Big ‘thank you’ to our local food establishments!
By Mayor Peggy Lemons
Anumber of our local food establishments have really stepped up to the plate and helped during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing upwards of 40 hot meals once a week to seniors who are enrolled in the City of Paramount’s nutrition program.
A great big thank you to the following for their dedication to the Paramount community:
• Parrain’s Soul Food (7908 Alondra Blvd, 562-634-6050)
• Thai Fiesta Café (8408 Alondra Blvd., 562-788-3016)
• Ono Hawaiian BBQ (8509 Alondra Blvd., Suite A, 562-408-1188)
• Gus’s Deli BBQ & Grill (8320 Alondra Blvd., 562-630-2802)
• Casa Gamino Mexican Restaurant (8330 Alondra Blvd., 562-634-6225)
• Tacos Giro Mexican Grill (8000 Rosecrans Ave., 562-531-8324)
• Alondra Hot Wings (8411 Alondra Blvd., 562-531-4200)
• McDonald’s (7357 Alondra Blvd., 562-630-1444)
• Domino’s Pizza (15500 Paramount Blvd, 562-408-1531)
• Mariscos El Perihuete (16600 Paramount Blvd., 562-408-1661)
• Mariscos El Viejon (14121 Paramount Blvd., 562-788-7354)
• Tam’s Burgers (8454 Alondra Blvd., 562-630-8267)
• Café Corleone Italian Restaurant (15337 Paramount Blvd., 562-408-6100)
• Tortas Chingonas Restaurant (7015 Somerset Blvd., 562- 408-2840)
• Doublz (15100 Paramount Blvd., 562-531-0222)
• Taqueria 2 Amigos (6857 Somerset Blvd., 562-634-5270)
• El Sanguchetto Bakery (8133 Alondra Blvd., 562-790-8501)
• Amapola Deli & Market (13733 Garfield Ave., 562-272-4516)
• Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa (7610 Rosecrans Ave., 562-531-4282)
• El Tapatio Restaurant & Grill (7528 Rosecrans Ave., 562-788-7488)
• Northgate Market (16259 Paramount Blvd., 562-259-9950)
• Leo Bakery (7922 Rosecrans Ave., Suite D, 562-630-5213). Please support these Paramount businesses!
Food giveaways benefit Paramount community
Several food giveaways during May benefited Paramount residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 4,500 people received food.
On May 1, the Association of Guatemalan Fraternities joined with Re/Max Real Estate, Lifegate Church and the Paramount Chamber of Commerce for free food distribution at the church in a drive-through. Chamber Ambassadors and staff helped hand out food.
In the Bianchi Theatres parking lot on May 9, the City of Paramount teamed up with the non-profit organization A World of Compassion in a food drive. Volunteers included members of Emmanuel Reformed Church and MUSA Moms. Adrian Landa represented the office of California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon at the event.
Another drive-through food giveaway took place on May 28, once again in the Bianchi parking lot, as a collaboration among the County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Paramount Entertainment Center and Los Angeles County Library. County disaster service workers handed out food to more than 2,400 people.
PULSE BEAT
Serving our seniors during this pandemic
During this “Safer at Home” period, the City has still been able to serve our senior population in a variety of ways. This has included performing wellness-check phone calls, offering pharmacy deliveries, delivering meals and dropping off birthday wishes.
We also worked with a mobile DJ to visit various residences to provide the folks with a little entertainment (private homes that have street viewing access and the Town Center Terrace senior living complex).
Seniors were notified to stay on their front porches or inside their homes as they listened to a couple of their favorite songs that they would have typically heard at the Senior Center. City staff were present to make sure that appropriate social distancing protocols were followed.
Until the Senior Center at Paramount Park can reopen, we’re doing our best to stay engaged with our seniors.
STAR virtual homework help
Another group with which City staff has stayed in contact are students in the STAR After School Program. Regular wellness calls are being made to the 1,500 students who would normally be taking part on their campuses in the program. Staff members see how the kids are doing and let them know they are missed.
During these check-ins, kids or parents can request help with homework, with staff members providing virtual assistance over the phone or online. Dozens of students participate each week.
