Nothing like staying at home sipping your coffee, safe and comfortable, and getting to hear the pearls of wisdom live from the man himself- Colin Cowie! Last week, keeping the spirit of business alive and connecting the DWP family virtually, we launched the DWP Biz Edge Series, and the response was overwhelming. We had 300 attendees from 40 countries who attended the webinar. COVID-19 has delayed all our plans, but we don’t have to wait to share knowledge, encouragement, and support each other in these unprecedented times. Colin Cowie, a celebrated international wedding planner from the USA has shared a few valuable insights with us in the webinar, and here’s a summary of it. #inittogether
How To Survive This Unprecedented Time?
Reduce expenses immediately, don’t be shy – Talk to your landlord, bank, insurance agent, on lowering the cost. We are all in this together. Companies are very understanding in terms of collecting payments. They will rather make reductions than losing the client. Make alternative arrangements in terms of office space. Let go of things that are no longer required. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking for help.
The goal is to lengthen your runway as far as possible – Have enough cash reserves to keep your lights on and to make it on the other side. Several governments are offering aids to run the business and help with staff salaries. Make the most of it. The world is not over. Just be careful so that we can come back stronger and smarter.
Look for an opportunity for your business – Stay in touch with creative partners, vendors, and clients. Make the first phone call. It is more important than ever to be emotionally available for your clients. Together, you can plan something. Brainstorm ideas with your peers. Find pictures of some of the incredible times you’ve spent with them.
Look outside the industry- Think about the other areas you can contribute to. Now is the time to do the same thing in different ways. Be creative in doing the same thing in smaller ways. Although we might be earning a little less than before, it is more important that we stay alive. Creating virtual parties for clients and supporting them might be a great idea.
Come up with ideas for post-Corona business— Instigate faith in customers so that people can come back knowing we have done a great job and we have glamourized these incredible protocols and make it chic and fun like always.
How To Sustain During This Time?
Come back leaner – Be diligent and vigilant by reducing the expenditures. It is time to think about the new world that is going to be created when this pandemic is over. Make a sustainability strategy keeping in mind the post-COVID scenario.
Use this as an opportunity for a blank slate – Start thinking about what works for you and what doesn’t. When this is over, you might not need that big office space. The things that might look important to you right now, may not be important to you later.
Maximize productivity for your team – Remote working is the way now. Your team members may be scattered, but how to make the best out of them is what we need to think. We need to think about maximizing the productivity of the team. Keep them busy and productive; in this way, you can get more in less. The growth after this is going to be gradual and your team must be ready with handling the pressure.
Stay in touch with your customer – Use this as an opportunity to connect with your customers. When you have called them 5-6 times during the bad times, they will always remember you in their good times.
Start planning what your working environment looks like – We cannot expect the clients and staff to just come back to normal. We need to make sure it is safe and they are comfortable. It can be done by having flexible working hours or working from home 2 days a week. Desks can be 6feet apart and conference rooms should be sanitized. Do all possible things in your capacity to ensure a safe and healthy environment around you.
All Images Credit: @colincowielifestyle
