Businesses around the world are facing a new challenge, and it’s one no one would have expected—a pandemic. Right now, we’re all trying to figure out how to stay safe from Covid-19 and stay productive.

Small businesses, contractors, and freelancers are especially vulnerable during this time. To practice social distancing and mitigate the impact of this situation, many companies have canceled events, furloughed workers, and laid-off employees.

When clients and customers can no longer conduct business as usual, it creates a ripple effect throughout every industry.

But while we’re all dealing with this new reality, it doesn’t mean that your business can’t adapt and find new ways to generate income. If you’re unsure about what you can do to make this happen, we have three ideas to help you pivot during this crisis.

Take Advantage of Zoom and Facebook Live

Since many countries have instituted stay-in-place measures, this is a time for people to reach out to one another. Think about it, you have a captive audience looking for entertainment, information, or a combination of both.

And you have the tools to connect with them. Services like Zoom and Facebook Live allows you to introduce people to your products and services.

Because let’s face it, social isolation can be well, isolating. What people need now is a genuine connection with others who can help them navigate this difficult time.

Online workshops and classes are a fantastic way to teach people new skills and learn more about how you create your products. As measures have increased, we’ve seen professionals of all stripes sharing their passion. From teaching classes to performing concerts, people are doing their part to try and keep each other’s spirits up.

You could join in by providing people with a way to talk to one another. It’s especially helpful for those who live alone or may not have a robust social network. Consider putting on a wine and cheese night or virtual dinner party to get your audience to mix, mingle, and learn more about your business.

Even though we’re social distancing from one another, it doesn’t mean we need to avoid reaching out to one another.

Encourage People to Buy Gift Cards for Future Services

Smaller businesses providing in-person products and services might not be able to serve customers right now because of Covid-19. However, this blip doesn’t mean these same companies won’t in the future.

Restaurants, breweries, and other small businesses would benefit from pushing the sale of gift cards a little harder now to generate income.

For customers interested in supporting your business, ask them to purchase gift cards to use at a later date. It’s a way to keep people excited about what they’ll enjoy once the strictest of safety measures are relaxed.

Look for Ways to Shift Your Services Online

But what if your business involves providing a service that’s especially unique or is a brick and mortar? Well, maybe it’s time to begin teaching people the tools of the trade.

For example, you’re running a restaurant, and while there are plenty of cooking videos on YouTube, none of them are teaching people how to prepare their favorite dishes from your kitchen. Now it’s your time to shine and give the people what they want.

Using tools like Homestyler Interior Design, experts can easily translate their vision to clients without entering the home. It’s an opportunity to lay the groundwork for turning these design ideas into reality in the future.

Moving spa services from massage rooms to living rooms would benefit those experiencing heightened anxiety and stress. Hosting an online ‘relaxation day’ could teach people how to turn their home into their own personal spa while they endure the next weeks at home.

Look for ways to invite people into your world.

It’ll be okay

Right now, we’re all looking for new ways to run our businesses and adapt to this new way of life. But if we all stay focused and look for ways to be more creative, we’ll be able to get through this together and come out stronger on the other side.