A Producer of Renewable Fuels Using
Animal Fats and Vegetable Oils
County Great Plates Delivered program
Los Angeles County is offering a first-in-the-nation meal delivery service that provides three home-delivered meals a day to qualifying older adults and adults over 60 who are high-risk as determined by the CDC. It’s called Great Plates Delivered
This effort aims to assist those in need of the meals and to help get the local restaurant, hospitality and transportation community back to work.
To be eligible for the program, individuals must meet age requirements, be unable to prepare or obtain meals and not be receiving assistance from other state or federal nutrition assistance programs such as CalFresh (see below).
Restaurants interested in participating should fill out an interest form online at wdacs.lacounty.gov/greatplates. Selection will be based on the following factors:
• Ability to meet volume and nutritional standards and prioritize local jobs.
• Worker retention.
• Worker health and safety.
• Standards of equity and fairness in employment practices.
Los Angeles County will implement Great Plates Delivered in all cities and unincorporated areas that do not have their own locally-operated programs.
For more information about this program, visit wdacs.lacounty.gov/greatplates To apply for meals, call 2-1-1
Speaking of the CalFresh nutrition, this food assistance program is available and needed now more than ever to help individuals and households who have lost jobs, businesses, homes and other financial resources as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
If you’re new to CalFresh, you can learn more about this benefit online or apply at getcalfresh.org. For assistance over the phone, call 866-613-3777.
Progress Park Farmers Market returns
The weekly Farmers Market at Progress Park reopened on June 5 to provide another source of healthy foods for our residents. The operating vendor has been running several successful farmers markets in other cities using Los Angeles County safety protocols.
The Paramount market—which is open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—now has a single entrance point, a hand-washing station, COVID-19 information signage and roped separations between food vendors and customers. Items for sale at this point are being kept to farm products and prepackaged items.
PEP TALK
Paramount Education Partnership
PEP scholars named for 2020
Paramount Education Partnership (PEP) awards annual college scholarships to local students attending a two- or four-year college or technical school through the generous donations of local businesses and others in our community. Amounts range from $1,000 to $4,000. Selection of recipients is based on academics, an essay, outside activities, future goals and economic need.
This year, 46 scholarships have been awarded, for a total of 420 scholarships since the program’s inception. The dollar figure for 2020 was $154,000. Nearly $1.3 million has been given to students since the scholarship program began.
Congratulations to the following individuals who received a PEP college scholarship for 2020 (listed with the school they will attend, their major, and their elementary and middle schools):
Zaira Carrera—UC Santa Cruz, History, 2019 Recipient; Glazier, Los Alisas, STEM Magnet.
Christopher Duran—UCLA, Law, 2017-2019 Recipient; Wirtz, Paramount Park.
Alyssa Herrera—UCLA, Social Work; Worthington, Zamboni.
Fatima Larios—UC Berkeley, Applied Mathematics; Keppel, Zamboni
Paola Alcaraz-Hernandez—Cal Poly, Nutritional Science; Tanner, Zamboni
Crystal Aguiano—UC Santa Cruz, Applied Mathematics, 2019-2020 Youth Commissioner; Will Rogers, Paramount Park
Agustin Angulo—UC Santa Cruz, Computer Science; Keppel, Zamboni
Johan De La Cruz—CSULB, Business Management; Niños Eroes (Mexico), Paramount Park
Tarra King-Parker—USC, Sports Medicine; Foster, Zamboni
Daniel Cardenas—UC San Diego, Chemical Engineering; Wirtz, Paramount Park
Sarah Castro—UC Berkeley, Comparative Literature; Los Cerritos, Zamboni
Nathan Ceja—University of Washington, Seattle, Electrical Engineering; Rosemont, Zamboni
Gustavo Contreras—UCLA, Criminology; Tanner, Jackson
Austin Garcia—No College Named, Art; Hollydale, Hollydale
Eric Hernandez—UC Santa Cruz, Computer Science, 2019 Recipient; Harry Wirtz, Paramount Park
Janella Jimenez—UCLA, Biology; Mokler, Alondra
