How our business is coping with COVID_19
It’s no secret. COVID-19 has hit us hard in Kenya. Small businesses are always the hardest hit and the uncertainty doesn’t make things any easier. We don’t know what the future holds for us, as Create A Tee, but in the meantime, we’d share a few action points that we are implementing and planning as we see what next:
1. Stay calm
It’s easy to hit the panic button. Cash is running dry, people aren’t spending as much as they used to… why not throw your hands in the air screaming frantically? Or how about taking care of yourself. Panicking won’t solve any problems. We are choosing to have our mental health in check. Now is a good time to reflect and take a step back. What has been working great for you, what can you tweak or remove altogether. Find out what’s happening around you to know how best to change your offering to suit people’s needs. Ask questions, get opinions from your target market. Taking a step back doesn’t mean giving up. It just means you’re taking a time-out to restrategize.
2. How can we help
So maybe the sales aren’t as glamorous as they used to. That’s because people’s lives have drastically changed for the worst. Instead of fighting a losing battle, it’s always good to see how you can help people in need.
At Create A Tee, we’ve partnered with @iamfree to sell Tees with a difference. The profits obtained from the sale of “Wash Them Hands!” & “Osha Mikono, Yaye!” T-shirts will go towards the Garden of Hope Foundation and Nairobi Chapel. Garden of Hope is setting up handwashing facilities in Nairobi’s Kibera slum while Nairobi Chapel is giving out food care packages to the needy families.
3. Sanitize
A number of our employees are working from home but our services do require people manning the office and handling the machine. It doesn’t hurt to follow the Government’s directive and ensure that there is a safe environment. After all, it’s for our own good. Because the office is relatively empty, social distance is manageable. We have sanitization stations in the office and everyone who comes in to pick up their merchandise is encouraged to sanitize as they enter the office.
4. Keep things online
Luckily for us, our customers design their merchandise online. With the new measures taken to promote social distancing, we have had to significantly reduce physical meetings unless necessary. Taking advantage of online platforms such as Zoom, Email, and even Whatsapp has now become a necessity. We are using this time to gain more knowledge online that will help us during this season and once the situation has lifted.
Parting shot
These are tough times for us. Not just as a business but as a country and as an entire global economy. Let’s encourage each other’s businesses and learn from each other.
This too shall pass ❤️
