4 Tips to Help Small Businesses Reach Post-Pandemic Success

Small businesses are facing post-pandemic work challenges, such as supply chain delays, competitive hiring in various positions, and changes in marketing strategies. Many business owners are being forced to alter the way they operate and communicate, while others are seeking advice on starting up a new business.

In a Big Week for Small Businesses panel, Jeanette Mulvey, editor-in-chief of CO—, asked accomplished small business owners for their advice on topics such as pricing, recruitment, and marketing strategies. Here’s what they recommend to ensure businesses succeed in these evolving times.

Research the Competitive Landscape for Pricing

Due to disruptions in the world economy’s supply chain, small businesses are experiencing product and shipping delays, and they’re having to adjust pricing for customers. Renaldo Webb, founder of Pet Plate, explained that the best ways to determine the right pricing are to research across the market.

“We’ll look across the competitive landscape and try to see if there are other similar value props being offered,” said Webb. “Many times, you’re not given the quality that Pet Plate delivers. We try to think of what is a fair or an honest markup as a result of that.”

Communicate in the Initial Stage of Hiring

Communication in any stage of a business is crucial. However, when trying to hire new employees it’s important to communicate often. Elena Ledoux, co-founder of Superb Maids, found a way to innovate the hiring process and ensure success while recruiting.

“People normally have a lot of questions in the back of their mind,” said LeDoux. “If you can’t answer them proactively, then you’re at a loss.”

To help prospective employees better understand what it’s like to work for Superb Maids, Ledoux created a video that answers questions candidates have about the company, position, hiring process, growth opportunities, and some of the pros and cons of working for her company.

“Include excessive communication at the initial stage of hiring so your expectations and the employee’s expectations can meet,” Ledoux added.

Send Media Kits and Build a Following on Social Media

In the evolving world of technology, businesses face the challenge of standing out in online clutter. They also have to find which platforms are best for marketing and how much they want to spend on ad space. Jennifer Jenkins, president of JJPR, discussed effective and low-cost ways that small businesses can pitch themselves to the media or attract more attention.

“A business can research journalists and media outlets that you want to get covered in and brainstorm a creative media kit that you can assemble and put together,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins also discussed using social media to build a following of like-minded consumers who might be interested in what is being offered and in the brand itself.

“Record yourself doing Instagram and Facebook stories...then send them to your friends via text message or email or however you prefer,” she explained. “Then get them to reshare it and kind of be another voice to promote your business’ successes or launch...on their social media stories.”

Take Startup Advice from Business Owners

Starting a business can be challenging, especially after a pandemic. It can help to talk with people who have been through the experience and help you avoid mistakes. The panelists offered a piece of advice for future entrepreneurs during startup.

"Slow and steady, right?" Webb prompted. "It's all gonna take a lot of time and a lot of work, but it's very rewarding."

Jenkins added that entrepreneurs should "write down every process as [they] develop it.”

“Update it frequently as you grow, because [your processes] are going to change constantly," she said.