Juan Madrid—USC, Finance and Business Administration; Gaines, Jackson
Judith Murillo—UCLA, Political Science, 2017-2019 Recipient; Lincoln, Alondra
Miriam Pineda-Gonzalez—Georgetown University, International Relations; Aeolian, Alondra
Victor Alanis—UC Santa Barbara, Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering; Marian Anderson, Bunche
Jaylene Martinez—Stanford University, Computer Science, 2019-2020 Youth Commissioner; Amestoy, Alondra
Uriel Salva—UC San Diego, International Business; Wirtz, Alondra
Damaris Rojas—Yale University, Political Science, 2019-2020 Youth Commissioner; Hollydale, Hollydale Allison Aguirre—Loyola Marymount University, Child Development Psychology; Roosevelt, Whaley
Rachel Flores—UC Irvine, Nursing; Lincoln, Alondra
Karina Percastegui—UC San Diego, Social Work; Wirtz, Paramount Park
Edward Quezada—University of Chicago, Computer Science; Jefferson, Alondra
Daniel Ramirez—No College Named, Political Science; Lincoln, Alondra
Lesly Ramos—UC Irvine, Civil Engineering; Clinton, Zamboni
Ashley Valencia—UC San Diego, Biochemistry; Los Cerritos, Zamboni
Isabella Villalobos-Arriaga—UC San Diego, Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2019-2020 Youth Commissioner; Roosevelt, Paramount Park
Arlin Moreno—UC Irvine, Business; Mokler, Alondra
Melissa Munoz—UC Irvine, Sociology, 2019 Recipient; Gaines, Jackson
Annalee Ortiz—UCLA, Undeclared; Los Cerritos, Zamboni
Osiris Ramirez—UC Santa Barbara, Biological Sciences; Mokler, Alondra
Maria Sierra—UC Irvine, Biology; Gaines, Jackson
Daniel Garcia Ramirez—Cerritos College, Economics, 2019 Recipient; Jefferson, Alondra
Shantel Garcia—Cypress College, Psychology; Roosevelt, Paramount Park
Cristal Martinez—Cerritos College, Music Production; Dickson, Paramount Park
Nitze Cuarenta—Cerritos College, Psychology, 2019 Recipient; Keppel, Zamboni
Charlie Gomez—Cerritos College, Law Enforcement; San Gabriel, Hollydale
Jessica Carachure—Long Beach City College, Education; Keppel, Paramount Park
Iris Gallardo—Cerritos College, Theater; Abbott, Mexico Transfer
Miguel Juarez—Long Beach City College, Civil Engineering; Mokler, Alondra
Brianna Salas—Cerritos College, Music Performance; Lincoln, Alondra
Jonathan Flores—Cerritos College, Computer Science; Roosevelt, Paramount Park
Safe and Sane fireworkS
The sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks will once again be allowed this year from the usual walk-up trailers as retail establishments. Keep in mind, however, that all COVID-19 operating protocols will be in force. All customers must follow the necessary physical distancing and wear face coverings.
• Only Safe and Sane Fireworks can be set off anywhere in the City of Paramount on July 3 and July 4 only. Setting them off on any other date can result in a $250 fine.
• You must be 16 years or older to buy Safe and Sane Fireworks
• Only Safe and Sane Fireworks are allowed in Paramount. All others—like bottle rockets, firecrackers and M80s—are illegal.
• Violation of the above restrictions and use or possession of illegal fireworks can result in a fine up to $2,000
• Violation of the above restrictions and sales of illegal fireworks can result in a fine up to $5,000
Please clean up after the fun so that the streets of Paramount aren’t left a mess.
Look for this symbol.
For more information, call 562-220-2002
alerta fuegoS artificialeS
La venta de Safe and Sane Fireworks se permitirá una vez más este año desde los remolques habituales como establecimientos minoristas. Sin embargo, tenga en cuenta que los protocolos operativos COVID-19 estarán vigentes. Todos los clientes deben seguir el distanciamiento físico necesario y usar cubiertas faciales.
• Los fuegos artficiales Safe and Sane solo pueden ser encendidos los días 3 y 4 Julio. El encenderlos cualquier otro día puede resultar en una multa de $250
• Deberá tener 16 años de edad o más para poder comprar fuegos artificiales Safe and Sane.
• Solo los fuegos artificiales Safe and Sane son permitidos en Paramount. Todos los otros— como cohetes que vuelan al aire, o cohetes tronadores y M80s—son ilegales.
• La violación de cualquiera restricción, o el uso o posesion de los cohetes ilegales, puede resultar en una multa de $2,000
• La violación de cualquiera restricción, y venta de cohetes ilegales, puede resultar en una multa de $5,000
Para más información, favor de llamar al 562-220-2002
Paramount restaurants serving you!
