Salon Reopening: Top 3 Tips For Making Customers Feel Safe

Is your salon reopening? Are you and your staff prepared to make your returning customers feel safe? Whether you are, or you’re still working on it — you’ve come to the right place. This article will dive right into the top 3 tips and tricks for reopening your salon amidst the Coronavirus.

Related: “Top 5 Ways to prepare your business for reopening after COVID-19.

1.) Salon Reopening? Communicate with your Customers!

People just spent the past few months being told to stay indoors and limit contact with others because of a deadly virus; they’re going to be anxious about going anywhere — much less a salon. Because of that, prioritizing visitor comfort has never been more important. You want your customers feeling stress-free when they visit, but you need a way to communicate your efforts and demonstrate the lengths you’re going to keep them safe.

The TV is the best way to communicate with your customers!

Specifically, the one in your salon. Hands down — if you want someone to see something, put it on the TV. In this case, putting up important health and safety reminders for visitors to see while they’re waiting is a great place to start. Whether they’re waiting to be seen, waiting for hair to dry, or dye to settle in; people do a lot of waiting in salons, which means a lot of chances to get your messages across. Messages like reminders to wear masksstay 6ft apart from others — or more reassuring messages communicating how your stylists are wearing masks, gloves, or going extra lengths to sterilize their tools and keep the space sanitized!

Learn more about how to communicate with your customers through the TV here.

2.) Cleanliness is Key!

Let’s be honest — salons are great about keeping everything tidy. When your highest-selling service results in hair falling all over the floor, keeping things clean is second nature. However, COVID-19 urges you to step up your game a little. For starters, face masks are a must — that much goes without saying. Secondly, a good way for visitors to feel at ease- other than distracting them with good TV, is to put a hand-sanitizer dispenser somewhere with sight, and reach. Customers will feel a lot better!

Lastly, is diligence. Putting together a cleaning routine and making sure everyone is on board, and sticks to it, goes a long way; especially if visitors are seeing how hard you and your staff are working to keep touch-surfaces nice and clean. Always keep an eye out for something that needs wiping-down!

Related: “Top 10 Secrets for Creating the Best Waiting Room.

3.) Get Visitors to Come Back!

If you followed #2 and your customers didn’t regret stepping outside to get a haircut — the next step is getting those visitors to come backThe easiest way to get someone to come back is to give them a reason to; most salons offer a long list of services that just about any customer can take advantage of — the trick is getting visitors to notice, or ask about them.

Sadly — posters and flyers just don’t cut it.

In the same way that the TV can be used to communicate health and safety tips, it can also be used to deliver important marketing messages to your customers. Putting ads for additional services on your salon’s TV is a guaranteed way to get more people taking advantage of them.

In general, if you’re having difficulty fitting marketing into your budget, a custom TV network is a great way to reduce cable costs while also getting a platform that comes with free advertising space. For more information about how this sort of TV technology can improve your salon, visit It’s Relevant TV.

Inexpensive Marketing: Budgeting Post-Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Businesses left and right have suffered major setbacks in light of the spread of Coronavirus (COIVD-19). If you’re a business owner, you’re probably facing budget cuts right now, or looking for ways to make your marketing dollars count. You’re not alone. Businesses across the country are trying to make ends meet; cutting spending wherever possible and doing what’s necessary to stay open or reopen strong.

We all must be prepared for change.

Your Marketing Budget: Adjusting to the Change

Making a list of your monthly spends, identifying the essentials, and cutting the non-essentials is the first logical step.

If you’re having difficulty deciding on what to cut; try giving each item on the list a rating of 1-5 in terms of importance. Cut back on, or reduce, the lower-rated items and go from there. The list will get narrow fast, and there are bound to be things you’re hesitant to get rid of.

Marketing is often one of the first areas to go when companies have to make necessary reductions. And while it’s easy to cut a big ad buy or commercial production, there are inexpensive, even free solutions, that can be put into place to help you adjust to the changes.

It’s important to keep in mind that your changes are meant to be temporary!

Factor that into your decision-making if it helps. The silver lining from the Coronavirus fear is the possibility that some of these changes you are being forced to consider may actually benefit your business in the long run. Giving your list of expenditures a scrub and re-evaluating what’s important from time to time is a good practice in general.

