Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have been faced with economic peril that has led to a domino effect of negative outcomes on businesses, big and small. While it is very important to recognize that many businesses and retailers have been negatively impacted by this crisis, there are many instances in which some have been able to grow and thrive despite the hardships they had been faced with in the past year.

Having just surpassed the one-year mark of the first American shutdown, we can reflect on the adversities our world has faced. While perseverance over the last year has been difficult, and many businesses were unable to withstand the continuous shutdowns, there were many lessons learned and countless opportunities for creativity and growth. 

Adversity

At the beginning of 2020, novel coronavirus was merely a word without much meaning – however, by the end of February, every American knew to be on the lookout for what could turn into an international disaster. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization labeled COVID-19 as a “pandemic”, and just two days later on March 13, 2020, the United States Government declared novel coronavirus a National Emergency.

Upon these frightening announcements, on March 19, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom in California declared a statewide “stay at home” order, the first of many to go into effect across the country. With “stay at home” orders gaining popularity in nearly every state, businesses in operation were required to work from home (if possible), or stay home until further instruction.

As one might imagine, the beginning stages of this crisis were incredibly difficult on the economic market. The lack of foot traffic into businesses and the lack of money flowing through the market led to heartbreaking closures and losses throughout the last year. Our hearts go out to everyone who was impacted by this crisis, including those who were affected on an incredibly personal level. 

While headlines have constantly been focusing on the negative effects of COVID-19 on the market and economy, there are some businesses who have not only been able to stay on their feet, but have also been able to grow their businesses throughout the global pandemic. To be able to thrive in a market that seems to be entirely against you takes enormous amounts of strength, perseverance, and drive, all of which are ignited in times of catastrophe. 

Attitude & Approach 

There are so many factors that have gone into a businesses capability to grow throughout this ongoing pandemic, but one of the most important has been the ability to adapt to the new market resulting from COVID-19. The ability to keep one’s business afloat relies heavily on how they will choose to go about marketing and selling themselves to the world, setting themselves apart from the competitors.

With the right marketing strategy and mindset, some businesses have been able to adjust flawlessly to this new way of life. By using their marketing power, they have been able to grow their businesses in such a way that gives them the ability to adapt to the changing market and lifestyle that quarantining has brought upon our society.

In order to continue to run your business with purpose, one must have the positive mindset and attitude to do so. They must see the end goal and look for the loopholes and strategies that will not only bring back their original customers and clients, but also lure in new clientele that can see the will to persist through hardships with no delay or second guessing. The businesses that have been able to stay afloat and even thrive within this changing and vicious market have been those that have changed their attitude and approach, keeping their eyes on their company’s mission. 

Examples of Adaptation

Adapting to this way of life, even for those who do not own or operate businesses, has been a stressful challenge. For those who do own and operate businesses, these rapidly changing times have opened up opportunities for growth and change. 

Examining the restaurant industry alone, one can imagine that the changes they have gone through within the last year has changed the industry entirely. With the exclusion of indoor dining, restaurants have struggled to bring in the same amount of money and business as they were pre-pandemic. This said, if they haven’t made many changes to accommodate the market, then they would not be able to continue to prosper. Amazing companies, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates have provided restaurants and other dining options with delivery all across the cities and counties they reside in. These companies have made it possible for those who want to stay home for their health to still receive deliveries, not only supporting the restaurant itself, but also the independent contractors who deliver their orders.

All industries have had to learn to be health conscious in a time where society’s main focus is the well-being of themselves and others. This means changing up sanitation standards, increasing the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and social distancing in situations we would have otherwise never thought about before March 2020. These sanitation standards have completely changed the way consumers look at businesses, be it retail, dining, or grocery stores. A business’s ability to adapt to these health-focused changes, their ability to make their customers and patrons feel safe, is the exact reason some companies have been able to continue to keep their customers coming over the last year.

Marketing plays a very important role in whether or not a business has been successful. Marketing, especially on social media, is a great way to get your business’s name out there and to also show potential consumers and clients the measures you are taking to ensure a safe, positive, and progressive business environment. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so imagine what a good photo and caption combination could do for your business in a time like this!

We began 2021 much like we started 2020: full of hope for a better future, and excitement for a beautiful year ahead. While businesses may still face the same difficulties this year to keep their heads above water, there are strategies that have been working for others that could positively impact the market today. A business’s adaptation, attitude, and approach can all work to grow and develop their businesses as we continue to navigate this pandemic.