Hummus Factory (Downey)
Casa Adelita Mexican Restaurant
Antojitos Mexican Restaurant
Restaurant
Casa Gamino Mexican Restaurant
El Compa Mexican Restaurant & Meat Market
Rosewood Family Restaurant
Delfin Seafood Market & Restaurant
Membership RENEWALS
We’re very grateful that the businesses below have renewed their Paramount Chamber of Commerce memberships, making our valuable services possible.
Max B. Martinez, DDS, FAGD, FACD
30 years 16299 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723
Southeast Area Animal Control Autority (SEAACA) 12 years 9777 Seaaca St., Downey, CA 90241
Chapel of Change 8 years
6701 Alondra Blvd., Paramount, CA 90723
In Motion Design 6 years
7314 Madison Ave., Paramount CA, 90723
Game Changer...........................................................................................4 years
P14905 Paramount Blvd., #D, Paramount, CA 90723
Real Estate Homes & Investments 3 years
8036 3rd St. #105, Downey, CA 90241
First Capital Lending 2 years
8036 3rd St. #105, Downey, CA 90241
La Espiga 1 year
7351 Rosecrans Ave., Suite C, Paramount, CA 90723
Oportun Loans 1 year 15737 Downey Ave., Paramount, CA 90723
Shakey’s Pizza..............................................................................................1 year
8022 E. Rosecrans Ave., Paramount ,CA 90723
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN —Full-time. Experience helpful, but willing to consider an excellent new graduate who can learn quickly. Call Martha at Fobi Pharmacy: 562-630-5700.
BARTENDER —Part-time, including evenings and weekends. Call Leroy: 562-634-9001.
SKILLED LABOR OPPORTUNITIES —SkillsetGroup currently has these positions available for first, second and third shifts: Machine operator, sanitation, loading & unloading, forklift drivers, production line, and order pulling. Come in and apply today! SkillsetGroup actualmente tiene aperturas para puestos disponibles para Primer, Segundo y Tercer turno. ¡Ven y aplica hoy! Call us at 866-375-3094 or use Instagram (@skillsetgroup) or Facebook for weekly updates. 7300 Alondra Blvd., Suite 202, Paramount, California 90723.
STATE FARM AGENT —State Farm Agents help their customers protect what’s important to them, all the while making time to give back to their neighborhoods. Improve your career! Call David Maciel: 562-305-2111.
FULL-TIME SEAMSTRESS —5-Star Interior Services, Inc., needs a full-time seamstress with drapery-making experience. Contact Leroy at 818-845-4518.
CREW WORKER —Specialty construction. Will train. Installation of epoxycoatings, including preparation of concrete floors and other structures using various equipment. Long-term, 30+ hours, including some weekends. Report in person to TECHCOAT, 15720 Garfield Ave., Paramount, California 90723; M-Th 8:30 a.m.–3
member-to-member discounts Paramount Chamber of Commerce
As a Paramount Chamber of Commerce member, these discounts are extended to you by your fellow members. Visit the following businesses to receive the discounts listed below. But remember, these offers are available only to Paramount Chamber members!
Attorney & Legal Services
Lerma Law Office (562-272-4353):
15% discount on initial retainer fee or flat-rate service.
Automotive
Herald’s Garage (562-633-2136): 15% discount on labor and a free engine light reset.
Beauty
Family Cutz (562-408-2733): $3 off regular haircut, 10% off color service.
2rue Beauty Salon (562-952-1951): $25 haircut and blow out.
Marali Beauty Salon (562-964-1126): Free haircut & treatment with purchase of any chemicals.
Cleaners
Alert Cleaners (562-634-4602): 10% discount on any dry cleaning.
Communications
Transcom Telecommunications (562-630-1200, ext. 221): 10% off equipment (business phone services).
Contractors
H1 Floor Covering (424/785-5551): 15% off first visit.
Jones Scaffold Co. (800-266-3864): 10% off net rental of scaffold equipment.
Data Base Services
NEXTSTEP (877-305-6932): Free needs analysis and special Chamber member discount rate.
Dental
Paramount Dental Care (800-266-3864): Free whitening. Free exam. Free cancer screening Financial Services
SG Tax Services (562-630-4004): $25 off tax preparation for Chamber members and their employees.
Vicky Professional Services (562-634-1178): 20% off bookkeeping and accounting service.
