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Business in disruption. What is your plan for evolving your business strategy?

Chess board with one black chess piece standing

COVID-19 has rocked the economy.
 
Businesses that are waiting for COVID-19 drama to pass so we can go back to normal are at high risk of failure. Among those businesses that are adapting, some are actually growing.
 
We have unprecedented resources in place to find a vaccine. People, AI, and Machine Learning around the globe are working relentlessly and multiple potential vaccines are being funded, produced, and trialed in hopes that one will rise to success. Once a vaccine is in place, most of normal will return, but that may be a year or longer away.
 

Taking the Steps Towards Growth

 
Even among the hard hit restaurant sector, there are those that are applying strategies that have adapted and are building even greater confidence among their customers. They are not only making money now, they are also preparing themselves for when we do come out of this pandemic.
 
They are building new loyalty among their customer base and establishing trends in their market that not only make them strong, they are setting themselves up for even greater success once a COVID-19 vaccine is found. This is the same critical thinking that all businesses need to apply.
 
Until there is a vaccine, all businesses need a plan to operate with COVID-19. That includes plans for your market when more businesses phase in, when case numbers drop, or when they resurge. We may even identify treatments that help alleviate the harm caused by the virus, which will also have an affect on the business ecology.
 

In a Climate of Disruption, What Are You Doing?

 
With disruptions, come bursts of innovations. Unprecedented times like the monumental one we’re living in now have a tendency to push us to reflect and evaluate what our business has been doing.
 

An Evolving Business Strategy

 
Having a planned, flexible, and evolving business strategy will allow you to quickly make the necessary changes to meet the disruptions in the marketplace — this isn’t something all businesses do effectively. You need to understand the phased changes that are ahead and plan for them. Winging it and depending on luck and wits is not a good plan. What business strategy has unfolded for you as a result of COVID-19?
 

Google Tools for Working Remotely

 
In our current phase of “the new normal,” the ability to work from home or remotely has become inherently important to the success of a business. With countless tools and software companies who claim to be the communication solution for you, it’s easy to overcomplicate things. Isn’t it funny how the answer to your problems can be right in front of you? Check out how we harness Google Tools to serve our customers.
 

Website Updates and Upgrades

 
Now more than ever it is critical to have a comprehensive online presence. The internet is constantly evolving and it’s important that your business evolves with it! A fresh site with visual appearance and practical functionality will draw and service the right people.
 
Every year website standards change and they can be very profound. Not everyone has the ability to keep your website updated in-house, which is why hiring an agency who is knowledgeable of the technology, design, content, and marketing can be of great benefit…
 

Harnessing the Power of Ecommerce

 
Businesses today are under tremendous pressure to meet and exceed their customers expectations. With nowhere to go but online, what can a business do? Ecommerce offers you the ability to reach customers anywhere at any time, and there’s potential for your operational costs to be cut, too!
 

Online Marketing

 
Online marketing was a critical component of marketing strategy before COVID-19. Now that people are social distancing and working remotely it is even more relevant.
 

Grow your Business

 
Business growth is not accidental. The THINK team brings multiple disciplines to the table for every client. Not sure how to take the first step? Contact us. THINK can help!

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Tips on Working Efficiently from Home

Woman working in a coffee shop on her computer

Working from home can be rejuvenating or it can present you with some personal challenges. How have you been doing?
 
For many companies, working remotely or from home presents a new type of reality — one with mixed definitions of benefits. It’s important to reflect on the advantages! Agile workplaces that have taken advantage of this climate may notice trends like:
 

  • Increased productivity
  • Increased employee empowerment
  • Increased job satisfaction

 
Some of the hardest hurdles to jump include staying motivated, keeping yourself accountable, and maintaining a collaborative spirit. When you personally identify where you or your team may fall short, you’ve taken the first steps to work towards a solution.
 
To maintain your work ethic and the quality of your work while you’re remote, here are some of our tips.
 

Create a DESIGNATED Workspace

 
Sure, you can open your laptop at the breakfast table when your workday begins, but what happens when it’s over?
 
When we work in offices, we are in “work mode.” A designated workspace has been a key for many of us at THINK. It provides us with structure and stimulates our brain to say, “Okay, we’re on the clock. It’s time to get the job done.”
 
Your house is your home — your escape. It’s your haven of distractions! One of the biggest struggles when it comes to working remotely is to separate yourself and your work from the countless numbers of distractions you’ve got. By recreating your office and channeling that “work mode,” you can have a productive day from the comfort of your home.
 
Those distractions? Indulge guilt-free — after your work is done.
 

Lists Can Be Lifesavers

 
Do you create a list when you go to the grocery store? Regardless of whether you make a list mentally or physically, you don’t leave until everything you need is in your basket.
 