Too many businesses only get around to cleaning their budget when it’s an emergency. Regardless, after a hard look at your spends, you should be able to get a better understanding of what your business can, and can’t do without.

Focus on Creating Revenue Generators

Does your business have a TV? Are you using a service for it like cable, satellite, or DirecTV? If so, you may want to consider cable replacement. Specifically, a custom TV network.

READ:Should I Cancel Cable? A Better Cable Alternative for Businesses

Costing less than the average cable subscription, a custom TV network is the best way to generate revenue from your business’ television. It gives businesses the power to deliver important revenue-generating messaging to visitors in a meaningful way, while providing them with controlled programming to keep them happy. When you’re using your TV to promote your business’ services, you’ll have more people taking advantage of them.

Custom TV Network: Where to Start Looking

As businesses reopen in the near future, keeping visitors happy and feeling safe is going to be more important than ever.

Things will go back to normal, but you can bet that the news will still be talking about the Coronavirus. COVID-19 isn’t going to disappear overnight. Even after the ALL-CLEAR, there are going to be people who are still anxious to reintegrate. Something as simple as a custom TV network can go a long way towards helping your visitors feel comfortable. COVID-free TV is better for everyone.

Start your search here: It’s Relevant TV – Custom TV Networks for Businesses.

It’s Relevant TV has a feature that allows you to block out world news about things like the Coronavirus, which is a great way to keep Corona-coverage from impacting your business. For more great tips on preparing your business for reopening, check out the article below.

READ:Top 5 Ways to Prepare your Business for Reopening After COVID-19

Reopening Your Business? Get Coronavirus News Off Your Business’ TV

Are you finding it difficult reopening your business with Coronavirus news getting in the way? Business owners across the country are quickly discovering that the TVs in their own locations are hurting them. As customers start to return, you want them feeling safe when they visit; a news story advising viewers to “Think twice about going out!” playing on your wall is a bit counterproductive.

Turn off the TV until you find something better to put on it!

COVID-19 coverage isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Your hands are going to be full enough as-is maintaining a clean, and comfortable environment that you won’t have time to police what’s on the TV. Nor should you have to; you should be able to set it and forget it without needing to worry about what’s playing.

Related: “Top 5 Ways to Prepare Your Business for Reopening After COVID”

Coronavirus News Out, Custom TV Network In

The solution to the coronavirus news problem is a custom TV network. Specifically, one that gives you control. More and more business owners are recognizing the value in custom TV software; not just for its ability to control what’s on the TV, but for its potential as a marketing tool as well.

Which would you rather pay for? Cable TV + Competitor Ads & Negative Content OR A Custom TV Network + Peronsal-Branded Messaging?

The answer should be obvious. If that’s not enough, those of you looking for a good reason to get rid of cable, HERE’S 10. The short of it is that cable’s great in homes, but bad for business, and ultimately lacks even the most common features that come with custom TV software. But first and foremost, you need to be prepared to get Coronavirus news off your business’ TV.

Related: “Top 5 Risks of Coronavirus News in your Business”

The Best Cable TV Replacement for your Business

If you’ve had enough and you’re interested in learning more about custom TV networks, start your search with It’s Relevant TV. Topping the charts as the most feature-rich cable TV replacement on the market, It’s Relevant is the best example to use when comparing similar services.

Reference: itsrelevant.com

Whether you’re a restaurant, car dealership, salon, gym, urgent care, dentist, or even a whole hospital system or sports arena– It’s Relevant can better serve your TVs, improve visitor experience, and help you hit the ground running as doors reopen and we get the ALL-CLEAR.

Market Trends: A Closer Look At Business Ad Spending

The recent pandemic has changed the way that businesses are approaching and handling ad spending. With consumers in quarantine, and businesses closing left and right, it’s not surprising to hear that new marketing trends are emerging as a result. One such trend that the market is observing is reduced ad spending from traditional brick and mortar businesses, but increased spending from tech, and online-based businesses.

Businesses that are Reducing Ad Spending vs Businesses that are Increasing

Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls, and Dicks Sporting Goods are prime examples of retailers that are cutting back on their ad spends; whereas tech companies like Apple, website companies like Godaddy, and streaming services like Disney+ are all bulking up their spends.

According to Winmo, Apple alone saw an increase of +$51.6 million in ad spending compared to February of 2020.

