100 reopening ideas for small businesses
«We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek» Barack Obama
«We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek» Barack Obama
Nothing we did before March will probably apply after we reopen our economy come Summer.
We have changed. Something has stirred and our priorities, our understanding of life and meaning will be different. How we trade will, too, be renewed.
This is the first pandemic in human history with tens of thousands of social scientists narrating in real time and predicting the future.
Or their desired version of the future, rather.
It is the first pandemic with 24-hour coverage and a mainstream media, avid for blood and dollars, wallowing in the fear and the gore to stretch the news cycle a bit longer.
There has been little actionable advice. Lots of waiting for government help and most efforts focused on finances, new rules, compliance with strings from the CARES Act and what not.
So without any more rambling, in no specific order, here are 100 ideas small businesses can implement today and get ready to be the change that they seek.
Build a website with an online store selling products, services, ideas, anything you can sell
See about installing a parklet in the parking spot in front of your door
Open a little street-facing counter to sell to-go coffee or to-stay ideas
Write a little book sharing the knowledge about your business and become a thought leader in your industry
Regardless of your line of business, put out a table and a couple of chairs in front of your window
Do regular Facebook Live to build a loyal fan base. Yes, small businesses can have a fan base
Build a «curbside pickup station» for the convenience of your customers. Curbside pickup is one of the things that might stick around
Think about partnering with a food vendor or bringing in a small manufacturer or inviting a food truck to park outside. Bundle up
Build a mailing list. Make an effort to write every week, even if it’s just two lines to ask how everyone is doing
Write to your customers, ask about their new needs, inquire about their new priorities, reconnect
Make a sale by advertising through social media or messaging apps
Build up your social media following by posting at least once a day
Team up with your neighbors to see how your businesses complement and whether there’s value to add in a joint effort
Host events that promote your brand or your industry
Put out a bulletin board for the community to pin their announcements, advertisements and notices
Curate your storefront with art by a local artist
Become an ambassador for your town. Post your favorite places, your favorite sights and great things to do around town
Regularly inform your list about events, relevant news and things to do that would benefit your industry or your street
Host networking events for entrepreneurs
Appear regularly in pop-up markets, makers fairs, farmers flea markets
Host tiny concerts
Make playlists to expand your store’s experience, share them with your list and on social media
Call your city government, find out about rules for sidewalk occupation, parklets, sound or music, tables and chairs, plants, etc.
Find who’s filming in town, offer your store as a movie set
Invite podcast, radio and vlog hosts to broadcast from your store
Partner up with a local roaster and offer free coffee or water to everyone
Write up your story and share it with the world. Start building your personal brand. One big factor for business survival will be their owners being known because of personal branding
Start a subscription service to sell a product/service bundle with an entry level product and massive value added from your experience
Transform your storefront into a theater set and put on a play highlighting your everyday activities
Be funny. Have a blackboard outside with your joke of the day or a witty phrase or a quirky quote. Engage with foot traffic
Make merchandising. Give it away. Or sell it. Just get your name out there
Mend your regular supply chain with local links
Send pie to your local heroes (first responders, building superintendents, tgarbage collectors, supermarket cashiers)
Make cookies and see if the smell gets people in through the door. My guess is yes.
Reach out to your landlord, chances are they are also a small business and will need as much help as you. You both have vested interest in your doing well
Start a Facebook group. You’ll be surprised at how many unknown people join
Have a fun little corner for kids to mess while parents shop
Get a messaging app. Give constant updates to your tribe.
