Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late After COVID-19
Companies have been very creative in these odd and uncertain times. But what about after? How will things go back to “normal” without adequate planning?
When we eventually return to a state of semi-normalcy after the pandemic, COVID-19 concerns will hopefully be a distant consideration. However, as restrictions loosen up, there will also be a rush for services that have been neglected in the past year.
Services like printing and designing have sort of gone by the wayside.
However, online services and web development have been booming.
Sooner rather than later, COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted and restaurants will be full again. That means more menus needed, more flyers, more signs, more everything.
If you wait until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, you are probably going to be on a very long waitlist. Now is the time to plan for post-virus-restriction needs.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
— Abraham Lincoln
According to CT GOV, effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021, all remaining COVID restrictions will be lifted, except that masks will continue to be required in all indoor public settings where social distancing is not possible.
These changes are contingent upon a low incidence of COVID-19 and the Connecticut population continuing to be vaccinated. As of that date, restaurants will open at 100% capacity and demand will hopefully be higher.
The biggest concern for most businesses right now as they plan to reopen is their finances. Many now need help covering basic expenses like rent and utilities before they can ramp back up at all. Look at your figures and decide what is necessary vs. what is wanted.
Customers need different things from your business right now. Their disposable income is limited. Try to tailor your business to the community's needs. This may be as simple as a marketing message redesign.
This may come in the form of menu restructuring, new mailers, more of an online presence, etc. We can help you with all of these things. We have custom and predesigned templates to show off your reopening to a larger audience.
It’s a great idea to sign up for things like vaccination incentives. Put your location on a list to serve a free drink, or a free appetizer to those with proof of vaccination. The overall profit will outweigh the cost.
Business Next Door has a great article about developing a plan for a new business in a local and close-knit community. That may be the mindset you need for your reopening. Some people will be able to pick up exactly where they left off; others will not. Don’t hesitate to try something new. See where people in your area are at, read the feeling, see what you can do to benefit both you and the customers attending your reopening in the coming weeks. COVID hit everyone hard. Everyone is looking to go out, relax, and enjoy; let them do it in your restaurant.