Being an entrepreneur is tough. Being an entrepreneur during COVID-19 is scary. But, when it comes to entrepreneurs, many of them thrive on unpredictability, and manage to turn adversity into opportunity. That’s just how the entrepreneurial spirit goes. A never-say-die attitude in one hand and a dream on the other, this breed of professionals continually test themselves and come out on top.
There is no playbook to being a successful entrepreneur as each one differs in ability, style and methodology. While so many things set them apart, one thing brings them together, and that is, they all fight till they throw the last punch. There’s no one braver than an entrepreneur they say, we say, don’t be the big built guy in the ring. Be the nimble footed one. Be the one that moves fast, turns quickly and throws the next punch before anyone can see. Be smarter about how you can use technology to manage your business during this pandemic.
Technology for safety
To grow a business or even keep one afloat, the safety of your office, store is of paramount importance. It takes more than just frequent sanitisation to keep a check on the transmission of the virus and your employees and customers need reassurance that you’re a safe business. Technology has enabled a new category of products called Viral Defence Systems that pave the way for uninterrupted safety indoors. Take devices like the Shycocan for example, a pathbreaking innovation that neutralises the virus with up to 99.9% efficacy indoors. It is 100% safe for humans, animals, the environment and has absolutely no side effects.
Technology for a new and improved business
So, you may have been a brick and mortar outfit, or a service-on-demand kind of business. Today, you need to be online, e-comm enabled. You need to be accessible at the push of a button and you should be willing to deliver your products or services home. Pivot your current business to adapt to rapidly changing consumer behaviour and you will see that you can enter the consideration set of their requirements once you are discoverable.
Technology for up skilling
As an entrepreneur, the learning never stops, but it doesn’t have to come from your business only. You can take courses online and upskill yourself and your employees so that you are ready to widen the product or service offering of your business soon. Turn this difficult time into a rewarding experience for everyone.
Technology for promotion
Consumers are spending more time scrolling their phones now than ever. They’re working from home, multitasking, but never stepping out. Start using online tools like google ads, Facebook ads, blogs, articles, and relevant video material to connect with them and keep them engaged. Help them discover your business, and deploy the right tools to guide them to you. Become relevant in your communication, and keep the conversation active on social media. Or even messenger apps. But, stay in touch with them.
Technology for mental health
Entrepreneurs are all in. They put everything else on priority, but themselves. And given the current amount of stress all around us, it is important that you detox. Get off your laptop, computer, phone, get off work, take some time off and recharge yourself. Meditation can help keep your mental health in check. If you don’t know how to meditate, there are apps like Headspace, Calm, iBreathe, Oak, Whil and more. You need more energy and a calm and collected mind to deal with the uncertainty around you. So, take it slow, after all, business is a marathon, not a sprint.
Things will turn around. Till then, keep your spirits up, your chin up and fight back with all the tech you’ve got.
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Alok Sharma is CEO, Shycocan Corporation, the Company behind a breakthrough new technology, the Shycocan. A virus attenuation device that can disable the entire Coronavirus family of viruses with up to 99.9% efficacy in enclosed spaces as per multiple virology test reports from accredited laboratories globally. He’s the former MD of Apple India, an angel investor, entrepreneur, dad and eternal optimist.
