These are weird times. I’ve tried to come up with a better descriptor, but this seems to be the one I keep landing on. This is one of those pivotal occasions where life as we know it will be irrevocably different when we rise from our current circumstances.
Change is often unexpected. It may not always be accompanied by an outcome we desire, but the reality is, it is the catalyst that keeps moving us forward for better or worse.
What does this mean for you?
It means that business is not as usual.
“We’ve always done it this way” no longer applies.
In our case, it means we are no longer working in the office.
We are incredibly lucky that our line of work is supported by an infrastructure where we are able to adapt quickly and continue to serve our clients from our homes.
Every one of us is discovering a new way to live, work and spend time together while staying apart. Our team is no different. We might be working in our pjs, but rest assured that we are working with the same diligence, efficiency and focus as always.
Now, let’s talk about you, our clients.
Like us, you’ve needed to adapt.
Events have been cancelled.
Deadlines pushed back.
Revenue streams have dried up.
Priorities have shifted.
We’re now a few weeks into this global reconstruction, which has given us the opportunity to identify the trends and opportunities available to our clients, and come up with unique game plans for each individual situation. Just because you’re self-isolating, doesn’t mean your marketing should be!
In fact, many studies show that investing in marketing during times of economic downturn can actually position your business for growth in the long term.
I know what you’re thinking:
“My employees depend on me for a paycheck.”
“Our supply chain is being disrupted.”
“We can’t practice social distancing and still complete our responsibilities.”
“We can’t sell to customers that are struggling too. Can we?”
All valid points.
Let me ask you this. What is the driving force behind the success of your business?
Your customers.
If you disappear from your customers’ minds right now, who is going to be there when things begin to turn around?
So now is the time to do the ultimate reset. The real work of reaching out and re-engaging begins.
It’s not going to be the same. In fact, in some cases your approach might be very different. Maybe the focus shifts from sales to building brand loyalty. Or maybe you’re able to re-purpose for a different market that is struggling to meet consumer demand.
There is a way forward, and we’re here to help find it.
We’re constantly monitoring the change in consumer behaviour as the social norm reconfigures and society at large leans even more heavily on digital means to stay connected.
Our goal is to provide ongoing guidance and support as we approach the shift in the digital landscape.
Where do we begin?
The straightforward answer is communication. Deciding who you’re speaking to, what you’re trying to achieve and where you’re distributing the information. That foundation has not changed, but the who, what and where answers might have.
Over the next few weeks on the blog, we will be examining a number of budget friendly strategies,focusing on topics such as how to reset your marketing plan, engaging with the new social norm, and employee communication strategies.
Until then, enjoy a showcase of stories from Stealth and the Saskatoon community!
STEALTH STAYS HOME
Each week we will be featuring a Stealth team member as they share their work-from home tips and tricks.
This week, I thought I’d start the team off easy and feature myself. My name is Gillian, and I am one of STEALTH’s resident copywriters. I am also STEALTH’s only team member not based in Saskatoon, so I was already living the work-from-home life prior to adjusting to our current work circumstances. Working from home is an adjustment and I often tell people it takes a lot of discipline to stay motivated to get work done, because let’s be honest – I’d rather be hugging my dogs all the time. Here are some of the strategies I shared with my teammates as they transitioned to working from home.
1. Book yourself some “goof off time”. You still need to take breaks, but it’s very easy to get TOO distracted at home. For me, I like to take my dogs out for a walk at lunch – the same time every day. It’s good for everyone!
2. Keep your work to work hours. You’re home, you’re bored. You might as well work right? I shut my computer off at the end of the work day and I don’t open it again until the new day starts. That’s not to say you can’t do extra to meet a deadline, but working all day and all night can lead to burn out pretty quickly.
3. Set yourself a daily to do list. What top 3 things do you need to accomplish today?
4. Create a distraction free work space that keeps you motivated. Sitting on the couch watching Netflix and working is not only terrible for work efficiency, but also terrible for your back.
I wish you the best if you are embarking on a new journey as a remote worker!
SASKATOON STORIES
Each week we will be featuring a compassionate act that occurred in our local community.
One of the best things we’ve seen during the uprise of COVID-19 is this Saskatoon doctor sharing useful and relevant information that may be otherwise inaccessible to the general public. He is doing a great service to the community by sharing information from a place of knowledge and experience on the front line. Thank you Dr. Masri!
Check him out here.
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