Temat: 15 Resources to Help you Start, Run and Grow Your...

As the pandemic drags on and re-openings happen in fits and starts, moving ahead and then taking a step back, every business owner I know is struggling to keep the momentum going, keep employees engaged and stay focused on providing great customer service. Some businesses are fighting for their lives, while others are dealing with unprecedented demand and trying to adapt to meet the need. Still others are brand-new business owners who are turning to entrepreneurship for the first time as a replacement for a lost job.

As of this week, about 90% of U.S. businesses surveyed by MetLife and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are open in some capacity — yet 65% are still worried about and preparing for a second wave of the virus. Whatever your situation, these are unprecedented times and they require adaptability and endurance each and every day. To help you do that, we here at CO— (from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) are publishing stories every day to help you keep focused on starting, running and growing your business — even through a pandemic!

Here are some things to consider focusing on this week.
Get customer feedback: Surely your business has changed through the pandemic. It might be time to ask your customers how you’re doing and what you might be able to do better. Here’s some advice on how to conduct customer research and even try hosting some focus groups for more in-depth input.
Up your tech game: Whatever stage of reopening you’re in, it’s likely you’re experiencing new ways of doing business. To help facilitate change, here are some new tech tools to consider, including customer appointment scheduling tools; free accounting tools; photo editing apps for e-commerce; inexpensive email marketing tools and 10 free sales tools for your business.
Find new ways to market yourself: Now is the time to double down on marketing your business in every way you can. Here’s what five small businesses told us are their most powerful marketing tools during the pandemic. And, with more people staying close to home, it might be time to revisit good, old-fashioned direct mail. If you’ve never considered it, here’s what you need to know about direct mail marketing.
Strengthen partnerships: Having good relationships with both your financial partners and your vendors is essential right now. If you haven’t already, it’s a great time to revisit your vendor contracts and try to negotiate the best possible terms. And, if you’re looking for investors right now, here’s a guide to how to find the right one — even during a pandemic.
Dig deeper on diversity: Diversity and inclusion might be a phrase you’re hearing a lot lately, but if you dig into what that really means you’ll find that having a more diverse team will give you a competitive advantage by helping you attract more customers and build a broader community around your business. Your business will also benefit from the perspectives and expertise of people who have different backgrounds and experiences than your own. Check out the most recent episode of CO— Blueprint where I discuss the advantages diverse and inclusive small businesses have with four experts and small business owners.
Get inspired: Now is the time to find ideas and inspiration wherever you can. We asked five small business owners how they are coping with the pandemic and also have the latest on how big names like Starbucks, Bissell, and Mattel and Walmart are pivoting to serve customers and marketing in new ways.

Jeanette Mulvey is a passionate advocate for small business and the Executive Director of Content for CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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