The ongoing pandemic has been challenging in every aspect. Heath, both physical and mental, as well as finance and economy, all took a nosedive. But the pliant human nature and the zeal to sail through the toughest circumstances have kept afloat humanity and economy alike.
The economy is healing and so are the businesses. The worst seems to be over and businesses are gearing up to see a new market surge. But there is one question that looms impalpably over us- how to make sure our client relationships outlast the pandemic?
Here are a few pointers to help you find your own answers to the questions. They have helped several businesses and brands stay atop.
Draft special pandemic packages
Desperate times call for desperate measures. The pandemic has been unprecedented. So, why shouldn’t our measures to combat it be as unparalleled?
This is a unique opportunity to display your sharp business sense and fastidious approach towards achieving your goals. Draft special pandemic packages for your target customers to trigger their fear of missing out (FOMO) factor. Market these special pandemic packages with an enthusiastic conviction.
Be willing to do a bit extra
Yes, you have to walk an extra mile to let your clients know you care. This willingness to go the extra mile should be extended to every aspect of your business- client servicing, management, team spirit, and hard work. The management, employees, and clients- all need to feel the warm blanket of security.
Empathy is the only way
Of all the sublime challenges COVID-19 has posed, being emotionally and mentally overwhelmed is the most testing. People have lost their loved ones. Several have been handed the pink slip. Lockdowns, quarantine, and social distancing too have pushed all of us over the edge.
The only thing keeping all of us bound together is empathy. The comfort of human solidarity is unparalleled. Make sure your brand emotes empathy in every possible way, from marketing and communications to business decisions. Empathy is the only way forward.
Gear up for drastic changes in client demands
Be prepared to witness a flippant change in your clients’ demands. The pandemic has changed all of us irreversibly. You are going to experience this change in your client demands as well. Your usually open-to-risky-decisions clients would want to be on the safer side now. Accept the change and work around it.
Make your workforce future-ready
The pandemic will be long gone but the lessons should stay with us. Businesses that were ready for the virtual working environment have witnessed better results during this time. Do not make the mistake of thinking that this virtual style will be gone with the pandemic. The work-life balance needs to be at the center of employee welfare schemes if you want to keep your workforce motivated.
Make sure your workforce is future-ready by implementing a balanced work from the home approach. Have SOPs to increase the efficiency of virtual meetings. Set personal accountability for your employees. Emphasize results.
Ensure working from home doesn’t sacrifice productivity
It’s been 9 months since several of us have been working from home. And the most important lesson we have learned is that it is far too easy to let your personal and professional lives collide. The line gets very blurred especially when you are working from home.
It is time businesses ensure that the distinction is made. Take decisions and create procedures to ensure working from home isn’t sacrificing productivity. You will need to come up with special activities to keep your workforce motivated.
Humanize your processes and the company
There is nothing as unappealing and bleak as having dreary processes. Skip the banal tiresome formalities and humanize your processes. Your company policies and procedures should depict you care about the people you work with.
Be real: use real photographs and real employees/ clients in your messages. Embrace the relatable side of your company. That is the best way to win the trust of your clientele.
Pay attention to your worker’s mental and emotional health
One cannot stress this enough. Every company is as strong as its employees. If your workers are stressed and emotionally or mentally overwhelmed, it is going to affect your business. To get 100% from them, you have to give them your 100%.
Implement policies keeping your workers’ mental and emotional health at the center. Encourage social bonds through engaging activities. Having a dedicated mental health counselor visit once a week is a great way to show you care.
Have a safety financial blanket at all times
There is no use in digging up a well when the building is already on fire. You need to be ready with fire extinguishers before that. Every successful business has had its challenging times. A well-envisioned safety financial blanket is the ultimate thing that kept them afloat during this.
Make sure you have an emergency fund set up at all times for your business. Better safe than sorry.
Forego the thought of raking up your credit
Do not, I repeat DO NOT, rake up your credit during the pandemic. We are going through a historic unsettling time and the market is volatile. The decision you deem safe could fetch results you weren’t ready for. The last thing you want to end up with is a humongous pile of debt.
I hope the above pointers help you ensure your client relationships emerge out stronger than before. Summing this up with my favorite Steve Jobs’ quote:
“Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.”
Authored Article by Sudheen M, Founder of Crystal Hues Limited.
