COVID-19 has, in a short amount of time, transformed life as we know it. Wherever you live, whatever your line of work, you’ve seen the impact.
The chaos. The uncertainty. The fear.
The truth is, none of us know what the next week, month, or year will look like. And that’s exactly why now is the time to band together.
At InkSoft, nothing is more important to us than community. That’s why we’ve created a list of ideas for small businesses — or any business, really — to help you keep your operations moving, your team inspired, and your customers engaged.
An offer they can’t refuse
Sports games, corporate events, and social get-togethers are on pause for the time being.
The most important words in that sentence?
For the time being.
That means that this global pause we’re experiencing is temporary. And while the majority of the population is stuck at home, grappling with the uncertainty of the situation, your business has the power to offer them a reminder of just that.
Enticing offers aren’t just a good business strategy. They’re a way to create a glimmer of excitement.
It could be as simple as free shipping for any sized order.
Upgrading basic garments to premium ones.
Offering discounts on all orders placed this week.
Or maybe your business has signage equipment, and you offer discounted rates for local businesses needing signs to tell their customers how/when they’re operating.
In a time like this, there’s no display of generosity that’s too small. Especially when it comes to business.
Keep it about unity
For businesses in the decorated apparel industry, the power you wield is particularly strong.
The products you offer, from branded clothing to spiritwear to promotional products, have one thing in common.
They all serve to create unity.
Whether you’re creating spiritwear for high-school football teams or branded promo products for company retreats; whether you’re designing merch for touring bands or t-shirts for a massive family reunion — it doesn’t matter.
Whatever stage of the process you have a hand in, whatever the end product is, you’re working to give your customers a physical indication of community.
Now’s the time to remind them that their sense of unity doesn’t disappear just because of social distancing — just because of isolation.
In fact, now’s the time it should reign strongest.
Maybe fans of the high-school football team are urged to brainstorm ideas for a new fundraising ‘fan cloth’ t-shirt. Use InkSoft’s Designer feature and make it a design contest.
Maybe the company retreat got canceled, but the boss sends “Work From Home” branded notebooks to all employees, anyway. Use InkSoft’s partnership with Polyconcept, a leading promo product supplier, to get your customers exactly what they’re looking for.
Employer of the year
Whether you’re the employee or the boss, feeling a sense of belonging is essential to conducting good business. That belonging shouldn’t dissipate just because you’re working from home.
Maintaining a positive workplace — even when that workplace is remote — should never be forgotten about. And with small gestures, like employee merch kits, your business can rest assured all of its employees feel seen. Even when they’re, well, not.
What’s a merch kit? A goodie basket of branded apparel and/or promo products that spread brand awareness — while also connecting the people to the entity.
The “Work From Home” notebook, a pair of branded headphones, or a hoodie that reads “Remote Worker” are all options that are useful — while also serving to lighten the mood.
Let’s get funny
There’s never been a better time for some comedic relief.
Take Design A Store for example — they designed a line of t-shirts with COVID-19 references and jokes on them, not to diminish the seriousness of the virus, but to create something everyone can relate to.
To create something that everyone can laugh at.
After all, laughter is the best medicine. (Second only to proper medicine.)
Give it back
With all the stagnation that’s hit our communities, we’ve all been thinking about ways to give back. Fundraising at the local level is an excellent way.
Maybe, like Printed Threads and Stoked On Printing, you’re helping other small businesses through special offers.
Maybe, like Backstage Graphics, you’re helping organizations with canceled fundraising events get creative.
Or maybe, like the #NashvilleStrong campaign, you’re designing your own line of decorated apparel, with proceeds going to local fundraising initiatives.
However you decide to take action, InkSoft’s features are there to support you.
Use Proposals to show your customers what your deal includes.
Use the InkSoft online Designer to help your customers come up with new branding ideas to keep their community connected.
Use Stores — and our Fundraising Component — to make selling products and raising money as seamless as it can be.
Remember: everything is temporary
Crises like this one remind us that, no matter how chaotic things get, nothing is permanent.
Your business will resume its normal operations, and your life will look like it looked last week.
But for now, we have to focus on carrying on business as best as we can. And when demand increases back to normal? We’ll be ready to supply.
COVID-19 has disrupted our norm, but it hasn’t disrupted our spirit.
Anything InkSoft can do to help your business, we’d be glad to do. Whether you’re looking to leverage more of our capabilities, or you simply need help creating Stores — let us know.
800-410-3048.
Like you, we’re still working. And we’re here to help.
