Small business owners are facing a brand new challenge, largely thanks to the ongoing pandemic. If you have had to take to running the business from home, then you might feel like you’re running at less operational power and that the brand is taking a hit in terms of professionalism. Maintaining professionalism when remote working is essential and easier to achieve than you might think.
Maintaining Professionalism When Remote Working: Set Up Your Day Like a Professional
First of all, you want to make sure that you’re at full operating power, personally, even if you’re in a new workplace. Get used to working remotely. Treat the day like any other, giving yourself the time to wake up, get dressed like a professional, and schedule what you’re going to be doing for the day. A lot of people find themselves having trouble switching from home mode to work mode. Taking the time to treat the day like a normal working day can help you make that mental switch.
Be Available: Make Sure You Don’t Miss a Call
If you’re outside the office, then you might not have access to the phone system that ensures you stay connected and accessible or that you can easily take messages if you’re not readily available. However, there are alternatives that allow you to do that from home. With some virtual office support, you can make sure that you have a connection to a receptionist who can take messages if you’re not there at the phone. A virtual personal assistant can help you manage all your communications so that you’re able to prioritise who you get back to and when you get back to them.
Maintaining Professionalism When Remote Working: Be More Accessible Online
If you’re going to be doing more of your work online than ever before, then you need to make sure that your online presence is the best it can possibly be. Boost your website during lockdown by investing in its design if necessary. However, you can make a great support tool as well. By installing a live website chat, you can make sure that you and your team are on hand to help any customers during the process of conversion. You can be there to help them immediately, making sure they don’t get lost, lose interest, and move on.
Maintaining Professionalism When Remote Working: Be upfront with any changes
The pandemic has been disrupting a lot of business operations and you need to be upfront if it’s going to disrupt yours any further. If you’re unable to meet regular deliveries, get as much stock in, or there are simply some services you can’t offer from the home, make sure your customers know. A blog post linked from the home page and emails to all those signed up can make sure you’re being as transparent and honest as possible.
Staying professional and reliable as possible during the pandemic is crucial. If you can keep customers assured and satisfied during such a weird and difficult time, then you could stand to earn the kind of loyalty that’s very hard to dash.