Writing down a daily “To Do List” can help you prioritize like no other and schedule your day like a pro. A simple list can do wonders for keeping you organized and productive. Don’t forget about jotting down small tasks too! It’ll give you a sense of accomplishment which can positively motivate you to keep going.
 

Prioritize Your Methods of Communication

 
Video
 
Now that we are in an age where we can’t hold standard meetings, video conferencing has become the preferred method of in-depth communication. It’s more personal than both phone conferencing and messaging, and can be the most effective way to strategize with your clients or team.
 
Voice
 
Sometimes it’s great to hear someone else’s voice. That immediate feedback you get when you hold a conversation saves time, and leads to more meaningful conversations.
 
Message
 
Email is great for passing along compartmental information and attachments. You also have the added benefit of being able to prioritize your information
 

Collaborate through Video Conferencing

 
Email and chat boxes are great for passing information to each other, but with the whole office communicating like this, an inbox can be full in the blink of an eye.
 
If you find yourself spending longer than 2 minutes typing out directions or asking a question, video conferencing might be the better option. A great brainstorming session usually requires the ability to bounce ideas off each other, talking face-to-face, and in real-time.

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Local Business Highlight: ASSET Engineering

With offices in Canton, Mississippi and Jacksonville, Florida, ASSET is an engineering firm that specializes in power systems design and analysis. With a laser of focus on meeting and exceeding client expectations, they are solution providers.
 
ASSET Engineering’s list of clients include utility companies, independent power producers (including those with renewable energy resources), and large institutional and industrial facilities both nationally and internationally. They also look to partner with contractors and other engineering firms where they can complement a team or vice versa.
 
In February of this year, ASSET Engineering proudly celebrated their 20th Anniversary!
 

ASSET Engineering, COVID-19, and their Clients

 
Like most growing businesses, COVID-19 has presented itself to ASSET as a disruption to some of their daily operations and how they conduct business with their clients — but it’s not deterring the quality of solutions they provide.
 
Typically, ASSET Engineering has a full menu of communication methods which include in-person meetings, conference calls, and web hosted meetings. Of these, it should come as no surprise that physical meetings are the only communication channel that has been significantly hindered as of late. The majority of their clients and colleagues have been working from home which adds a layer to their B2B relationship.
 

“Our conference calls have included a little more of a personal or human touch, such as a dog barking or a child’s laughter in the background,” Vice President of Business Development, Ron Reed, PMP. “It reminds us that even though we have our professional lives and responsibilities, we all have a personal life, as well.”
 

Flattening the Curve, and While Providing Essential Services

 
Thankfully, ASSET Engineering was well prepared with technology that allows most of their team to work remotely! With file sharing, web hosting capability, and the fact that nearly everyone has a laptop, they were able to transition easily.
 
Since many of their clients like utility companies are considered essential services, the work ASSET provides places them in the same category. When the team absolutely has to get together to collect information required for their scope of work or travel on site, they always follow state and local guidelines for social distancing.
 

A Shift in Communication


What was once utilized as a prominent marketing strategy, ASSET Engineering has had to pivot away from conferences and trade shows, which are great opportunities for them to connect with their target audience. They have since shifted their focus to a more assertive social media and digital marketing campaign!
 
The move to rely on technology for communications has many upsides that are essential for staying operational in our current climate — however it can’t replace the advantages of meeting with colleagues and clients in person.
 
“We all miss the face to face social interaction. In engineering terms, it would be like comparing a 2D drawing to a 3D model,” Ron Reed, PMP, jokes. “The 3D model is that ‘in-person’ and 360 degree experience that you just can’t compare to a phone call or email.”
 

Advice for Growing Businesses during the Pandemic

 
Reed suspects that from this point forward, this digital shift will play a larger role in their business communications — especially as people have been forced to adapt — and see the benefits.
 
“Just as with other disruptions in the marketplace (such as financial and/or technological), the companies that are agile and willing to adapt are more likely to navigate this storm or any that come after it.”

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Keep Your Customers Updated

As with most businesses, COVID-19 has affected the way you operate. It is more important now than ever to provide your customers and clients with the most accurate information!
 
One of the first platforms you should prioritize updating is your Google My Business listing. Google My Business serves local communities by helping users find businesses close to their location and providing them snapshots of basic information regarding the businesses’ daily operations.
 
If you’ve made operational changes to your business, we recommend making changes to your Google My Business listing, as well as your website and social media accounts.
 

Update Your Business Hours

 
Customers need to know if you are still in business or if your hours have changed – Never miss a business opportunity because of outdated information!
 

