Indeed things have changed during the past couple of months. As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, you no longer have the resources you had a few months ago. What can you do when you don't have the resources you're used to? Quite simply, you become more resourceful. 

The current "stuck at home" status faced by many businesses is being seen as a roadblock, and in most cases business owners are losing sight of any goals and dreams that they might have had. Instead, it's merely a detour and reason to innovate, and find alternative paths to success. Despite all the challenges many of us are facing during these times, there are also many opportunities. 

Perhaps you've been waiting for that "perfect moment" to start something new, well the time is now. 

1. Focus more on outreach and communication. 

If you've been slack in communicating regularly with your email list, now is the perfect time to start. When drafting your first mail, ensure that you demonstrate that you know how vital it is to stay connected during these unprecedented times. Ensure that you concisely tell your email list how you plan to support them through your next set of emails in order to intrigue them. 

Rather than sending an additional email about how you're dealing with the pandemic internally, rather explain how they should not worry as you’re set up to continue assisting no matter the circumstances.

Take this opportunity to use your email list to provide tips and strategies that they can use now. Many of your customers might be seeking new ways to generate revenue, consider drafting emails with tips on how they generate their own sales during COVID-19 - or create content that shows them that you are active and staying relevant.

2. Consider starting a video series. 

The current coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown present an opportunity to start offering new content via Facebook Live, YouTube or even LinkedIn for your audiences. 

Consider a series where you answer FAQs (frequently asked questions) with step-by-step videos. Or do a regular broadcast representing ways to stay productive during these times.

There's no need for expensive equipment or editing software, but if you have it, use it, if you don't, do not let it stop you from providing valuable content. Content is king!

Ensure your space is well-lit and consider the following content ideas: 

• Make a list of the questions you get asked most often.

• Ask your personal and/or business contacts via social media: "If you and I went out for coffee, what's one question you'd like me to answer about _______ (your thing)?"

Should you spend money on ads during times of uncertainty? Of course, more people are online on social media platforms than ever before, and the competition is more uncertain than ever, so there's more ad-space availability with fewer people bidding. Several marketers are seeing the lowest cost-per-lead than ever before during this pandemic. 

Now is not the time to stop spending money on your marketing efforts; but spend smarter. Get in touch if you need help!

4. Launch an online course or coaching program. 

Due to the lockdown, now is the ideal time to share and sell your knowledge online. While it used to be the alternative, e-learning is now the new norm with the industry continuing to flourish. 

You're probably thinking, "Sounds great, but what the hell am I going to teach?" Here are some ideas to get your brainstorming going:

• Is there a tool or technique utilised in your business? Perhaps you could hold a copywriting workshop? Many people have small businesses and are totally clueless as to the many aspects of social media marketing. It's a great place to start, and many small business owners will lap up tools of the trades.

• Have you grown your business successfully in the past? Did you use a different route? There's an online course here. 

• Perhaps you have a hobby? Hobbies are great ideas for online courses.  

Perhaps you're worried about it's all been done before. Don't despair, the audience continues to grow and so does the need for digital content - with new perspectives. Your knowledge is invaluable right now. Take the time to brainstorm one idea for an online course. We bet you could come up with more than one in a few minutes. 

Conclusion

The most successful businesses have come out of times of change. Adapting and prospering during this time of change is a chance to start something fresh for your business.  Andrew Grove, Former CEO at Intel once said that: “Bad companies are destroyed by crises; good companies survive them; great companies are improved by them.”