"Go beyond merely communicating to ‘connecting’ with people.”
Jerry Bruckner, Author of The Success Formula for Personal Growth.
With the current Coronavirus landscape taking over our lives, it’s more important than ever to remain in touch with each other, customers included!
During these unprecedented times we need to make sure that although social distancing is in place, that we aren’t allowing this distance to isolate us from the following we have worked so hard to build.
At the moment, in a world of uncertainty, we need our business messages to be clear and concise and to ensure we are frequently updating our clients of this. transpond have compiled some ideas which can help you stay connected during these challenging times:
Communication 101 – What Are Your Plans for Covid 19?
Are you business as usual? Or do you have to make changes to the way your business is functioning? With Coronavirus constantly changing the way businesses can operate (on an almost daily basis) we need to keep our customers up to date.
Whether you’re a restaurant that has now become take-away only, or an online store that is still business as usual, you need to inform your customers.
'Please Bear With Us' Emails
We have all been affected by the Coronavirus, although some have more than others. We, as businesses, are all doing our absolute best in these difficult circumstances. Although we are all in similar boats, if relevant, it would be a really good idea to send your clients a “bear with us” email.
This is particularly important if schools shutting affect your workplace. Just let your customers know that your business is working hard to support them still, even if it is taking longer than usual or expected.
Using the phrase “streamlined staff” helps customers instantly recognise you still welcome business, but that how you are conducting it may be different to what they are used to.
Changes to Contact Details
If you have had to change so that your business is operating from home remotely, rather than in the office, it is important to update your customers of any changes to your contact details, such as phone numbers.
Ways of Reaching You
You can send out an email ensuring that your customers are aware of all the ways in which they can reach you. For example, will you be on Google Hangout rather than in person? By giving your customers this information, they are aware of where to find you without them getting frustrated.
Community Spirit
Can you offer a discount? Or does your service support people in time of need? Can it be adapted to support people? For example, are you able to offer discounts to NHS staff?
Maybe you have a product or service which can come in helpful for people during this period of time, e.g for those that will have their children home now, Twinkl have offered teachers a premium membership to their classroom resources for free and welcomed them to share this with all parents in their class.
If you or your service can help, send an email advertising this. Don’t forget not only is this great for spreading your company message and ethos but it also acts as fantastic PR for future.
Online Ordering
Can your business sell online? Can your customers order online? Perhaps you are a local business, which can reserve collection slots for food or drink. Whether this is for a delivery of physical goods, or online courses rather than in person -whatever you can adapt, do so and don’t forget to inform your customers.
Remember to keep communication open and to maintain a regular flow of contact between you and your customers. Communication helps build a businesses credibility.
The Coronavirus is causing immense challenges to businesses around the world and looks likely to continue for some time. Reassuringly, transpond are lucky enough to be hosted solely online. This means that you can work on your communications with your customers day or night.
In the sprit of the above, we would like to reassure our customers that the team here at transpond are not going anywhere fast. The whole team is now remote working, our business hours remain the same and we are ready to deal with any and all your support questions. To all - stay safe all and stay home.