BARKS from the Guild July 2020

Page 26

business

Business Contingency Planning – Need Help? Niki Tudge sets out some sound business advice to help small business owners take appropriate action to ensure they ride out the storm during these challenging times Batten down the hatches. If the business environment gets even more tough and you find yourself fraught with cancellations, you will have to look at how you fiscally conduct business. It is never a bad time to review all your expenditures and look at how you can tighten your expenses. When income levels drop, controlling and maintaining expenses can be the difference in the survival or failure of a business. © Can Stock Photo / damedeeso

During the pandemic, some small business owners, though, may find themselves having to rethink how they do business for a few weeks, or longer

B

y now, we are all well aware of the impact of the coronavirus. Things have been changing rapidly. First off, let’s not panic! But let’s also recognize that it may get a little rough and rocky for a while. No one knows for how long, but in the meantime, stay informed, review facts, verify information and then take action accordingly. Depending on where you live and your operating business environ­ ment, you may not be impacted at all, or you may only experience some small inconveniences. Some small business owners, though, may find themselves having to rethink how they do business for a few weeks, or longer. As I said, no one knows. Below, I have listed a few points for you to consider to help you plan for all contingencies: 1. Stay in tune with your local authorities regarding the risk fac­ tors based on where you live and also on your personal situa­ tion in terms of health, vulnerability, etc. 2. Gather information from your local, State and Federal govern­ ments so you can make the most informed and safe decisions. 3. Follow recommended protocols for contact with other people. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Pre­ vention (CDC) has published the document, Coronavirus Dis­ ease 2019 (COVID­19): Get Your Home Ready, which gives up­ to­date recommendations on how to prepare and stay safe (see Resources).

26

BARKS from the Guild/July 2020

4.

Consider your business model and how you deliver services, so get remote­ or virtual­ friendly wherever possible. In other words, make use of technology to sustain your business serv­ ices during these uncertain times. Here are some options: • If you run group classes and work in a small enclosed area, consider taking classes on the road where you can manage your exposure and proximity to people. • Consider conducting virtual lessons via webcam so you can continue to coach and provide feedback to clients. Coach­ ing can be done on a one­to­one basis or in small groups. Software such as GoToMeeting, Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Hangouts Meet, and even Facebook Messenger can be used. These all give you the ability to work remotely while interacting both audibly and visibly with clients (see also Surviving the Storm on pp.20‐22). • If you are entering clients’ homes, prepare in advance how you intend to do this. Communicate your expectations to clients beforehand on how you plan to conduct your ar­ rival, departure and interactions with them. • Communicate with your clients as to how the current situ­ ation will impact your business and your services. Thank them for their patience and ask for their support. Over­ communicate if necessary so you maintain contact with


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Happy by Dr. Zazie Todd

6min
pages 61-64

Michelle Martiya sets out recommendations for working with horses to develop manners around food delivery

5min
pages 58-60

DEVELOPING FOOD MANNERS

7min
pages 56-57

cat-astrophe during home isolation

17min
pages 52-55

Centered Training™ and why it is a new way of thinking

8min
pages 38-39

Louise Stapleton-Frappell presents tips on the safest ways to transport pets both large and small in a private vehicle

13min
pages 48-51

PETS AND ROAD SAFETY

7min
pages 46-47

Dr. Sheryl L. Walker reviews a recent paper on the prevalence, comorbidity and breed differences in canine anxiety

7min
pages 44-45

set up their pup for success and avoid potential pitfalls

13min
pages 40-43

Métis Riley introduces the nonprofit she initiated to help

10min
pages 35-37

training

10min
pages 32-34

its Guiding Principles

25min
pages 14-19

structured corporate accountability

13min
pages 20-23

NEWS

17min
pages 6-11

dog trainer and small business owner

7min
pages 24-25

partner, new cat behavior Call-In Lounges, BARKS Podcasts, PPG webinars and more

8min
pages 12-13

pandemic, Veronica Boutelle pens an open love letter

7min
pages 26-27

Niki Tudge sets out some sound business advice to help small business owners during these challenging times

7min
pages 28-29

journey to socialization and, ultimately, a therapy dog

9min
pages 30-31
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