Manufacture something that adds value to what you sell
Shop local: get coffee, takeout, printing service and other needs from your neighbors. It’s also the best way to build community and a strong network to boost the local economy
Make at least one corner of your store instagrammable
Reach out to your local government. Find out what rules have changed. Adapt. Promote your adaptation
Find out if there are local magazines. Keep a few fresh copies for your customers to peruse. Let the popular ones know they‘re loved
Find local clubs that relate to your industry. Invite them over to hang out
Research your industry’s history. Become a community museum celebrating that legacy
Move your store outside as much as possible. At least for the Summer
Make sure everyone sees and understands the safety measures you are implementing to keep your staff and customers safe
Write an instruction manual for something you sell. Put it online for free
Think of skills you have from previous jobs, from hanging out at Uncle Ed’s carpentry shop or from your college years. See which can add value to your business today. Apply
Reflect on the pause. Find the positive things you experienced and the good things you learned. Write down those you’d like to keep.
Reach out to the staff you had to let go. Send them a gift. Make sure they’re fine.
Offer bike parking
Get apprentices. Teach your trade
Reach out to your neighbors. Share handyman expertise and tools to fix little things around their shops or houses. Encourage them to do the same
Find local maker spaces. Source signs and any 3D-printed objects you may need. Advertise them in your store
Find out about the origin of what you buy from your suppliers. Buy from local, ethical sources
Get out and stand on your doorstep. Make conversation with neighbors and passers-by
Keep a jar of candy on your counter for children
Take a free course on the many platforms that offer them. Learn something that may add value to your business
Make a «Blog» section on your website to write your stories. They may be short or long but they will surely be entertaining
Get to know your local banker on a first name basis
Find small developers working in your area. See how your business can add value to their work
Keep a log with the happiest moment of each week in your business. Read it back regularly, especially when there are setbacks
Make sure your storefront looks open, inviting and attractive
A bench outside your door makes the entire block friendlier
Change your storefront regularly. Adapt to seasons, holidays, major events, both local and national
Keep ypur sidewalk spotless. Check with your city to see if you can paint it, install a vinyl banner, put a rug in front or mount lights.
Find a place to hang string lights
If you manufacture something and have scraps, if you serve food and have some left over, find out who could use them. Donate
Get a local artist to paint your storefront. It will be unique and a conversation piece in town
Install an awning. Best if it protects pedestrians from the sun and rain
Change your storefront regularly. Work in your business as well as on your business
Learn the basics of Accounting
Think of teachable skills you have and can share with others in your industry
Subscribe to newsletters, blogs, magazines. Always get a fresh fix of what’s going on in your industry
Learn the basics of Marketing
Hustle. Email leads, participate in online groups
Volunteer time or resources in a local community group
Keep glass in your storefront spotless at all times
Make a one-sheet safety manual and display it in a visible area
Write daily inspirational, witty or funny messages for passers by to read when your store is closed.
Always leave a light on. It makes sidewalks safer
Research online marketplaces. See which apply to your line of business and create a store on as many as needed
Reach out to booksellers. Keep a small shelf with literature relevant to your line of business and your industry. Fiction or Non-fiction
Put out a water plate and treats for dogs
Hire neighborhood kids for neighborhood deliveries
Keep creating. New products, new promotions, new packaging, new decorations. Never cease
Make your storefront transparent. Let people see all the way to the back. Do something spectacular with that background
Research crowdfunding platforms that help fund urban projects. Start a fundraiser to do something good for your block
Help your local business association craft a collective vision
See if your city allows murals. Get your city to allow murals. Find local artists who make murals. Make them fall in love with your street
Read your local zoning code. Find things you can use to make streets better. Reach out to see what can you do to change what should be changed
Read books unrelated to your work. You never know what ypu’ll find
Set up a free hand washing station outside your store
Sell from your doorstep
Reach out to your loyal customers who now may not be willing or able to spend money. Keep them loyal. Offer alternatives. Create promotions.
Pivot. There will be new problems. Use your skills and strengths to solve the new challenges. Create a new business model
Team up with your neighboring businesses. Brand your urban village. Promote it
Did I mention put out a weekly newsletter?
Reach out. Get a mentor, a coach, a friend or a colleague. Talk your plans, wishes, dreams and ideas over with them. Support is priceless.
Get more post-COVID insight over at smallbizsurvival.carrd.co