COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, and it appears more shutdowns will be on the horizon.

What can you do to not only survive more shutdowns as a small business but thrive? In this episode of ACC-TV, learn the marketing and business tips to ignite your sales and profits regardless of what COVID throws at us.

#1 Create new streams of revenue.

You may be saying to yourself, we sell food – what do you mean to create new streams of revenue? In this week’s episode, I give several examples of ways to do this. But think outside the box – how can you still serve as many people even if they can’t sit in your restaurant.  25% capacity is challenging for everyone. The good news, we are all in the same boat. But, that also means you have to have your game face on or be left behind.

If you haven’t signed up with several food delivery options, you have one of two choices – you can either sign up with them or find another way to offer delivery.  The main element that is different this time around is that this time of year is typically colder, people won’t want to wander outside of their homes as often and you have to be ready to deliver not only your goodies but excellent customer service.  People are stressed out and they want to be dining out – whatever you can do to deliver that similar experience will put you miles ahead of your competitors.

Last but not least, what you can give to your customer base that they haven’t asked for yet? Packaged meals? Dinner club? Your specialty pies, desserts, or appetizers?

#2 Reconfigure Your Employee Roles

Your employees know that times are difficult.  In most cases, they would rather stay working than be unemployed.  How can you plug in their unique skill sets into the world’s new way of dining out?  Maybe you have a teenager who loves to drive (which teen doesn’t) and they could take on deliveries for you.  Maybe you need help with your social media and getting on Tik Tok or Instagram and Sally is awesome at taking amazing pictures and getting her audience on board – put her in charge of social media.

The key is using who you have, those who know your business, and letting them step into the role that they were made for so that you can keep moving forward.

#3 Optimize Your Customers Online Ordering Experience

Online ordering is NOT optional at this point.  Read that again.

If you have not optimized your menu, your ordering system and you make it hard to do so – you won’t be here at the end of this.

That’s some tough love. But your customers can order online from nearly anywhere. If you aren’t stepping up to the plate with the online ordering component, they will simply go somewhere else.  The easier you can make their experience the better it will be.

What’s even better is personalizing their experience by remembering their previous order or offering them an incentive to up their order amount.  Like, get dessert for $1 with your $50 order.

I can’t stress this one enough.  If you are relying on people calling you on the phone to place their order, you are in trouble. I made this video showing how to set up your online menu on Square for free.  There are many other options out there, but this would at least get you started.

To find out the bonus tip – tune into this week’s video you can check it out here.

Want to talk about this episode? 

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