Flowers
Diana’s Flowers (562-529-5045): Free local delivery and free balloons.
Case de las Flores (562-469-8776): 25% off any arrangement.
Funeral Services
Palacios Funeral Home (562-972-5429): 5% off services.
Hotels & Motels
Embassy Suites Hotel (562-861-1900): 15% off best available room rate (subject to availability). Ask for “Chamber rate.”
Insurance
2000 Insurance Service (562-602-0001): 25% off new business.
Medical
Clínica Médica Hispana (562-630-1991): 25% discount.
Lakha Medical Clinic (562-602-8877):
Alena Skin Care–Free consultation. Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center (562-865-9600)–10% off any laser or cosmetic surgery procedure.
Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center (562-865-9600): 10% off any laser or cosmetic surgery procedure.
Plumbing & Heating
Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (562-861-1234): 10% off HydroJet service and/or 10% off material.
Production (Events)
YSL Production (323-490-6315): 20% any event services: Sound, lighting, stage, LED video, wall & truss equipment.
Printers
Source Graphics, Inc. (562-408-2734): 10% discount on all printing.
T & C’s Screen Printing ((310-292-8508): Free two-color set-up on screen printing. Free set-up on embroidery ($50 value) on a 24-shirt minimum.
Real Estate
Century 21 Allstars–Mark Sourial (562-745-8171): Free market evaluation of your property.
GM Properties (562-696-0200): 5% of gross commissions on closed deals will be sent to the charity of our choice in your name. Ask for Matt.
Penta Pacific Properties (562-699-1922): Free market value opinions on commercial and industrial properties.
Real Estate Homes & Investments (562-200-1164): 20% discount. Ask about preferred pricing for Chamber members.
The R.M. Cool Company (562-630-6000): Ask about preferred pricing for Chamber members.
Restaurants
Café Corleone (562-408-6100): 10% discount on all food purchases.
Casa Adelita (562-408-2360): 10% off (may not be combined with other specials).
Casa Gamino (562-634-6225): 10% discount on food purchases.
Delfin Seafood & Market (562-630-1928): 10% off any order.
El Compa Restaurant (562-630-1068): 10% discount on all food purchases.
Gus’s Deli, BBQ & Grill (562-630-2802): 10% off all food purchases.
Mariscos El Perihuete (562-408-1661): 10% off on food purchases over $10.
Mariscos Mi Lindo Sinaloa #1 (562-529-5110): 10% discount on all food purchases.
Pika Tortas Ahogadas (562-529-5787): 10% discount on all regular-priced food items (excludes combo deals).
The Hummus Factory, Downey (562-622-2300): 20% off any order.
Wellness & Health
Spiritual Quest (877/535-2267): 50% off salt lamps only. Wholesalers & Distributors
Rayvern Lighting Supply, Inc. (562-634-7020): 5% off fixtures and ballast orders (commercial distributor of lighting and fixtures). To
paramount Market Hours
These members of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce are prepared to accommodate senior and disabled residents, as well as other shoppers, during the ongoing coronavirus/COVID-19 public health emergency.
A&A Wholesale Grocery
3 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday 15134 Downey Ave. • 562-633-1161
Seniors, disabled & expectant moms: 7 a.m.-8 a.m.
All shoppers: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 13733 Garfield Ave. • 562-272-4516
Seafood Market & Restaurant Mon-Thur: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Fri-Sun: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Seniors, disabled & expectant moms: 7 a.m.-8 a.m.
All shoppers: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. 15719 Downey Ave. • 562-333-4080
Seniors, disabled & expectant moms: 7 a.m.-8 a.m. All shoppers: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
M-Sat: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 8320 Alondra Blvd. 562-630-2802 16259 Paramount Blvd. • 562-259-9950
Stater Bros. Paramount
Seniors, disabled and expectant moms: 7 a.m.-8 a.m. All shoppers: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. 8640 Alondra Blvd. 562-633-5721
Grocery runs for seniors
To keep our seniors and disabled residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Journey of Love and Hope will be shopping for those in need and delivering food to them. To schedule a shopping trip, please email Inquire@paramountchamber.com .
TBUSINESS CORNER
Bulletproofing your digital business strategy
By Brook Zimmatore, CEO of Massive Alliance (www.massivealliance.com)
he current crisis has forced us to live in a world where we can’t go outside. Although this change is temporary, imagine if it weren’t—how would businesses survive? What technology could possibly be used to cater to such a world across industries?
