Yes! You Can Launch a Successful Business After the Pandemic

by Gloria Martinez http://womenled.org

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you may be hesitant about starting a new enterprise following COVID-19. However, if you understand, and take advantage of, the shifts in consumerism created by the outbreak, you’ll be primed for success. Today, Wise Design Group is here to explain how you can develop and market your new endeavor in a post-pandemic world.

Getting Started

Experts note that the pandemic has permanently reshaped the way people make purchases. Already a growing force prior to 2020, e-commerce now dominates the consumer marketplace, so any operation you start must include an online component. Although storefronts won’t entirely disappear, most shops won’t survive with only a brick-and-mortar presence. Whether you offer auto insurance or yarn crafts, you’ll need a virtual shopping site that provides delivery via download, shipping, or curbside pick-up.

Once you've decided what you’ll sell, set up your business structure. Entrepreneurs often choose limited liability company status, because there’s typically less paperwork than with other options. A formation service can set yours up, saving you both legwork and sizable legal fees. LLCs protect owners from personal liability while providing flexibility and tax advantages, but rules vary so check with your state regarding LLCs before going forward.

With the fundamentals in place, it’s time to draft your business plan. This crucial tool serves as a blueprint for designing your operation and laying out your plans for financing, hiring staff, anticipating problems, and identifying

growth opportunities.

Also, it’s a good idea to set aside an office space so that you can work from home. Make sure it’s a place that’s comfortable but distraction-free, so you can focus. If that requires some renovations, like finishing a basement or garage or adding new windows for more natural lighting, good news: those kinds of improvements also raise your home’s appraisal value!

Tapping Your Network

Business plan in hand, your next step is to secure funding, contract with supply and product sources, hire an accountant, and begin attracting clients. Almost everyone you know should be viewed as a potential resource, whether it’s a childhood pal who has a huge social media following or a friend of your insurance broker who’s a venture capitalist. Though the pandemic has changed the way we engage with others, networking is still vital for the success of any startup.

Start connecting by putting online tools to work for you. LinkedIn lets you tap into and expand upon your current network, while apps like Cloze automatically manage your contact data across multiple platforms. Forging strong virtual connections as pandemic restrictions ease will serve you even after in-person conferences and meetups are back.

Marketing Your Enterprise

Although networking is one way to build client relationships, reaching more consumers requires a marketing plan. You’ll need an attractive and user-friendly e-commerce site, regular email campaigns, and social media postings to engage with clients and build interest in your offerings. Hire a marketing specialist who can identify ways to take advantage of pandemic-induced purchasing habits while positioning you for success when business returns to a level of normalcy.

When you’re submitting images for marketing collateral or sharing visual ideas with your web designer, compress your graphics for easier emailing. To avoid compromising quality, use a JPG-to-PDF converter before attaching your images. You’ll even be able to convert multiple JPGs into a single PDF for streamlined communication.

If you’re thinking about launching a new business now, taking advantage of the shift to e-commerce created by the pandemic may give you the best shot at success. By selling online, networking virtually, and tailoring your marketing to new buying habits, you’ll be on your way to running a profitable enterprise in the wake of COVID-19.

Wise Design Group creates unique hand-crafted website designs to help position your brand and build your online presence to its full potential. Call 646-403-0747.