20 | PLANNING
POST COVID-19 TIPS
8 things you can do now to set yourself up for success in the wake of COVID-19. By Taylor Cutler, Director of Marketing, Podium.
W
ith the onset of a global pandemic, every industry is facing its own set of unique challenges, including the self storage industry. Even now, as economies begin to reopen, uncertainty remains high in terms of what the right next step is, how to reopen properly, and what business for the self storage industry will look like in the future. While this period is a difficult one full of questions, we’ve been encouraged to see how businesses everywhere are finding new and innovative ways to serve their customers. We’ve done our best to compile some tips and tricks from customers and experts alike to help you navigate the difficulties of our current situation and keep your doors open – even when you can’t open your doors.
USE TEXT TO STAY CLOSE TO CLIENTS As levels of interaction, comfort and direct contact continue to fluctuate, maintaining strong relationships with your customers can be difficult. Use text to strengthen ties with your clients by sending personalised, brief texts with updates, and even short messages of hope. Make sure to keep them well informed of any policy changes, updates on inventory or changes to business hours.
ESTABLISH A CENTRAL LINE OF COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR TEAM With some staff still at home, some back in the office, and some navigating new flexibility, feeling close to your staff members can be somewhat of a challenge. Keep communication frequent, personal, and transparent with a central line of communication. With Podium’s Teamchat, you can make sure everyone is on the same page. Even without Teamchat, it’s essential to make sure everyone knows how procedures are changing and how it will affect them. One Podium retailer with locations across the country mass-texted all their employees to establish a central conversation and to process any questions.
MOVE DOCUMENTATION ONLINE Many customers have moved most, or all, of their paperwork to digital documentation through the power of software systems like DocuSign and eSignature. Not only does this offer ultimate convenience and flexibility to your customers, but it improves the accuracy of your record-keeping, saves staff time tracking and handling paper, and helps your customers to feel safe with social distancing.
INSIDER 114 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020
www.selfstorage.org.au
