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Covid-19 has touched every business big and small from the east to the west. As each state begins to reopen, many businesses will be facing hard times. We as small business owners know this better than anyone! I have decided to put together this short guide to reopening your business as we all need to prepare for the “new normal”.

1.Research

Before you can do anything you must know the restrictions and requirements in your area. Can you do a full re-opening, curbside pick up, or do you have to wait a little longer to open back up? Beyond just requirements, you will want to find out the best safety practices for your business. Here are some good resources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Guidelines for Opening Up America Again
  • Coronavirus.gov
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce State-by-State Business Reopening Guidance
  • Your County’s websites

2. Employees First

It is important to remember that employee safety is just as important as customer safety. Make sure all employees (and you) all have proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before you open. Social distancing: Consider how your current workspace can be reconfigured to encourage social distancing if telework is not possible. The CDC recommends installing physical barriers, changing layouts to put at least six feet of distance between work stations, closing communal spaces, staggering shifts and breaks, and refraining from large events. Know how to monitor your employee’s health, you will need to develop a plan for monitoring your employee’s COVID-19 symptoms. You will also need a plan of action if you find out one of your employee’s tests positive.

3. COVID-19 Business Planning

So we have made plans for everything surrounding the virus but what about the business end? The next step is to create a plan of action for your business development during the COVID-19 era. Some important things to think about:

  • Laying out a new budget
  • Expenses
  • Keeping Products on the shelf
  • Adjustings service for COVID-19 era
  • Decreased revenue

4. Keep Everyone Updated

It is important to keep your customer, employees, vendors, and business partners all on the same page. Make sure everyone knows and follows the new guidelines.

Employees: Make sure to explain the new rules possibly in a staff meeting or through email.

Customers: Be sure to put up signs outside and throughout your store to keep customers informed on your new regulations. If you have a rewards club or email list send out an email letting people know about your new regulations.

5. Implement New Strategies

Implement all your new strategies. Get feedback from your employees and customers. You need to look at what is working and is not working. Keep updated on all the CDC, state, and county regulations.

6. Adapt and adjust

Be ready to adapt and just your strategy review what worked and didn’t work and all new regulations. Anticipate the changes that need to be made. Make sure o communicate new changes an update everyone routinely. This is a good opportunity for a weekly newsletter.

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