The Board of Directors of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce recognize the many severe hardships facing Chamber members and other businesses here in Altadena, and in the surrounding communities. As we all transition back to a more-familiar lifestyle – according the careful implementation of the CA-state and local Los Angeles phased implementation – the Chamber Board wants local businesses to have the information they need to resume operations.
If you are a small business owner, keeping your business alive and helping it thrive requires a certain level of ingenuity and creativity. It also takes some persistence and dedication to safety, but there are a few ways you can help prop up your small business and weather the coronavirus storm. If you’re ready to learn more, take the time to read through the steps below.
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HOW TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS OPEN AMID COVID-10 CHALLENGES
With the threat of COVID-19 still looming, small business owners are facing more stress now than ever before. If you are a small business owner, keeping your business alive and helping it thrive requires a certain level of ingenuity and creativity. It also takes some persistence and dedication to safety, but there are a few ways you can help prop up your small business and weather the coronavirus storm. If you’re ready to learn more, take the time to read through the steps below.
LEARNING TO ADAPT TO NEW BUSINESS NORMS
With so many new guidelines and restrictions, being able to adjust your business practices will be crucial from this point forward. These are just some of the steps you may need to take:
- Adopt fresh strategies for overcoming COVID-19 challenges.
- Create clear procedures for customers and employees.
- Offer delivery and pickup options for all future purchases.
HIRING THE RIGHT HELP TO EASE BUSINESS CHANGES
Navigating COVID-19 rules and guidelines to keeping your business open is likely to keep you busy, so consider using these tips to hire freelance and temporary help for your business:
- Look for Photoshop experts for hire to help with new marketing needs.
- Hire web developers to help create a user-friendly business website.
- Offer contactless deliveries by hiring part-time delivery staff.
- Look for a virtual assistant to free up your time for other operations.
FINDING THE RIGHT TOOLS TO MODIFY BUSINESS PRACTICES
Hiring more staff, even if it’s temporary, can help you manage COVID-19 changes, but you may also want to check out these pointers for using online tools to boost your business:
- Use free infographic tools to create informative social media posts.
- Overhaul or create a business website using a free website builder.
- Update your payment systems to provide touch-free payment options.
- Connect with your remote staff and clients with free video conferencing.
KEEPING SMALL BUSINESSES SAFE FOR FUTURE CUSTOMERS
Aside from preventing the spread of COVID-19, adhering to cleaning and safety protocol can also help keep your business out of legal trouble. Here are a few steps you should follow:
- Check official websites for current COVID-19 info and guidelines.
- Stay informed of any and all state mandates for businesses.
- Prevent COVID-19 spread by following a strict cleaning routine.
- Ensure that all staff and customers can practice social-distancing.
- Stay informed about what’s going on in your community.
With the tips and steps above, you may be able to help keep your business afloat both during and after the COVID-19 threat has subsided. Still, know that there are also financial resources available to small business owners if you need some extra support. (written & contributed by Elena Stewart)
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Additionally, these are state and local government resources ACOC businesses can review if they have questions and/or concerns about resuming their operations:
LA COUNTY DISASTER HELP CENTER – For Business Owners
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CONSUMER & BUSINESS AFFAIRS – Rent Stabilization Info for Landlords
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CONSUMER & BUSINESS AFFAIRS – General Safety Information
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CONSUMER & BUSINESS AFFAIRS – Tax Prep Info
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CONSUMER & BUSINESS AFFAIRS – COVID-19 Scams
LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPT. PUBLIC HEALTH – Coronavirus Status Tracker
CALIFORNIA DEPT. PUBLIC HEALTH – Coronavirus Resource Center