As restaurants have proved during stay-at-home orders, just about any business can be brought online. In fact, I believe that by 2030, we could see entire businesses sustained through just mobile orders, whether they’re retail, food service or something else. It all depends on how smart the technology medium connecting businesses and consumers is.
A bonus of all this? By targeting both traditional in-person channels and online sales, businesses that successfully adapt during and after the crisis can potentially double their sales, all while serving their customers better.
The question, of course, is how to create an online mirror of your physical presence smoothly. You can do that by focusing on a few key steps: 1. Decide what you will sell online—First, are you a retail, service or food-service company? This will dictate what you sell online and how you sell it. Although overall strategies are similar, they are not exactly the same.
For retail, you might want to make all of your in-store items available online. But it often makes sense to focus on specific items, such as customer favorites. If some items aren’t practical for online shipping, you still might be able to offer them for online purchase with curbside pickup. Previous sales data and feedback from customers can give you the product insights you need.
For services, are you able to provide what you do over the phone or through a video chat instead of in person? For something that usually must be done face-to-face, like beauty services, consider offering DIY kits to send to customers and walk them through how to use it on a video consultation.
If you’re a restaurant, you might want to make your whole menu available to order from online. Or, if that seems overwhelming, you can do a limited menu consisting of bestsellers and easier-to-make dishes.
2. Set up packing, shipping and order-to-door services—If your business is smaller, you might be able to handle packing and shipping yourself. Eventually, however, you’ll likely want to consider third-party partners. Since higher shipping rates can influence purchase decisions, the goal is to find a partner with the most reasonable fees for consistent, damage-free delivery. Either way, delivery options (e.g., two-day shipping, shipping all items together, etc.) and a clear return policy can help your customers feel more in control.
For businesses like restaurants, you can set up online ordering for pickup and partner with delivery services such as UberEats or Postmates to ensure you can still operate a successful business whether or not people are dining in.
3. Choose your ecommerce medium—This step encompasses the technology you’ll utilize to sell what your business has to offer. It might be ecommerce, a web app, a thirdparty delivery service or something else. Decide what you need and get it set up. Regardless of what type of business you’re in, make sure you’re going to get reliable service, support, flexibility and scalability from the medium you choose. For retail, you can use options like Shopify or Megento, or you can have someone build your site for you. Either way, think of the platform as the foundation for your online store. The ability to link to other systems (e.g., your POS) is critical, too. Those systems allow options like inventory tracking and payment and also let you enjoy more efficient, automated processes and data collection.
4. Create your site (including a mobile version)—The two most important things to focus on when creating your site are design and brand. Customers will quickly leave if your
setup is not intuitive and easy to navigate, so keep your site simple and make sure shoppers find what they want or need quickly. The design also needs to convey the flavor customers have come to expect from your business, as the familiarity in style can help customers feel more comfortable and trusting.
Overall, experts predict that ecommerce will value $845 billion by 2022, with almost half of ecommerce sales coming from mobile devices. Designing a mobile version of your website that’s optimized for smartphones ensures you can give customers an incredible experience no matter where they’re shopping from and that you don’t miss out as shoppers look for items on the go.
For both your sites, hone in on your shopping cart (if you need one for your business). Abandoned items are a common issue, so ask yourself what you can do to help shoppers finish their transactions, such as opt-in push notifications.
You’ll also want to invest in good technical and customer support. Even short outages can cost an online company big bucks, so you need experienced people who can address glitches quickly. And the better your customer support is through email, chat or video, the more satisfied and loyal customers will be. Bots can help out some, but maintaining the human touch makes a difference.
Even if your business is a coffee shop or restaurant, decide if you want to sell merchandise, like coffee beans, mugs or t-shirts. If you do, you’ll want to make sure you have both retail sales and online food and drink order capabilities set up.
5. Figure out data and security—As an online company, collecting more personal data from your shoppers will be the way of life. Some of this information is a must for basic transactions, such as credit card numbers. But other data can help you understand customer behavior and who’s actually buying. Customers deserve and expect you to keep this information private and to know how you’re using it. They also need protection against issues like hacking. Using SSL certificates is an example of a basic precaution you can take.
