Your Total Guide To Business

My Strategy For Surviving Coronavirus

By Lis McDermott, Author and Writing Mentor. Lis supports people to express themselves through words: writing books; blogs; web copy; and social media copy. She has also published seven books including two poetry books and a book about her life with her husband Conrad called Mixed Feelings. Lis lives in Royal Wootton Bassett.

When did you realise the Coronavirus could be a problem for you and your business?

As other businesses realised that they couldn’t continue their business due to lockdown, and also as many are not earning the amount they expected to. They also don’t want to have to spend out on other work.

Gradually though, some people have understood the importance of being visible online and some need help to write their stories so some work is trickling back.

What has been your plan to continue?

I’ve been trying to remain visible on social media and have kept in contact with clients who have had to cancel due to the virus. They have all asked me to contact them when things are back to normal.

Visibility is key and I've taken PR opportunities as they've come along and I've worked to inspire others by writing poetry and sharing my thoughts encouraging them to do the same.

What positive behaviours have you seen in business since lockdown?

The support that people are giving each other in both practical, and monetary terms ie. offering discounted work, standing by their suppliers where they can.

The business community has become just that, a supportive community, pulling together to help us all through this time.

What advice would you give to other business owners?

If you are eligible for any funding go for it, however difficult it might seem. Talk to business friends when you are struggling, don’t keep it to yourself, others will see things with a fresh eye.

Get rid of any payments that you don’t need, such as online subscriptions or things that are not essential. However, think carefully if by doing so you are affecting another small business. First, talk to them and ask if you can keep paying, but a lower amount for a couple of months.

I don't qualify for any funding myself so I've gone through this exercise and I'm grateful to any client who is able to offer me work during this period. I'll keep on writing too!

What can we do to help each other?

Share each other’s social media posts when we see them.

If we need to buy something make your first thought local providers, and people in your business community before looking further afield. Recommend other local businesses (that you trust) when you see requests for recommendations.

Be there; at the end of a phone, to video chat and just support each other.

Your parting thought?

Work at keeping positive; focusing on the negatives of this situation will pull you down. Focus on the people you care for, and your own health, and you’ll be strong and ready to carry on when this is over.

For more information visit www.LisMcDermottAuthor.co.uk

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