Winmo

With so many stores closing, you aren’t going to see the same kinds of ads you’re used to seeing; the ones encouraging shoppers to go out and buy-buy-buy. Because of that, businesses that aren’t limited to a physical location have a bigger advantage.

Also worth noting is the rise in ad spending in the food industry.

Despite their dining areas being closed, franchises such as McDonald’s, Wendys, and Burger King are spending a lot more on ads; reminding customers about the various delivery options that are available. More than just cable TV, you’ll see more and more of these ads on streaming services due to an increased number of people working from home.

Ad Spending Down? Consider a New Approach

Three words: Custom Television Network.

When ad spends are on the low-end, it’s the perfect time to explore some of the new marketing tools that are out there. Specifically, ones having to do with the TV. Just about every business has a TV, and 100% of businesses have something they’re trying to sell. The TV in your business is the best tool to promote your services, and your brand. But that’s only possible with the right business TV software.

Recommended:The Best Marketing Tool 2020: Your TV

In addition to being the best place to put your TV advertisements, custom TV networks are incredibly cost-effective. One business TV provider in particular, It’s Relevant TV, features live social media integration and over half-a-million videos to entertain your visitors with. This not only helps generate more followers on social media, but delivers your marketing messages in a more meaningful way.

How the Global Health Crisis is Making Social Media More Social

Social media has garnered a lot of flak for getting in the way of organic, human relationships in recent years.

Because people were so attached to their gadgets, connecting outside the screen became less of a priority. In fact, a study on Thrive Global reveals that more than 50% of people reported social media as having a negative impact on their relationships. It’s easy to say that we should all just ditch Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter altogether. But with the ongoing health crisis keeping everyone at home, social media is back in the spotlight — only this time, as a force for good.

These are some trying times that we live in right now, as we’re all forced to adapt and connect with our loved ones in new ways — from family dinners over Zoom, to dates on FaceTime. In this regard, social media has provided a lifeline for everyone in self-isolation. Moreover, our “new normal” has caused many of us to reconsider what really matters to us, which is another reason we’re all longing to strengthen our ties more than ever.

So how exactly is the global health crisis making social media more “social”?

Group Fitness

The benefits of exercise go beyond improving strength and physique. According to doctor Katharina Star, group workouts, in particular, can provide great support and motivation. With gyms closing their doors temporarily, people are taking their workouts to social media. On Instagram Live, Olympian Shawn Johnson, model Olivia Culpo, and countless other fitness influencers are sharing their workouts and encouraging their followers to get active. Apart from being free to participate in, following a live workout routine can make users feel like they’re back in the gym with friends. If you’re a health or fitness business owner, you should consider conducting your own live workouts as a way of increasing your social media presence, too.

Virtual Hangouts Via Video Games

Video games are proving to be one of the most social (and fun) digital activities people are doing during self-isolation. After all, it’s a great way to spend time with friends and do activities online. It’s no surprise that newly launched games like Call of Duty: Warzone reached 15 million players in just four days following its release. Apart from this hit title, the gaming world still has much more to offer in helping people stay connected. In fact, even friendship-themed games are on the rise. The Best Friend Formula by Gala Bingo is a simple but interactive game that explores “the science of best friends.” Plus, it reminds players that sometimes all you need in life is a few close friends. Indeed, these games provide the comfort that our friends are just a click away—even if it means hanging out on a Minecraft or Animal Crossing server.

Creative Communities

Social media has always been a platform for artists to share their work. But with a lot more free time at home, many creatives are making the most out of their indoor-living situations. For instance, TIME Magazine shared how some photographers have started sharing their recreations of classic paintings — be it Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” or works by Edward Hopper. Meanwhile, on the more performance end of things, Gen Z social media users have been devoting their time to practicing new TikTok dances with their friends. And on another note, people have also been sharing their baking creations online — comparing sourdough bread and exchanging recipes with each other. All in all, the health crisis has pushed people to look for new skills to learn and share with their social media followers.

Car Dealerships: How To Compete With Online Car Buying Sites like Carvana

Car buying sites and apps like Carvana, Carmax, and TrueCar are changing the way that people are buying and selling cars. The trend of buying things online has grown tremendously over the past 10 years; a convenience that’s no longer limited to clothes, furniture, or anything small enough to fit in a box. Now because you can make a purchase as big as a car from the comfort of your own home, the automotive industry is experiencing a major shift in the way that cars are bought and sold.

