Your Total Guide To Business

My Strategy For Surviving Coronavirus

By Ruth McGrady, Pet Portrait Artist, Ruth, who lives in North Wiltshire, creates pet portraits from photographs, capturing the spirit and character of furry friends.

When did you realise the Coronavirus could be a problem for you and your business?

Pretty much from the time of lockdown. Although I had two commissions outstanding, I could see that the huge changes in people's economic circumstances would influence their spending strategies, which would mean that buying a pet portrait would not be at the top of their list. They would focus on buying items essential to day to day living.

What has been your plan to continue?

I have planned to reset, look at my products and see what else I can add. I have a dual plan, which is; what can I do online regarding my workshops new products or discounts?

I've been keeping visible via social media and online galleries and offering a freebie to key workers.

And also what can I have ready to go once lockdown has been lifted? - new workshops, keeping the online products and having more original work to sell.

How have you changed your business as the weeks have passed?

I am doing more online networking to keep visible and to see where I can offer support to other business colleagues. Looking at developing new products has been interesting, it's amazing what you can come up with!

And I've taken the opportunity to do some additional training.

Have you been able to access any government support?

No, I don't qualify.

What positive behaviours have you seen in business since lockdown?

The positives for me are that I have had more time to reflect on where I want my business to go, and what I want out of it.

I have new products, and I have been doing original artwork. In other people I have seen rapid responses to the situation in the form of online offerings/products, support and innovation.

Have you seen any negative behaviours by business since lockdown?

I haven't seen any negative behaviours as yet, I think in general business folk are being very sensible.

What advice would you give to other business owners?

Take this time to reflect on what you want, how to get it and how to share it. Look at what hidden skills you have that you can now bring to the fore. Be innovative, think BIG and go for it. This is a new world, with the potential for new beginnings.

What can we do to help each other?

Take time to go through your friends' list, and see how you can help them maintain or growth their business, now and after the lockdown has been lifted. Be kind, thoughtful and aware of those around you.

Your parting thought?

This is a time to reflect and reset your thoughts as to who, what and where you are. To be innovative, to work on those dreams, and say hello more often.

For more information visit www.ruthmcgradyartist.co.uk

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