Melbourne's small businesses have been shut down, so why market?

There is a number of different mindsets, and it really depends on what type of business you have. If you can pivot your business online, then marketing right now is a must. In fact, there is more competition online than ever before, so you will need to up the marketing stakes big time.

Accounting, Legal, Property and Marketing Consulting

If you are a consulting firm, in Accounting, Legal, Property or Marketing Consulting, it's important to stay connected with your audience and to offer support and advice. Sometimes even at no charge to build your relationships with new prospects, also it's important to offer information that may pertain to your prospects. For example, an Accountant keeping individuals and businesses up to date with the latest Victorian Government announcements that pertain to finance.

As a marketing consulting firm, we are mindful to not 'push too hard' because right now people are getting a lot pushed down their throats. It's quite suffocating at times. However, it's important to think to the future and not dwell on what is going on right now in Melbourne.

Small businesses are hurting

For us, we understand that small businesses are hurting and some may not make it through. We all still have bills to pay, salaries to pay and of course, we need to focus on our own health and wellbeing. 

What has occured to me is that for 6 weeks, many companies cannot do a lot other than plan. It actually is a good time to re-think your business, develop a business plan, work on a marketing strategy and set out a plan of action. The more you can put in place now and start executing, the further you will be ahead when we are all able to go back to work.

It's not going to be easy, but don't be afraid of your full potential. Focus on what you can do and not what you can't. Keep your spirits high. Drink lots of water (yes, this is surprisingly the best hack ever!), and reach out to other entrepreneurs so you can share you concerns, ideas and work out how you can support each other moving forward.

One thing is for sure - people will be more community spirited moving forward and will want to support small businesses.