Why printing companies should think about the aftermath of coronavirus now (and two action points)
The world seems a grim place right now
If you are like me, you probably know people with Coronavirus. And you probably have friends and family who are firmly in the at-risk sector. It can be hard to look forward when we are faced with so much human suffering.
In addition, many companies are faced with having to take drastic action to keep their businesses running. There is a huge downturn in business for many printing companies. It can be hard to think about better times. But they will come.
We will get through Coronavirus
Let us remember that China is beginning to get back to normal. Some other countries appear to be over the worst. Eventually, other countries will start recovering too.
Right now, the temptation is to stop all un-necessary expenditure and move into hibernation mode. Many people are making assumptions that there is no point in trying to do much business at the moment. However, if we take this view then we are setting our businesses up for big problems in the future. With that in mind, there are two activities that we should be making time for at the moment.
Keep selling
Business is down but companies are still functioning. They need help and they need to keep planning ahead. One print sales person in my network told me that business had fallen off a cliff. However, he was still receiving lots of enquiries. The world has not stopped. People still need print.
What we need to recognise is that needs have changed. For instance, few restaurants need signage or placemats right now. But many need help with converting their businesses to a new takeaway and delivery model. That means takeaway menus, packaging, labels and marketing. Printing companies can help with all of this. There are opportunities and I will be highlighting more during next week’s blog.
Remember, many businesses need help adjusting to a new business climate. The printing companies that help them with this advice will be the ones that win work and stay in business. The ones that stick to doing things in the same old way will struggle. So you should be reaching out to current clients and potential new one.
Printing companies should also be thinking about the future
What are you going to do when all this is over and business is returning to a new normal? What opportunities have you always wanted to follow up but never had time for? What could have gone better in your business?
Most people will have far less client meetings at the moment. So this is the ideal time to carry out more planning for the future. This may seem counter-intuitive when you are probably struggling for business. But it is important to plan for the future.
Now is the ideal time to start reviewing your sales messages. You should also think about creating a 12-week sales project ready to put into action when the time is right. You can also spend some time creating new products.
Before you do all this, there is one action point you MUST carry out.
Make sure your business will survive Coronavirus
I have written a blog with five important action points. You can access this here. Once you have a survival plan in place then it is time to action the advice in this blog.
It can be hard to think ahead to better times right now. But they will come. And we should be ready for them.
PS Here’s a thank you if you help someone suffering with the impact of Coronavirus
Send me a note and let me know what you’ve done. In return, I’ll send you a discount code for 25% off any of my online training products*. I have never before reduced any of my prices and this is strictly a one-off.
More importantly, please share with me what you have done whether you want a discount code or not. I want to share the best ideas with us all.
*In theory, I am not including my 1-2-1 live mentoring in this offer. But if you do something awesome enough, I might just reconsider!
