We never intend to tell you what to do or how to do it. Our goal is to explore ideas and challenge you with questions that may inspire you to think about what you should or should not do or explore.

One of the questions we’ve heard repeatedly over the last few weeks is, “Can I start doing business during this pandemic?” While many have already shifted to the new business model we’ve discussed in the past weeks, others are thinking and rethinking how to promote their business to new prospects and clients.

The key - today more than ever - is the messaging. How you choose to communicate what your business is or does, right down to the single words you use, is critical.

Using an old flyer to say, “Buy Now!” may work for some, while others need to reconfigure why buying now is relevant or important to the customer.

Think about what you can do to engage your employees and customers in a meaningful way.

It might mean signs on your door or website that indicate “We’re Open!” or “Temporary New Hours” or as most grocery stores are doing, indicating special hours restricted to those 60+ years of age or with compromised immune systems.

We’ve seen many businesses highlighting what they are doing to ensure their customers and employees feel safe. They are sharing videos of measures taken to make sure their employees are “socially distanced” or that nothing is touched unless it is sanitized, and everything is protected from any potential contact with the virus.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What messages are you using to communicate with the world outside your door?

2. What are you doing now to keep your current customers engaged?

3. What are you doing now to encourage prospective or new customers to become engaged?