6. Design your marketing—The ways you can market an online store aren’t limited to the Internet. For example, you can use traditional print banners and mailings, business cards and coupons or offers included with purchased items when you package them for shipping. Online, don’t underestimate email, which still has one of the highest ROIs of any marketing option. Strategic click ads work, too.
But you’ll also want to give attention to social media. These platforms give you a fantastic way to interact with customers you already have as well as find new ones. Although you can promote events or products with shoppable posts, the focus should be on providing content that creates a real relationship with buyers.
Lastly, think about your in-store experience for new ways to market. For example, you could try marketing with a demonstration video.
After you’ve taken all these steps, it’s simply a matter of communicating your intent to your customers and helping them make the switch in a cooperative way. Alerting them early, soliciting their input and offering regular updates can make them more comfortable. Once customers are buying from your online store, don’t be afraid to adjust your site based on new, post-crisis goals and market shifts, just as you would for your brick-and-mortar.
Innovating for a permanent crisis—In the end, your success both during and after this time will largely depend on how well you take advantage of technology available to duplicate your brick-and-mortar online. Not only will it keep you afloat until people are able to and are comfortable with the idea of shopping in person, but it might just double your sales—or more.
Businesses that made themselves crisis-proof with the technology available to them, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are the ones that have struggled the least in these times—some have even flourished! If we all innovated like this, we would see some truly amazing technologies and strategies emerge. So, in the end, the question isn’t so much if you will take part in the digital revolution, but rather: Can you afford not to?
PUBLIC SPACES, WORKPLACES, BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, AND HOMES
CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, businesses, schools and homes
1
DEVELOP YOUR PLAN
DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED. Areas unoccupied for 7 or more days need only routine cleaning. Maintain existing cleaning practices for outdoor areas.
2
CLEANED. need existing surface touched the personal appropriate for
DETERMINE HOW AREAS WILL BE DISINFECTED. Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched. Prioritize disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
IMPLEMENT
2
IMPLEMENT
CLEAN VISIBLY DIRTY SURFACES WITH SOAP AND WATER prior to disinfection.
3
USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING OR DISINFECTANT PRODUCT. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant against COVID-19, and read the label to make sure it meets your needs.
CLEAN VISIBLY DIRTY SURFACES WITH SOAP AND WATER prior to disinfection.
CONSIDER THE RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED. Keep in mind the availability of cleaning products and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and disinfectants.
Follow guidance from state, tribal, local, and territorial authorities.
USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING OR DISINFECTANT PRODUCT. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant against COVID-19, and read the label to make sure it meets your needs.
3
MAINTAIN AND REVISE
CONTINUE ROUTINE CLEANING AND DISINFECTION. Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant and PPE availability. Dirty surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
MAINTAIN AND REVISE
MAINTAIN SAFE PRACTICES such as frequent handwashing, using cloth face coverings, and staying home if you are sick.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL. The label will include safety information and application instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.
CONTINUE ROUTINE CLEANING AND DISINFECTION. Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant and PPE availability. Dirty surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
CONTINUE PRACTICES THAT REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE. Maintain social distancing, staying six feet away from others. Reduce sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects.
Making your plan to clean and disinfect
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL. The label will include safety information and application instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.
Cleaning with soap and water removes germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection.
MAINTAIN SAFE PRACTICES such as frequent handwashing, using cloth face coverings, and staying home if you are sick.
Disinfecting after cleaning kills any remaining germs on surfaces, which can further lower the risk of infection.
CONTINUE PRACTICES THAT REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE. Maintain social distancing, staying six feet away from others. Reduce sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects.
CDC : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) Scan the block above for more information. For more information, please visit coronavirus.gov
Respond to the 2020 Census today to help your community for the next 10 years.
It’s easy to respond online, by phone, or by mail. When everyone is counted, our communities have the opportunity to get the funding they need for things like health care, education, emergency services, and more.
For more information, visit: 2020CENSUS.GOV
Llena el Censo del 2020 hoy y ayuda a tu comunidad durante los próximos 10 años.
Responder es fácil y lo puedes hacer por internet, por teléfono o por correo. Cuando todas las personas son contadas, nuestras comunidades tienen la oportunidad de recibir los fondos que necesitan para cosas como servicios de salud, educación, servicios de emergencia y más.
Para más información visita: 2020CENSUS.GOV/es