If you own or operate a dealership, you know how frustrating it can be to lose customers to an online retailer. Fortunately, there are certain measures you can take, and new technology to consider that can help strengthen customer retention, and even generate new business.

See:The Top 6 Dealership TV Systems: Comparing Custom TV Offerings.

The Rising Threat of Car Buying Sites

At the time this article is being written, many businesses- dealerships included, are closed because of the Coronavirus. Due to the fact that many customers are stuck at home, or practicing social distancing; if someone is in the market for a new vehicle, chances are that they’re going to explore car buying sites in order to limit contact with others. Because of this, services like Carvana are thriving more than ever before. Stocks in Carvana, specifically, went up a whopping 68% since last March.

Additionally, an article published by Forbes labels car buying sites as “The Best Way to Buy a Car in the Age of Coronavirus.”

Virus or not, car buying services didn’t need a worldwide pandemic to get ahead of the game; their success was inevitable. Competing against these alternative means of buying and/or selling cars isn’t impossible, but it’ll take some clever strategizing and forward-thinking.

3 Key Steps to Competing Against Car Buying Sites

Step 1.) Make Your Dealership Shine! If the Coronavirus left any sort of lasting impact on the way that business is conducted, it’s CLEANLINESS. Even after the country gets the ALL-CLEAR, you can count on folks practicing social distancing, or even wearing masks in public. The anxiety isn’t going to go away overnight. In fact, the bar for what constitutes as “a clean establishment” is likely going to be set high. Do what you can to keep surfaces and waiting areas clean. Offer sanitizer; a small, but meaningful gesture. You want your customers to be comfortable and stress-free when they visit your dealership.

See:Top 5 Ways to Prepare Your Business for Reopening Post-Coronavirus.

Step 2.) Revisit Your Social Media Pages

If your dealership isn’t on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram; consider getting it on social media- especially Facebook. If you do have a presence, but your pages  aren’t up-to-date, blow the dust off and make an effort to craft regularly-scheduled posts. Dedicate a member of your staff to make a daily, or even bi-weekly posts to ping your loyal followers. The more active your are, the more likely your posts are to get shared. The more your posts are shared, the more likely you are to generate more followers on social media. Followers are generally the best folks to market to since they’re already following you; and  they’re more likely to make a purchase with you.

Related Article: “Social Media on TV: Businesses Become More Social with their Customers” & “Top 3 Reasons to Get Social Media TV Software for your Business.”

Step 3.) Brush Up on the Latest Waiting Room Technology

Waiting room technology is ever-growing. In the past, if you had a TV in your waiting area, you’d put cable on it and call it a day; whereas today, you have your choice of cable TV alternatives to pick from. Alternatives that not only tend to be more cost-effective than cable or satellite TV, but are a lot safer, and come with all kinds of features made with your business in mind. The elements that make up the best car dealership TV vary based on your dealership’s specific needs; however, the following article should give you a good idea in terms of what to look for: Car Dealership TV Systems – The Top 5 Most Important Elements.

Car dealerships are among the best users of custom TV networks; having no shortage of videos, promotions, and marketing messages to entice customers with. Deciding between a cable TV subscription that doesn’t block out ads from “Bob’s Better Automobiles,” vs a custom TV network that promotes your own brand is an easy choice.

Related Article:Should I Cancel Cable? A Better Cable Alternative for Businesses.

Interested in a Custom TV Network for your Car Dealership? Start Here

Whether you’re new to waiting room TV technology, or you’re switching from a service like Spectrio, or Automotive Broadcasting Network (ABN); the best TV solution for car dealerships is It’s Relevant TV. Featured in an article published by Automotive News, It’s Relevant stands out from its competitors by having the lowest cost, whilst being the most feature-rich.

It’s Relevant TV for Car Dealerships features the world’s largest library of licensed, short-form content at over half-a-million videos. Additionally, it’s the only service that features live social media integration; displaying your most recent Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts for visitors to enjoy alonside IRTV’s fun and engaging content. See what’s out there, but don’t settle for less than what IRTV delivers.

READ:What’s the Best Dealership TV Service for Waiting Rooms?

