May 27, 2020

It goes without saying that COVID-19 has drastically changed the way we do business. While some businesses (like my own) have been able to continue running as close to normal as possible (thankfully), others have sadly not been as lucky. As we all continue to do what we can to stay upbeat I thought it might be beneficial to go over some of the positive outcomes I’ve experienced over the last 8-10 weeks.

Clients Continuing Contracts Despite COVID-19

When initial COVID-19 closures were first announced in mid-March I reached out to each of my clients and provided them several options to either scale back campaigns, pause campaigns or cancel campaigns all together. I waived my typical 30 days notice of cancellation for any clients who wished to do so and held off on any further invoicing. Understandably, many clients decided to pause campaigns to a later date. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to have several clients decide to continue their monthly campaigns despite the economic slowdown, just to help my business during this difficult time.

Previously Delayed Projects Being Completed

Developing content for a website is no easy task, it takes thought, creativity and most importantly time. If you’re a business owner, you know finding time to work on tasks that may not be a priority can be difficult – and writing website content is rarely priority #1 in any given week. Another positive to come from COVID-19 was that it gave everyone a little more time to complete tasks that they previously may not have had time to complete. In late March, April and May, I was able to launch several website projects because my clients were able to find the time to develop the content needed to launch. A few of those projects included: Parson & Associates, Ag-Tronic Control Systems, Kyber Columbarium & Consulting and Good Shepherd Lutheran Christian Daycare

Creativity of Local Small Businesses

One thing that has been truly inspiring is all the different ways small businesses in Windsor-Essex have pivoted or slightly changed their business model to continue to earn income. Whether it was a decision to temporarily move to e-commerce (For Your Fur Kids); offer home delivery or curbside pickup (Dan’s Nautical Shop); or simply move from a bed and breakfast to takeout (Iron Kettle); many businesses made changes to continue to be successful. Other creative ideas included social media campaigns such as: #TakeOutTuesday, #WineOrderWednesday and #FillUpFriday where customers were able to support various local restaurants, wineries and breweries by purchasing their favourite food and drink items on those days.

Community Support of Local Small Businesses

Speaking of customers supporting local businesses – it’s been incredible to see the response #YQG’ers have had to the #BuyLocal campaigns. While I did my best to stay off my personal social media feeds throughout COVID-19, the few times I did go on, I was floored by the amount of people sharing photos of food, drink, products and services they were purchasing from local shops. The support local movement wasn’t reserved simply for businesses, people were engaged in supporting local charities as well. Right now, you can support the United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County by purchasing a #YQGStandsStrong t-shirt created by local shop BB Branded. For every shirt sold, $5 will be donated to the WE COVID Cares Coalition operated by the United Way.

Downtime to Regroup, Reassess and Develop Plans

As frustrating, nerve-racking and scary as the COVID-19 work stoppages have been, the downtime from the day to day hustle of work life could be used as the perfect opportunity to regroup, reassess and develop a plan going forward. I’ve personally taken some time to go over everything from 2019 including: accounting, target clients, competitors and new business to see where things could improve. I can say for certain this wasn’t something I had the time to do in 2018 or 2017 so I’m definitely counting this (hopefully) short down time as a blessing in that respect.