As the covid-19 virus continues to spread, and cases are on the rise, salons, spas, and clinics everywhere are tackling many unanswered questions. The most frightening question of all, “Will this second shutdown leave my business unsustainable?”. Discussion of a second shutdown is being circulated throughout the United States. However, many states are encouraging a simple solution of re-imposing restrictions. Many areas of Europe, such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have already issued a second stay-at-home order. They are expected to wait for reevaluation come December. These recent coronavirus precautionary steps have been noted in *NPR’s Nov. 2nd article:
France imposed a stricter lockdown on Friday, ordering people to stay home except for essential work or medical reasons. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the second wave of the coronavirus is “likely to be deadlier than the first.”
Germany also ordered the closing of restaurants, bars, gyms, and theaters starting this week, with Chancellor Angela Merkel calling on her country to abide by the new rules in hopes of returning to relatively normal conditions by December. Other European countries, such as Spain and Italy, have seen a surge in new cases as well.
*(NPR) Neuman, S. (2020, November 02). Britain’s Boris Johnson: ‘No Alternative’ To Strict New Coronavirus Lockdown. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from: https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/11/02/930398019/britains-boris-johnson-no-alternative-to-strict-new-coronavirus-lockdown
In the hair industry, we are battling the label of “essential business.” Some salons are classified as hair restoration operations, while others fall under the “personal care” category. It is puzzling to think that “personal care” businesses wouldn’t be considered essential. Physical appearance plays a massive role throughout our professional lives. To talk about personal care businesses with such low regard is seemingly appalling. In this article, our businesses (essential or not) can find guidance on how to not only stay afloat during these trying times but guidance that will push us towards a thriving future.
We must all face the possibility of a shutdown without a stimulus package or loan program offered to small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program(PPP) was a first wave response to aid small businesses affected by covid-19 in the United States. If your business doesn’t receive a PPP stimulus this time around, will you be ready to maintain revenue and retain your dependable employees?
To gain revenue during a closure, maintenance products need to be available online. We live in an online world where zero-contact home delivery is too easy to pass up. Building an e-commerce site for your business allows you to make revenue beyond your business hours, 24/7. You’re also able to reach clients past your zip code, even clients who live outside of your state. For those of you who have willing employees, they can assist with contactless deliveries within your local area as well.
For those just diving into the online world, E-commerce is the activity of electronically buying or selling products from an online service. If your business isn’t selling products online, you need to set aside the time to get it started now. *Beginning this process, while you are still engaging with your clients, will connect your clients to this new sales portal even faster. This is how we can stay connected to our salon clients, if a covid-19 closure prohibits walking into our workspace. Even just expanding your online presence through social media by posting regularly and asking followers to share the content can give your business a bo