Businesses across the U.S. and the world are changing and adapting to the rules and regulations surrounding COVID-19 protections. Companies that require in-person work may be minimizing their staff, staggering shifts, providing gloves and masks, or may have shut down operations until reopening is possible. Others that allow for at-home work have structured their systems for telecommuting and video communications.
Some business structures work better than others. Some companies may be fine to work from home on their end, but may require the support of other companies which have closed.
With each day, new changes and new adaptations have had to occur.
However, as the months have progressed, many companies have been able to adapt new strategies that allow them to do business effectively. Others have been able to change their business to provide virtual products and classes – and to utilize online structures.
Evaluating Business Changes
As some states begin to open up and companies are allowed to return to their offices, it is crucial to think about the changes you have already made.
Effectively evaluating the company-wide changes you have implemented will allow you to take advantage of the last couple of months, and perhaps keep the changes in place that have benefited your business.
Here are some strategies for evaluating changes you have made to keep employees and customers safe during stay-at-home orders.
1. Make a list of the changes you have implemented
Many of us have made changes to how we do business. We have employees telecommuting, we have held business meetings over video conferencing software, and we have set up meeting structures to keep everyone up-to-date.
Begin the process of evaluating which changes are beneficial and which are disruptive by first listing all of the changes you have made, company-wide.
2. Attach those changes to company metrics
In many cases, company metrics add a data point which allows us to determine if a change is working. If you can, add this data point to your list.
3. Note which opportunities have opened up based on these changes
Have the transitions and modifications you have made opened up new opportunities? Note that information next to the change so that you can see how it has benefitted your business.
4. Note how these changes have worsened your company or made it weaker
Some of the transitions we have made during this time have not worked out well or have created difficulties for employees or customers. Make sure to note this information next to your “opportunities” to ensure you see how this shift balances out.
5. Discover which changes have strengthened your company most. Can you keep them in place?
All of this information should make it clear which adjustments have benefitted your business. If a new strategy is working well, consider how you can keep it in place, even as your business opens its physical doors.
6. Discover which changes have weakened your business. Can you get rid of them or make a new choice now?
If a change has disrupted your business, is there a fresh choice you can select which will change things right now? Even if you cannot open your doors just yet, you can make new decisions and shift how you do business so that your company can immediately benefit.
7. Document the changes that you will be keeping in place
Finally, if you have decided to keep a beneficial shift in place, document it. Support the transition by ensuring that everyone in your company knows and understands how this development will benefit the business.
Many business owners are working hard to keep employees on-the-job and continue to serve their customers during this time. If you are one such business owner, we would love to assist you. Contact Business Success Consulting Group today for a free initial consult and find out how we can help your business grow.