Top 5 Ways To Prepare Your Business For Reopening After COVID-19

If you’re one of the many business owners who had to temporarily close, or adjust the ways you’re serving your customers because of the coronavirus, having a strategy in mind for reopening is a smart move. Especially when there is a high likelihood that the virus may make a resurgence in the Fall.

Whether you’re an urgent care center or dentist office with a waiting room, or a restaurant with a dining area; creating a safe environment for your visitors is going to be paramount. Even after the pandemic ends, people are still going to be nervous about going anywhere.

Here are the top 5 ways you can prepare your business for reopening:

1.) Cleanliness: Make your Business Shine

Nothing is going to be more reassuring post-COVID than a clean, and spotless environment. When the pandemic does eventually come to an end, it won’t be overnight. Even with businesses reopening, it’s going to take some time before the public settles down, and isn’t feeling as germaphobic. Therefore, it’s important to keep up with your new cleansing/disinfecting routines.

Read: “Top 5 Factors to Enhance Your Business Environment.”

2.) Consider Seating & Spacing

Social distancing is likely to persist even after the country is given the ALL-CLEAR. You can expect people to find comfort in maintaining distance from one another. They will also have greater appreciation for businesses that make an effort to space-out seating for them. Now the idea isn’t to put traffic cones on sofas, or nudge visitors apart with a long stick; but reducing chairs, tables, or putting up a friendly sign for customers to be mindful of spacing is easy, and a step in the right direction.

The trick is getting visitors to notice the message.

The best way to get visitors to notice your messaging is by putting it on your on your TV, which you can learn more about HERE.

3.) Communicate your Efforts to your Visitors

Working hard to make your environment safe and accommodating isn’t going to mean a whole lot if no one knows you’re going the extra mile. Don’t let your efforts go to waste. Communicate with your customers in any way that you can; via social media, email, or a big sign outside of your business. Whatever it takes to get the message across.

One of the most effective ways of communicating with your visitors that your business is safe outside of telling them, is showing them. Advise your staff to wipe-down counters, touchpads, and other surfaces frequently. Putting out hand sanitizer, if you haven’t already, is also a good idea. Lastly, your TV is one of the best tools you have to remind people that your business is a safe place to visit, and come back to!

Research: Television for Businesses.

4.) Keep the Coronavirus off of your Business’ TV

We don’t mean disinfect the screen, though it’s good to clean it once in a while.

The last thing you want visitors to see is a news story about “WHY YOU SHOULD STILL THINK TWICE ABOUT EATING OUT,” or “WHY IT’S STILL NOT SAFE TO RESCHEDULE THAT DENTIST APPOINTMENT.” News coverage can be bad for business in general, but it’s worse when there’s a major health crisis like what we’re experiencing now.

A COVID-free TV is better for your business!

The public is anxious enough without the TV reminding them that they’re “constantly at risk,” especially when they have mustered the courage to return to your business. We’re all very well-informed at this point. Simply changing the channel doesn’t help either, you’re simply trading one problem for another. Consider looking into cable TV replacements for businesses and get rid of those problems.

Read: “The Top 5 Risks of Coronavirus News in your Businesses.”

5.) Encourage Visitors to Come Back

Getting your customers to visit after reopening your business is great, getting them to come back is even better. After being away from your business for a time, you need to become part of their routine again. So give them reasons to come back! Whether it’s a sale, a new sandwich, a limited time offer, or a promotion; educating your visitors on products and services they can take advantage of is extremely important.

How you go about educating them is the key.

The TV is a best place to start. You could put up signs and hang posters all over the inside of your business, and yet, 9 times out of 10 visitors will be able to tell you what was on the TV instead of what was on the poster. (“What poster?”)

It’s frustrating, but it’s true. Fortunately, more and more business owners are realizing this, and are taking advantage of the TV’s ability to get people to notice things by putting their own content on the TV.

It’s a growing trend that has businesses taking control over what’s on their TV. Instead of showing ads from competitors, or unsettling news, businesses are able to display custom-tailored content as well as their own promotions, giving visitors a good experience and reasons to come back. If you’re interested learning more about cable TV alternatives, schedule a demo with the TV experts at itsrelevant.com.

Read:Should I Cancel Cable? A Better Alternative for Businesses.”

