Page 11 - Issue 2 2019 Cornwall Hill

business maTTers
is The coronavirus

affecTinG Your business?

Here are 12 Survival tips

By cheryl Muller Photograph by Ivan Muller

he Coronavirus pandemic in South Africa has be posiTive
been declared a National Disaster and with the Panic is not a solution but a state of mind. Be the leader for
implementation of social distancing, we are all your team - they need your guidance and expertise. Look
Tconcerned about how it’s going to aff ect the for opportunities that will arise and remember you will
economy and our businesses. only recognise the benefit of them when you are thinking

clearly.
Don’t panic. The only way to weather the storm is through
PLANNING. Start planning TODAY instead of waiting until look aT sTaff chanGes

your business feels the effects of the pandemic. Review:
-Employee vacation
Expect an economic downturn, hopefully not as bad -Natural attrition

as 2008 or as long, but expect it to have a severe effect. -Pay cuts
Remember this is a WORLD pandemic. The whole world -Half days

is being affected so don’t be naïve in thinking you are the -Suspending bonuses
exception. Already it is having an impact on travel, tourism,
trading, exporting, importing, supply and the investment plan To Work from home
markets. Start identifying which staff members within your
company will be able to work from home. Look into
12 Tips to consider when planning: what technology you will need to acquire in order to
accomplish this (laptops, internet connectivity, phones,
coMMUNIcAtE bank access etc.)
It’s important to keep in daily contact with your team,
network, suppliers, clients and customers about how you online server or deliveries
are managing the situation to put their minds at ease. Start planning on how to move your business online - if it’s
not already. Look at additional ways to deliver your products
eXTend crediT and services to your customers in case your regular system
Apply for credit and credit cards from your bank while they is interrupted by protocols set up for the pandemic.
are still lending money. You don’t have to use it but it’s safer
to have it available if you are in dire need. markeT and sell
Now is the time to increase your marketing and sales.
knoW Your business cYcles Look at how you can renegotiate the rates and get CASH UP
Become familiar with your business cycles regarding your FRONT.
supply chain. How long do they take to deliver? What is
their recovery period and what plans do they have in place repeaT business
to deal with the pandemic? Now is the time to utilise the Remember existing customers are the best customers, look
reserves you built up during the good times. at ways to keep them loyal such as creating special deals
and offers.

if There is someThinG You need To
chanGe, chanGe iT noW common sense and compassion

Regarding staffing, services, deliveries and products - if Over deliver AND create raving fans. Although business
there are changes you are planning to implement do them is important, remember to put people first - this is a crisis

now. If you wait it will be too late. and people feel vulnerable. Look at ways to implement
additional cleaning and sterilisation processes in your
cuT back noW business.
Stop spending on unnecessary things and start saving,
but don’t stop spending on marketing and sales, this is be nice, relaX, everYone is sTressed
what will continue to drive your business. Remember: “Every ending is the chance at your new beginning. If you
CASH IS KING let it” – Brad Sugars

Cheryl has been living on the estate for the past 18 years. She retired from the corporate environment last year after
40 years, 23 of which were spent working at Exco and Board level. She purchased an ActionCOACH franchise from
Pieter Scholtz, (another well-known Cornwall Hill resident) the Master licensee in South Africa. ActionCOACH is the
world’s No. 1 business coaching firm and Cheryl is now practicing as a certified business coach helping business owners

to grow their business and by so doing, contributing towards the growth of the economy and employment which has
been a passion of Cheryl’s for a very long time. Cheryl has been happily married to Ivan for the past 36 years and has
3 grown children. She loves travelling, exercising to keep healthy, spending time with the family, hiking, knitting and
camping.
contact details:
Cell: 081 300 2443 Email: cherylmuller@actioncoach.com Website: www.cherylmuller@actioncoach.com

Cornwall View • Issue 2 2020 11