening has also been proven to reduce anxiety so why not get out there and make something beautiful that you can enjoy over the Summer months.

Eat Well

I must admit I made the banana bread that seems to have gripped the nation but it wasn’t for me. That said I have enjoyed spending more time cooking proper meals and interesting variations of the boys’ lunches which I am sure are still not a patch on their school dinners.

Tomato and Chickpea Bake

Read a book or magazine

I’ve bought a wide range of reading material from gardening magazines (they were giving away free seeds) to the trashier gossip magazines packed with celebrity non-stories that are my guilty pleasure. However, this week I came across a book I wish I’d bought many years ago its called ‘Mindfulness for Mums’. Bizarrely the author is Izzy Judd, a musician who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and was signed to Simon Cowells record label. The book offers techniques to deal with anxiety and funnily enough even reading the introduction made me feel instantly at ease.

Gain a new skill

A tricky one if you’ve got little people. In an ideal world I would be continuing with my Google AdWords training but that requires quiet something lacking in our household at the moment. For me its simpler things like trying out a new hairstyle or painting my nails. Two things that give me a feelgood boost. But it could be anything one of my closest friends has taken up knitting. I’m secretly hoping she’ll knit me a throw for the Winter months. So, have a think what have you always wanted to do play the piano? Write a book? The world is your oyster!

Lockdown hairstyle

Set a routine

I’m a planner, having a daily plan helps me get through what could otherwise be a very long day. I also like to set myself little tasks each day which I like to tick off and give myself a virtual pat on the back. It feels good to feel like you’ve achieved something each day no matter how small.

And Plan

Plan for the future, ‘brighter days will come’. I feel that once businesses do re-open a lot of the growth will be organic, I’m already dreading trying to get my eyebrows done as no doubt they’ll be fully booked for weeks! So, what can you do to plan? Make sure you have a team in place to deal with demand. Could you offer a re-opening package? Or even a party for your loyal customers. But whatever you do do not underestimate the surge in demand.

One thing is for sure after all of this we will have a much greater appreciation of our ‘normal’ life. Meeting friends for coffees, taking the kids to the park even going on holiday or quite simply going to work! But I also hope we have taken this opportunity to look at our lives and make some positive changes.

When this is all over I would love to meet with you to discuss how Icon can help your business reach its full potential you can drop me an email to kiesha@iconmarketingcommunications.co.uk

How marketing can help your business survive the Coronavirus

When news first reached us of a flu-like virus affecting residents in Wuhan, China I’ll be the first to admit that it didn’t immediately ring alarm bells. Fast-forward several weeks and the World Health Organisation have labelled it a ‘pandemic’. It feels more like something from a Hollywood blockbuster than real life.

You only need to see the empty shelves in most supermarkets to understand that at least some of the UK population are in a state of panic. Companies who can, are taking their employees out of the office environment and are allowing them to work from home. Some businesses where this is not feasible have made the difficult decision to close their doors for the foreseeable future.

Source: The Rex Facebook Page

But what does it all mean for your business? And how can you survive?

Typically, in times of financial crisis businesses cutback on their marketing activities however in this situation I think the opposite should be true. In this blog I will talk about some of the possible opportunities for your business and how to survive the Coronavirus outbreak.

1.      Be where your customers are

Whether your customers are self-isolating or working from home. There has never being a more important time to improve your digital offering. Is your website up-to-date? Are you effectively utilising social media? Have you communicated with your customers via email or text? We’re in uncertain times and this is a great opportunity to solidify brand loyalty by communicating effectively with your customers and providing reassurance.

2.      Turn a negative into a positive

The National Trust announced this week that they will be removing pay barriers from all their National Trust parks and Gardens. I’m not suggesting that you need to go to such great lengths but positive PR during this uncertain time could get you in front of a whole new audience. Smaller initiatives such as reaching out to the elderly and at-risk groups in your community could have a positive impact for your brand. Sainsbury’s and other retailers are offering to open their stores for the first hour exclusively to these two at risk groups. What steps could you take as a business to help the most vulnerable in society?

3.      Strength in numbers  

Now more than ever is a time to unite with other businesses who may be suffering. Manchester hospitality leaders have unified this week by launching the ‘pay it forward’ scheme to help support local restaurants and bars through the Coronavirus pandemic. The scheme encourages people to purchase discounted vouchers at participating restaurants during the run up to Easter which can be redeemed from May onwards. And for the added feelgood factor for each voucher purchased a charitable donation of £1 is also made to Hospitality Action. So, speak to your competitors and look at ways you can work together.

4.      And finally, don’t panic

This is an unprecedented situation and with so much uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus and its economical impact we must ‘keep calm and carry on’. The government have announced several measures to support businesses through this difficult time including £330bn in loans and £20bn in other aid. It’s important to remain positive and instil your consumers with confidence.

If you’re feeling concerned about the effects of Covid-19 on your business or are looking at ways to improve your digital presence why not give Kiesha at Icon Marketing Communications a call for an informal chat on 07979 940526.