Top Free TV Service for Medical Waiting Rooms and Lobbies

Browsing the internet for a free TV service for your waiting room? The leader in patient-focused TV has recently announced a new subscription plan that’s available to all medical offices. Whether you’re a hospital, urgent care, doctor, dentist, or medical specialist; the sponsor-supported subscription option allows you to utilize the premium service, but without incurring the cost.

A “Free” TV Service Vs. It’s Relevant TV’s Sponsor-Supported Service

free TV service is exactly what it sounds like on the surface. It’s a TV service with no cost, which you pay nothing for– at least insofar that you’re not spending any “money” for it; but that doesn’t mean it’s not costing your medical office something else.

Read: Top 5 Reasons a “Free” TV Service for your Waiting Room is Bad for your Medical Office.

TV providers who offer that kind of “free waiting room television” are only able to do so because their services are actually paid for by pharmaceutical ad support. You might be paying $0 for the service, but you get what you pay for in this case– likely generating $0 for your own practice from it. Instead, the revenue generation is completely taken by that provider. What’s worse, you’re left with TV that you have little control over, and may upset your patients.

While you are not paying any money out of pocket for that kind of service, it could be costing you money, and your patients’ trust. It goes against the spirit of creating a good patient experience when you allow your visitors to be subject to ads which might make them feel like they have X symptoms, or need Y drugs.

Best practice: Avoid TV services that put anything medical-related on the TV that you don’t endorse yourself.

Patients don’t need to be bombarded with drug ads, and pharmaceutical companies shouldn’t be invading and monetizing your waiting room. If someone should be generating revenue off of your TV, it’s you!

It’s Relevant TV: A No-Cost Waiting Room TV Service for Medical Offices

Let’s compare the traditional “free TV service” described above to It’s Relevant TV’s sponsor-supported service. Instead of your service provider profiting off of your waiting room TV, you do. It’s Relevant’s unique approach is for a sponsor, of your choosing, to pay the cost of your subscription in exchange for having their brand on the TV.

It’s a great way to strengthen relationships with local businesses.

This way, you’re in control; you control who, and what, shows up on your TV.Sponsor-supported subscribers don’t miss out on any of IRTV’s premium content. Over +1,000,000 minutes of fun and interesting content is available for your visitors to enjoy, coupled with the ability to promote your services in a more meaningful way. This allows you to generate positive feelings among patients, and more revenue on the side to improve your medical office.

Visit: It’s Relevant TV: Medical Custom Networks to learn more.

Should I Close My Business During the Corona (COVID-19) Outbreak?

A number of restaurants, offices, and even large retailers are closing up shop in response to growing concerns about the corona outbreak. Some are even required to depending upon choices made in local jurisdictions. If you’re a business owner, you might be asking yourself the question:

“Do I close my business?”

Many businesses are. The answer really depends on you, your staff, and your industry. Are you noticing an alarming decrease in visitors, or sales? For some business owners, temporarily closing; whether it’s for a week or two, or for a month, is the best option for your business. However if it’s a restaurant that you own, this article for restaurant owners might help you identify some says in which to stay open during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Retailers, on the other hand, may have it much harder as people aren’t as likely to buy non-essentials during a health crisis. Below is something to keep in mind if you ultimately decide to temporarily close shop, and help you bounce back once all of this is over.

Focus on Your Strategy for Reopening Post-Corona

Have a solid game plan to hit the ground running.

More important than the decision to close your business for a time is figuring out how you’re going to reopen in the near future. It can be tough, and extremely stressful to deal with the financial impact of closing. Take advantage of the time you have, and strengthen your strategy for when your doors are open again.

A major part of that strategy should be growing your business from within. Work on your website. Make phone calls, research new vendors/partners you may want to work with. Every brand has loyal customers, yours will be waiting, and even excited for you to reopen. Reward those loyal customers for coming back; give them reasons to be excited about returning, and reasons to refer their friends.

Utilize Your TV’s Full Potential

When you eventually reopen your store, you’re going to have a lot of messaging that you want customers to see, and certain programming you may want to remove. Putting that messaging on your business’ TV gets it noticed. Whether it’s a big sale, a referral bonus, or a reminder to follow the brand on social media for even more deals; utilizing your TV is the least expensive way to get customers informed.

Consider a custom TV network to help kickstart your store’s marketing messaging for when you eventually reopen. It’s an inexpensive way to market to your loyal customers and earn back their repeat business.

