PUSHING FORWARD FOR A STRONG BOUNCE BACK
By Bill Regenhardt, Yuma Sun Digital Media Manager
WHEN SOMEONE RECENTLY asked me how I was doing, my immediate response was, “Better than I deserve.” While I am sure that I stole that line from someone else, the answer still stands.
In this time of uncertainty and constant change, I do feel like I am doing better than many. I am doing my best to stay positive and encouraging others in my circle of influence to do the same.
However, for many business owners, positivity is not loudly pinging on their radar. Yet, having the mindset of pushing forward, regardless of your current circumstances, can be the catalyst for a successful recovery.
A few days ago, I watched a podcast about a survey done with over 500 consumers and business owners regarding their views on their current trials and tribulations due to COVID-19. The survey, completed by Magid Research and presented by Magid’s President, Bill Day, confirmed several things that local business owners are telling me and reports on what consumers are feeling, saying and doing.
One of the biggest takeaways for me after watching the podcast was the statement, “crisis creates change.” This statement should ring loud and clear to the business owners who are in the trenches.
The owners and managers that take the time to listen to such counsel, and have the drive to innovate and transform, will be the ones that gain in the medium and long terms. The survey findings brought up several very good observations worth sharing.
Your customers need to regain trust and need to know that they are safe. The recovery challenge is in getting customers to feel safe in doing the things they used to do. How are you getting the message out to your customers, both current and prospective, that you are open and ready serve in a safe manner? They want a sense
of normality that builds confidence and trust. When your customers do not feel that trust, caring and safety, that is when the reverberated negative economic impact will hit. Keep your messaging positioned to retain customers and gain new ones based on trust and safety concerns.
“Your customers need to regain trust and need to know that they are safe. The recovery challenge is in getting customers to feel safe in doing the things they used to do.”
Marketing a positive message in a negative environment can be challenging. However, it is not impossible. As a business owner, you need to be aware that your customers want you to adver- tise. They need to know your message. Consumers want to know that businesses are there to provide value and safety. When delivering the message properly, businesses will gain. According to the Magid survey, 25% of consumers are saying that they are unlikely to reengage in the economy the same way they did before COVID-19 hit. That opens the door for a completely new world of digital marketing opportunities.
Doing things differently, with purpose, innovation and transformation will help your business position well during the recovery. Your business will have to DO extraordinary things, which will take extraordinary effort. Furthermore, you will have to TELL people what you are doing to get them to reengage. Additionally, you have to remember that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Keep your messaging positive, forward looking, and give customers detailed information.
Through a variety of digital platforms, tactics and strategies, our dedicated team of marketing consultants can help you with all aspects of delivering your transformational message. Utilizing targeted digital display, website content, social media, blogs and more, the innovative products are immediately available to you. Make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead and be “better than you deserve”.
For more information regarding digital media marketing strategies and solutions, contact Bill Regenhardt at bregenhardt@yumasun.com, or call (928) 539-6825.