How Has COVID19 Affected Your Business?

 

We have all been living uncomfortably ever since we have been stricken with the pandemic. When the news broke out in February, not everyone had thought that it would indeed become a global scare. But seeing the increase of infected persons and realizing that the rate of death has significantly increased in Wuhan, each of us may have thought that we are living a nightmare. The only possible way to reduce the spread was to undergo a community quarantine. Uncertainties built up; thus, everything was far too challenging to digest.

Entrepreneurs, especially those who have just started with their business, may have felt that it was the end of everything. And that there is no way for them to ever recover from this global threat. Fortunately, one of the excellent characteristics of an entrepreneur is to be resilient.- accepting challenges as it comes, punching the hole even if it means having to sacrifice even more. And you can just see how others have become creative on how they could still continue to earn simultaneously; the “bayanihan” attitude has somehow resurrected.

I have asked some entrepreneurs how they are coping while the whole country needs to adjust to quarantine life. Expectedly, most of them replied that the pandemic hit them so hard, both financially and emotionally. My heart is with them because I have also felt the same. However, there is always a PLAN B at hand for a person who would not just be trounced.

Entrepreneurial Challenges During the ECQ

With the limitation regarding going to places where we used to go and where we used to purchase for our needs, the kind of assistance that the government has promised may not be sufficient. I know that the government would want to help everyone in this time of need; however, the funds may not cover everyone’s necessities. With that said, should we just allow ourselves to live that way and just wait for the problem to go away? Of course not.

We are lucky indeed that despite all the restrictions imposed during the community quarantine, some stepped up in providing what the people needed by tweaking some processes in their business. For example, the fast-food restaurants we all love may have temporarily refrained from accepting walk-in customers. But instead, they offered drive-through services as well as delivery. Therefore, we still got to enjoy our favorite food in the comfort of our own homes. For these entrepreneurs, stopping the business was never an option. Still, it was an excellent opportunity for those involved in the industry and serving the public, especially those who offered to provide food for our dear frontliners.

The safety of all workers who continued doing their jobs during the pandemic was crucial. Therefore, business owners made stringent measures to ensure that their employees were safe and well-compensated. Disinfection of the whole workplace and wearing the proper gear was essential because it protected themselves and the public.

We need to find ways to remain financially afloat during such disruption. I know that not all businesses have created their own business continuity plan. Thus, some establishments have entirely closed up during the quarantine period. However, some were quick to find solutions on getting back in times of disruption such as the pandemic. While others may have been able to still continue with their business, some have found other ways to earn. Some responded to my survey that they have considered doing online jobs, which are really a tremendous help because, somehow, individuals can still earn while at home.

Suppose there is anything remarkable about the emergence of COVID19. In that case, I can say that it has taught us so much about how we should live our lives and make preparations:

1. For the business owners.
2. The business plan that we have created may seem perfectly written. However, unavoidable situations may affect the business process that we have. Thus, starting a business continuity plan has been proven to be highly essential.
3. The revenue of a company may not always be stable. Thus, entrepreneurs should be quick to think about finding a solution to what and how to offer them to the public.
4. The employees’ welfare should always be taken into consideration. It is the responsibility of business owners to provide assistance, especially in times such as the pandemic.
5. Individual
6. The risk of getting laid off from a job may be slim in a stable company. However, there are unavoidable circumstances that can seriously affect your earnings. Thus, in these times, it is essential to have other streams of income that one can rely on.
7. Health is wealth. Ensuring the safety of ourselves and the family is of utmost importance. With our knowledge that COVID19 may be around for a few more months, learning to significantly be health-conscious has become part of the “new normal.”
8. The pandemic has brought families together. A pandemic should not be necessary for individuals to be with their families. Still, it has enlightened us that we also need to stop and be with our loved ones and not be always busy with work.

 

Some businesses may have adapted entirely to how they function during the quarantine period, such as online selling, delivery, and taking out of food. This has brought not just security to business owners. Still, it has allowed ordinary people to have options on how they can purchase the usual things they buy without sacrificing their safety.

 

2021 may just be a busy year for everyone because after being quarantined for some time. There is a need to rebuild what has been destroyed due to the pandemic. Although there is no assurance on exactly when this will end, everyone for sure will be thinking more about how they can still manage to blend into the “new normal.”

 

My advice to everyone is to not be afraid. To be empowered with the proper knowledge to think better and act better. If we all go into a panic, nothing is resolved. Not everything is within our control, indeed. However, when we calm ourselves and see the bigger picture, we allow ourselves to be calm and have time to know the steps to take. Push yourself because no one else can do it for you.

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For questions and more information, you may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome

by email:  [email protected]

FB Page: Butz Bartolome

Website: https://www.butzbartolome.com