 

Top 5 Ways to Maximize Working From Home During Coronavirus

The coronavirus has a lot of companies and businesses working from home in an effort to combat exposure; however, not everyone was prepared to do so. Business owners without a contingency plan are quickly discovering the challenges of working from a home office regularly. Normally that might not be so difficult, however when your whole staff is forced to do the same, that’s when things get complicated.

Fortunately, there are ways to plan ahead.

During this time, it’s important to remind yourself that things will be back to normal, eventually. But until then, be a step up- by stepping up; plan ahead, and keep the following 5 tips for maximizing work-from-home effectiveness in mind.

Tip#1: Strategize a Way to Communicate with your Customers & Visitors For Reopening

The lights may be off, and your doors closed, but you still have visitors, clients, and/or loyal customers who should be kept up-to-date and informed of news regarding your business.

Communicating with your visitors- and employees, as well, will be more important than ever before.

The coronavirus is not likely to disappear overnight. Even as businesses start to reopen, it won’t be without a number of precautions, and preventative measures in regards to public health safety. Once people start coming back to your business, they will want to know what measures you’re taking in order to keep them safe. Mass emails and social media is an okay place to start; however, your customers are likely to get emails from every business to the point where they’re ignored. Additionally, the folly of social media is that not everyone follows you, and therefore isn’t the most reliable way of getting this sort of message across.

Not when tools like It’s Relevant TV exist to communicate important messaging to your visitors and employees.

Putting your important messages on your business’ TV is the best way to get it noticed by everyone in your business. Investing some time into coming up with a solution for this while you’re working from home should be priority #1. For more information about getting started with a custom TV network, start your search here.

Tip#2: Build a Workspace with Minimal Distractions

If you’re not used to working at home, it doesn’t take much. Whether it’s a desk in the corner, the kitchen table, or even a well-placed tray in front of a comfy couch; if it supports your computer, and your phone is handy, it’s enough if you can get work done. However- home office or makeshift workspace, minimizing distractions is paramount to staying on top of things.

Working at home; the temptation to relax, or procrastinate, can be very real. In order to avoid falling behind on important tasks, you should:

1.) Dress as if you were going to the office.

2.) Reduce auditory distractions: i.e. TV, videos, etc.

3.) Hang a sign on your door if you’re living with others, or communicate that you have to work hard, and focus, between during your normal (or adjusted)  business hours.

Tip#3: Communicate with your Team & Employees Regularly

Communicating with your team members and/or employees is essential to staying on top of work during this coronavirus outbreak. Working from home, it’s easy to get distracted; the same goes for your employees. The best way to ensure that work is getting done is through regular scheduled check-ins, or team-updates.

The solution can be as simple as a group chat.

Setting up a group chat on messenger, or requesting daily, weekly, or even bi-weekly status reports is an effective way to keep employees mindful of their pacing, and incentivizes them to create progress goals. Be prepared for bumps in the road, especially for employees who aren’t used to working remotely. Communication is the key to both preventing, and working out problems.

Tip#4: Face-to-Face Video Meetings

“We human beings are social beings.” -Dalai Lama

Naturally, one of the downsides to working from home is the lack of social interaction. We thrive on it; some, more than others. With social-distancing in effect, most-all telecommuniction is being done via phone, email, and text messages. You might be thinking to yourself: “How is this any different than before?” We take for granted how many human faces we see in a day until we’re limiting contact.

Seeing a face is good for soul.

Consider using services such as Apple’s Facetime, or Zoom.US to get a healthy dose of human element. Hosting meetings via video chat is a great way to simulate the feeling that you’re all in the same place together. It’s more meaningful, and has a lot more heart than text, or emails.

Tip#5: Keep Morale Up Working From Home

Worker morale is a vital part to any thriving business. At a time when businesses are closing left and right, and and many Americans are working from home; there’s a million reasons morale could be suffering. It’s a good practice for business owners, or those who are managing teams, to take a few minutes out of the day to chat casually with your fellow workers and team members. Ask how they’re doing, share your own stories, or even share videos with them to lift their spirits.

Everything from a “4:00 Tea/Coffee Casual” where everyone sits down at the end of the day with something hot, and shows off their fun mugs, to designating a color for everyone to wear for the next video meeting can be enough to raise spirits and bring everyone together.