Always Answer cares about our client’s safety first and foremost, which means we want to keep you and our team informed and served, because we’re all in this together.
During these difficult times due to COVID-19, Always Answer wants to make sure we are looking out for the safety of our workers, as well as making sure we continue to provide our clients the superior communication and call center services their businesses need.
We are living in a time of great struggle for many small businesses, with some seeing huge call spikes as customers have questions or place remote orders, and others who are struggling to keep their doors open. That is why we are sharing some business tips and safety tips.
We are looking to the future when we can all enjoy a normal life and business again, but until then, maybe some of our practical tips will be able to help.
Help for Small Businesses
As a small business owner, you are most likely making difficult decisions every day in regard to COVID-19, your business, employees, hours, customers, and more, and we want to help in any way we can.
If you are experiencing call spikes and your customers are having to deal with large wait times, contact Always Answer about our call center and live answering services – we will work with you to find a plan that best fits your needs.
Here are some additional hurdles that many small businesses are dealing with, and some potential help from the SBA.
Access to Capital
If COVID-19 has strained your small business’s financial capacity to make payroll, maintain inventory and respond to market fluctuations (both drops and surges in demand), then consider exploring SBA capital access resources.
Employee & Staffing
If COVID-19 has impacted your workers and staffing, consider a meeting to talk about new schedules, hours that can be divided, and what the future may hold. Keeping communication open and letting your staff know why you are making the decisions you are making, is the best practice. Also, make sure you always are keeping safety and legality in mind during your choices – like making sure that your staff has the ability to fulfill their duties while staying protected from COVID-19.
Inventory & Supply Chain Changes
While the possibility could be distant, it is good to stay prepared for in case there is an inventory shortage in the future. Make a list of your necessary items, and then check your stock. If cash flow for inventory purchases is an issue, consider equipment or inventory financing. Some businesses need nothing more than an internet connection, while others have a wealth of supplies and tools needed in order to perform their job functions.
Marketing & Communication
It’s critical to communicate openly with your customers about the status of your operations, hours, precautions like what protective measures you’ve implemented, and how your customers will be impacted when they visit your business.
Make sure your communication is sound, from relaying your hours to answering the phone and taking accurate messages. Always Answer can help with this, as we offer messaging, after-hours, overflow, and live 24/7 answering services for businesses in a wide variety of industries.
Safety Tips
Safety during COVID-19 doesn’t just affect you or your household, but everyone that you come into contact with, as well as who those people come into contact with – so it is admittedly a big deal!
Use These Safety Tips From the CDC to Stay Safe During COVID-19:
- Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Put distance between yourself and others.
- Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Do not use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands for at least 2 seconds or use hand sanitizer with over 60% alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
- This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
