With lockdown still in full swing, now might just be the perfect time for e-business owners to be proactive and positive.
Many business owners are daily trying to come up with ways to keep their company’s doors open while no work or sales can take place. We asked local entrepreneur, life coach, businessman and speaker, Michael Drummond for a few tips for e-business owners to stay proactive and positive amid the lockdown.
“In this time it is important to remember your key purpose, the reason why you started and nurtured your business. Having that in mind, if you haven’t built your business core mission and vision statements, now is the time,” said Drummond.
Mission and vision statements give staff a sense of purpose and provide a foundation for a business culture.
“Looking outside the box in times like these will assist you and your business to either get rid of gorillas in the closet (stagnant or obsolete items) and/or focus on new and innovative ideas and products to elevate your business,” according to Drummond.
“I am of the opinion that it is always cheaper to retain a client than to search for new ones.
“Never jump at a new product without having done the necessary research of whether your current customers would be interested in the product. What sounds good to you could be ahead of its time, not currently required or be relevant to your current target market,” he added.
So, how to stay positive (and proactive) during this time?
He suggests taking a different approach.
“What if 17 April is, in fact, D-day? Yes, we are all nervous and worried about finances and about being restricted, but what if we prepare for D-day properly?
“In this time during lockdown the majority of the working force are still online either via their phones or laptops, so why not seize the opportunity to take advantage of your marketing strategy? Be relevant, provide value and be real. What will your consumers require most when these restrictions are lifted and who are they going to remember first?”
Being proactive during the downtime and improving your business’ relevance will lead to success when it is go-time.
“My advice to stay positive, grateful, focus on previous wins and use that knowledge to build on future successes, maintain a routine, get organised, help others and come together,” added Drummond.
More about Michael Drummond
He is considered to be one of the most innovative businesses to hit South African soil. Along with his associated companies MD offers a turnkey solution to any business migrating into the future from the industrial era into the new and exciting digital age. With a BCom degree in financial accounting, he became an accountant by trade until embarking on his journey as an entrepreneur in his search for more. Today Michael Drummond is better known as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, influencer, business man, father, life coach, storyteller and speaker. His core focus is to build up both people and businesses; and is considered a mind power expert specialising in personal mastery. He believes that if you are not growing; you are falling behind. Details: michaeldrummond.co.za.