Update Your Business Description

 
When customers search for you through Google, the business description here written through Google My Business will show. Be sure to update it with the correct operational changes if there are any. For example, if your services are experiencing delays due to remote employees or social distancing, let your customers know. They will understand and appreciate your honesty.
 
Here are some additional updates that could be made to your Business Description:
 

  • If you are only available for takeout, delivery, or both
  • If you are offering extra services to the community (Mask manufacturing, anyone?)
  • Words of encouragement or a call to action to support your community

 

Make Sure Your Phone Number is Correct

 
If your business is not operational out of your home office, but you have not updated your contact information, you should make sure that the phone number listed is the best number customers can use to reach you.
 

Add a COVID-19 Update Post to your Profile

 
Use the new COVID-19 post type to share more details and timely updates about your business. According to Google, “the COVID-19 update posts appear prominently on your profile and are more noticeable to your customers.”
 
Some information you can add:
 

  • Reasons for closures or reduced hours
  • Your business’ safety and hygiene practices (gives customers confidence)
  • The availability of gift cards (especially good for relatives that are home-bound)

 

Temporary Closures

 
According to Google, you can now mark your business as “Temporarily closed.”
 
“Marking your business ‘Temporarily closed’ won’t affect local search ranking and it will be treated similar to open businesses.”
 
Why would you do this? A business should always keep their customers updated with the most updated and correct information.

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The New Normal and Communicating with your Target Audience

With social distancing, quarantines, and shelter-in-place orders a societal norm for a while, people don’t really have a place to go… except online. Now is a great time to ask yourself:
 
Am I effectively communicating with my target audience? Am I effectively communicating my updated delivery methods to my target audience? Who exactly are they? Am I using the right platforms and strategies to reach MY audience? By identifying and analyzing your target audience and where they spend their time, you can utilize this information to transform your marketing strategy and see real results.
 

The Basics: What is a Target Audience?

A target audience can be defined as that particular group of people that your business or product is aimed at reaching. These are the people who are most likely to buy your product or hire your service — they are pivotal to your entire business model.
 
You’ve had that ideal consumer on your mind since before you opened your doors.
 

The Challenge

One of the biggest challenges you may face in marketing is to figure out how to effectively reach and communicate with your target audience. To do this, you need to channel them. Be prepared to ask and answer questions — Where do they go for entertainment? How old are they? What do they do for a living?
 
By filling in the blanks, you can discover more about your ideal consumer and even learn about the most effective methods to reach them digitally.
 

The Decision

Your next decision — Where online would be the best place to reach them.
 
For example, social media should always be used. It can be the easiest and most effective way to reach your target audience, especially on a personal level. With so many platforms, it can be hard to decide which one to focus on and what kind of content you want to put out.
 
The power of creating valuable, engaging content is truly great. If you put out engaging, interesting content to an audience that has been looking to solve a problem or is attracted to your business model, you have the tools to build a lasting impression with benefits. From there, it’s all up to if or how you engage.
 
This decision will be made easiest when you keep your target audience in mind throughout your marketing strategy. It’s all about maximizing awareness. It’s not an efficient use of your time to focus on creating content to reach an audience who has no interest in your product or service.
 

The Marketing Sweet Spot

All the digital content you put out should be reflective of your brand and business standard. While keeping your target audience in mind throughout the brainstorming process, you will be able to authentically communicate and build awareness.
 
Unsure if the strategies you have in place now are up to par with today’s ever evolving marketing world? Now is as a good of a time as ever to conduct a full marketing audit to measure the effectiveness of your communication methods currently in place.
 
Once you identify your target audience, and begin putting out relevant and engaging content where they are actually going (ie, online), you have taken the first steps to effective communication.

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Local Business Highlight: Dr. Woo’s Diabetes and Endocrine Institute

At the Diabetes and Endocrine Institute, Dr. Woo specializes in the study and treatment of issues with the endocrine system. The endocrine glands secrete hormones throughout the body and can cause several disorders like diabetes issues with the thyroid.
 
Dr. Woo is one of the few endocrinologists in the state of Mississippi who holds numerous certifications in obesity and lifestyle medicine, and bone densitometry. Additionally, he serves his patients as a Diabetes Educator as well as a certified culinary coach. These certifications and more were obtained to strengthen his abilities to help his patients.

The Diabetes and Endocrine Institute does not practice conventional medicine — they prefer to practice “lifestyle medicine” to approach chronic diseases such as diabetes.
 
“I look at patients as individuals,” Dr. Woo says, “For that reason, therapy is individualized. I recently read an article which said that only 20% of endocrinologists are happy with their jobs — I don’t feel burnt out, nor unhappy! I really enjoy helping and bonding with my patients.”
 

