Pandemic Survival Rules for Business: Be Nimble, Be Quick!

Think back to just one month ago, compared to now. As entire communities across our country are encountering a whole new way of life, small businesses are forced to navigate different ways to survive - to stay relevant, predicated upon the unpredictable COVID-19 pandemic. Our local, state and federal leaders are telling us to stay home…. which flies in the face of entrepreneurial spirit - to be out and about daily, building things!

The names in this game are resilience, creativity, and being nimble and quick. Business owners and leaders must figure out how to survive among the ‘fittest’. Those that win, are those who can mold themselves into this new environment and new reality. And as no one knows when ‘normal’ will return, short-term planning isn’t an option. Potential new ways of doing business and surviving for the long-term, must also be in our sights.

Vicarious Multimedia (VM) has encountered some solid examples of flexible businesses, who are making proverbial ‘lemonade’ out of lemons.

Cook, Cork & Fork This unique business in downtown Palatine offers cooking classes, demonstrations, sells kitchen tools and is celebrating its 5-year anniversary this month. Co-owners Mica and John Mahler made the decision to temporarily close four days before the governor’s mandate and have since shifted to remote ways of promoting and doing business. The store is now offering online/virtual promotions, such as $100 gift vouchers including a 20% discount, weekly wine case sales and online gift certificates. The business has also been hosting ‘Facebook Live Brunch and Learns’ with its charismatic Chef Lucio and is offering online cooking videos and live class presentations. Visit cookcorkandfork.com to learn more.

Bunny Rock 5k Virtual / Adrenaline Special Events (ASE) For a company that was built on bringing people (physically) together at themed 5Ks and half marathons, COVID-19 has presented some serious, but not insurmountable challenges for ASE. Founded by Palatine businessman Aaron Del Mar along with its sister company, Santa Hustle Race Series, LLC, ASE manages approximately 11 events across the country each year. But now, these events have gone virtual! Anyone, in any location can participate, as registration packets and race ‘swag’ are shipped to racers, who are encouraged to complete the event in their own way, at the location(s) of their choice. Those interested in this month’s Bunny Rock 5K can complete the race any time during the month of April. ASE is asking participants to take and send in pictures of themselves or their groups to show the connection between people (albeit virtually) through this challenging time. Visit bunnyrock5k.com/ for more information and to register today!

Restaurants Shifting from dine-in, to carry out/pickup or delivery only has been a real eye opener for many restaurants and has obviously taken some adjusting to - often resulting in layoffs for establishments that find themselves with less work to go around. VM knows of chefs and restaurant owners who are ‘on the front lines’ of their own businesses – running the kitchens, the carryout or the delivery functions – oftentimes, single-handedly. Chicago Prime Steakhouse, Chicago Prime Italian (Andy-John G. Kalkounos , owner-partner), Tap House Grill (owners Mark Zyk and Scott Ward) and Durty Nellie’s (owners Jimmy and Mark Dolezal and Chef Aaron Arggawal) are just four local examples of restaurants where owners and chefs are working triple time. Now more than ever, social media and Enewsletters are the quickest and most inexpensive way for restaurants (and other essential services) to market themselves and reach their audiences.

Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC)As COVID-19 began to change our world in mid-March, the PACC got busy and started the Palatine Strong website at palatinestrong.com. This venue, led by Executive Director Steven Gaus, invites area businesses to post information about online or virtual specials, needs they may be experiencing or ways in which the public can offer support during these challenging times. This website, the PACC website, and numerous E-communications and social media posts, have also provided a range of information for all businesses (chamber members or not) on grants and loans available through the Small Business Administration (SBA), along with other important resources to help keep businesses afloat. A webinar was also hosted by the PACC with representatives from the SBA, to help walk business owners through the process of applying for a wide range of assistance. Visit palatinechamber.com for more information.

Vicarious Multimedia (VM) Because a solid percentage of our clients are local government and other organizations, Vicarious Multimedia (VM) has been tuned in since very early on regarding the pandemic. The VM team began working remotely on Friday, March 13th (yes, a somewhat ominous date), and is fortunate to be able to work from nearly anywhere that has internet service. The one thing that is missing right now is time with our clients, in person. It’s part of our value, as we take the time necessary to spend with our clients, in order to deeply understand who they are, what they do and how they provide value to their target audiences. We’re making up for that by staying connected with regular video meetings – both with clients and within our own team. We all need to stay connected right now, during this time when physical separation is a actually a way to preserve our public’s health. We’re still doing things in a modified ‘Vicarious Way’ and we will always keep a close eye on what the future may bring, so we can plan accordingly. Learn more about us at vicariousmm.com.

The Overarching Message The takeaway here is relatively uncomplicated; it’s about survival and ensuring all business owners are thinking creatively about how to continue to deliver their valued products or services, while nodding to the environment we are working within - each of us in business has a responsibility to it – whether you are an owner or an employee. The questions that should be some of the first(s) to ask during times like this are… were we ready for this? How will we survive this? How do I (as a business owner) keep our people who are of so much value to us? What can we do differently to fit into this new world? The questions are good – but having the answers (or starting to figure them out) is even better.

We Want to Hear from You! VM wants to know how your business is adjusting to the current climate. What new or innovative ways are you deploying to creatively survive during these trying times? Click the link below to drop us a line and let us know what your ‘new normal’ looks like. Good luck out there! Submit your story here: https://forms.gle/eANBD5R1iub5...