Helping with COVID-19

While the impact of COVID-19 has affected the way we operate, we try our hardest to ensure that it won’t harm the businesses in our communities. Some of our clients, like the Diabetes and Endocrine Institute, have shifted the way they provide their services to better protect their customers, patients, and their staff.
 
“With COVID-19, we have to remain calm and yet cautious…We encourage our patients through our Facebook page to practice mindfulness — this part of my ‘WooHoo Diabetes Management Plan.’ This gets our patients involved and provides us a way to communicate in real time.” Dr. Woo explains.
 
“We worry about the safety of our patients, so we encourage that they practice social distancing and respect the shelter-in-place order. This virus is especially dangerous to the elderly and those with chronic disease like diabetes.”
 
In addition to keeping, soap, hand sanitizers and disinfectant spray at the ready, they now take precautions such as telemedicine, temperature scans, and more.
 

Telemedicine

The Diabetes and Endocrine Institute now practices telemedicine to avoid having patients drive to the clinic for their appointments. This also serves as a vehicle for Dr. Woo and his team to connect with them to see how they are doing, and help with refills on their medications. At this time, they are unsure how long they will be using telemedicine, but this will be a primary method until COVID-19 is over.

“After taking a hard look at the pandemic, seeing statistics, and reading about the serious complications it can impact my patients, we will use telemedicine while Mississippi is in a state of emergency.”
 

Social Distancing

Social distancing is an adjustment Dr. Woo, his team, and patients are dealing with it as so many are used to the convenience of travelling and going to the grocery store several times in a week. Dr. Woo encourages everyone to make a very detailed list and prepare before going into the public.

 

Hygiene within the Clinic

As part of their business model, The Diabetes and Endocrine Institute sell a series of low calorie muffins, jams, dressings, cereals, and more at their “Woo-Mart” to help provide their patients with delicious alternatives. Patients will now call the office, and pick up their order.
 
“Along with offering telemedicine, we limit patients from coming inside the clinic.” Dr. Woo says. “For everyone, like our staff, coming into the clinic, we take their temperature and ask if they have any upper respiratory symptoms prior to entering. We also limit the number of exam rooms we use (if we absolutely have to use them) and we disinfect the rooms frequently. The lobby is cleaned after patients leave and several times throughout the day.”

 

The Business-side of the Things

Dr. Woo expects a decrease in revenue stream as a result of a decrease in patient load and COVID-19.
 
“Revenue is important for sustainability, but we care about patient safety and our staff.” Dr. Woo says, “We have to think positive and be ready. I’m already planning for the day this blows over — we will be aggressively marketing our practice through social media!”
 
“We have new content in the works with Think, and we are working on a new diabetes curricula, and we will stay engaged with our patients through social media!”

 

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Working Remotely? Check Out the Benefits of Harnessing G Suite for Business

Like virtually every other company during these strange times, your friends at Think are working remotely. How are we doing it, you ask? Through one of the most powerful tools in collaboration and productivity — G Suite for business.

 

What is G Suite?

G Suite for business serves as an integrated suite of secure, cloud-native applications owned and powered by Google itself. With us and G Suite, you and your teams have the ability to:
 

  • Create custom Gmail addresses
  • Create Docs, Slides, Forms, and More
  • Store your files through Drive
  • Organize your hectic week through Calendar
  • Chat and meet through Hangouts

 
Our standard platform for us AND all of our clients is G Suite.
 

How We’ve Been Using G Suite Lately

Now that the Think team is working from home, we’ve been relying heavily on the Apps offered through G Suite.
 
We’ve been starting our mornings with a Video Conference through Hangouts so we can touch base with our projects, hear assignments, and more. Throughout the work day, we’ve been collaborating ideas, giving feedback, and providing directions through Google Docs. Docs also makes it simple to push important assignment assets through appropriate project channels.
 
Got a question for a fellow Thinker? Just send them a chat or video call through Hangout! It’s quick, easy, and they even have a mobile app available. This makes it convenient for those times where we step away from our computers to grab a coffee refill, and we get a message notification or video call through our phones. Gone are the days of missing important messages!

Some assignments are easier to explain through video conferencing than taking the time to type out every little detail through emails. We like to schedule meetings through the Calendar! That way, our entire team is in the loop on knowing when a Developer is available or not. If we get a Meeting request, but we can’t commit, we can simply say “No, I cannot attend” and then Chat to figure out the best time to try again!
 
We end our days with another video conference through Hangouts. We talk about our day, show off our pets, discuss updates with our assignments, and get prepared for the next work day!
 

Conclusion

With companies around the world trying to find the most efficient ways to work from home while maintaining their quality work output, you don’t have to look that far! Save that time you would spend searching for some third-party application. With us, you’ve already got it.
 
Interested in learning more? Give us a call… We would love to schedule a Hangout and talk!