Strategies to Help Your Business in the Wake of Social Distancing
The country recommended people stay in their homes; airlines are grounding flights, the state has implemented shutdowns on schools and entire industries. Your customers are being told to only leave for necessities; your employees are working from home, and you’re looking around an expanse of open space in what used to be a bustling business. What do you do when you can no longer function as the business you’ve always been? Use this time to work on your business, not in it.
Professional Development – Learn more about your industry, growing a business and how to lead. You know that feeling you have when you come back from a really good professional training? Where you are motivated and can’t wait to implement the new things you just learned. You can still get that feeling; there is so much information to glean from books, podcasts or seminars.
Books on Leadership, Communication, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
Podcasts
Virtual Training from the Library or check your favorite associations for virtual alternatives
Update your skillset – Have you always wanted to learn photography to better market your products? Or maybe you need help organizing your information. Or you’ve always wanted to perfect your bread making. Maybe you need a refresher in Quickbooks or to learn how to set up and update your website so you don’t have to hire it out. Heck, maybe you’ve wanted to pick back up the guitar. You’ve got time on your hands, it’s the perfect excuse to learn a new skill
Implement Systems – Systems can be great for your business. They help you to respond faster, not have to duplicate processing over and over, batch tasks and can help you run more efficiently.
- Set up e-mail autoresponders
- Create checklists for repetitive tasks
- Organize your physical and digital files
- Update your customer databases
- Set up e-mail lists and clean up your contacts
- Clean out your inbox
- Set up online recurring payments
- How to Create Systems that Will Automate and Streamline Your Business
- Entrepreneurs Scheduling Their Days for Ultimate Success
Tackle that project you’ve been avoiding. We all have projects that we have been procrastinating about that we mean to do. They may seem to be too much time, energy or they will be too disruptive to business. Well, now that you’re out of excuses, it might be the perfect time to do it. Think of how good you’ll feel when it’s done. And it could be a nice distraction.
- Update your website
- Launch an e-commerce site
- Reorganize your office or store layout
- Upgrade computer systems
Review resources – Check out what resources may be available to you. Maybe there are grants or opportunities available to you. We’ve compiled a list of business resources, grants, articles and information for you. Look it over and see what might work for you. Update the Chamber with your plans and concerns. Help us know where you’re struggling and what assistance you need. We can advocate for you and your business and point you to resources or just serve as a sounding board. Attend virtual training and networking events offered.
Get a Different Perspective – Look at your company as if it was someone else’s. What advice would you give them? How does your customer see your business? What suggestions might they have for you? If you were to start all over; would you do anything differently? Are there things that you are doing that don’t provide value? Are their things that could be added that would create value.
Speak up – Keep communications with your customers and supporters and other businesses.
Let your customers know how they can support you during this time. Continue to post to your social media and send out e-newsletters. They want to hear from you.
Communicate with other businesses. Check-in with your peer group. See what other people are doing, communicate and collaborate. Network and connect through phone, e-mail or online business groups and virtual meet-ups. Don’t let the isolation bear down on you. It’s nice to reconnect and realize that other businesses are facing the same challenges you are. Use telecommunication resources like Zoom, Facetime, GoogleHangouts e or even just call them on the phone.
Collaborate and Share Resources – Look for collaborations. Are there ways you can partner with other businesses and pool resources? Could you barter services during this time? Maybe you have a knack for accounting or a flair for design that another business may be lacking but they could provide you with marketing or technical support.
Get creative – Are there other ways that you can provide value to your customers? Can you offer services or inventory in a different way? Could you offer online training or sales, virtual updates, delivery options, meetups or classes? Now is the time to step out and try something different. You’ve got nothing to lose and could potentially have a lot to gain.
Support Others – What will you have wished that you had done with this time looking back? Are there opportunities that you can support or offer your time to organizing? Everyone is going to be feeling the effects of this. Reach out to your local nonprofit or check-in with at-risk populations in your community if you have something to offer. At the very least use your platform to share what others are doing.
Breathe – Things are tough now, but nothing is permanent. Take a step back sometimes. It can be overwhelming and scary; so much uncertainty. Take some time away from the business. Connect with family and friends. Reconnect with nature. Meditate. Get some rest. Take care of yourself and your body. Know that you are doing everything you can and allow that somethings that are outside your control.
Most importantly, know that you are not alone; everyone is feeling uncertain. No one knows what the future holds. Prepare as much as you can so that when it does bounce back; you’ll be ready, stronger than ever.
KQWC 1020 E. 2nd Street | Webster City, IA 50595 515-832-1570 Visit Website
Mid America Publishing
PO Box 29 | Hampton, IA 50411
515-448-4745
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Clay and Collette Hansen
Jim & Diane Middleton
Larry and Peg Hill
LeRoy and Susan Erickson
Robert Malloy
Richard and Connie Wilson
Lawson Auto Body
118 N. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3944
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Lyle’s Ford
1000 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5171
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T & D Service
500 NW 10th Street – PO Box 124 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5436
Beta Sigma Phi
PO Box 103 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
Go Serv Global 310 E. Broadway Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515-448-3131 View Website
VFW Post 642
204 S. Kirkwood | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4218
Access Systems
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
605-212-6794
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ISG
508 East Locust St.| Des Moines, IA 50309
515-243-9143
Sadler Construction
1905 N. Iowa Avenue | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3856
Torkelson Construction 202 W. Broadway
Eagle Grove Golf Course
1127 270th Street | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4166
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Eagle Grove Memorial Library
101 S. Cadwell | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4115
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Wright County Fair
1000 E Broadway – PO Box 125 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3351
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Eagle Grove Community School
325 N. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4749
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Iowa Central Community College
One Triton Circle | Fort Dodge, IA 50501
515-576-7201
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Your Own United Resources, (Y.O.U.R.) Inc.
214 S 13th St, Fort Dodge | Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (New location opening Soon in Eagle Grove)
888-484-1039
Farm Bureau Insurance
840 1st Ave. SW | Clarion, IA 50525
515-293-0000 View Website
First State Bank
323 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4567
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Good Wealth Financial Partners
111 N. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-603-6300
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Sampson Accounting
303 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5106
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First National Bank Eagle Grove
201 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5111
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Town & Country Insurance
323 S. Commercial – PO Box 48 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5177
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City of Eagle Grove
210 E. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4343
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Arends, Lee & Emick
PO 644 | Humboldt, IA 50548
515-603-6625
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Eisentrager Law
109 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-603-6400
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ADS
100 NE 20th Street | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5101
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AG Processing Inc
500 N. Commercial | P.O. Box 85 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4711
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Daybreak Foods, Inc.
3196 Buchanan Ave | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-603-3050
Gold Eagle CO-OP
115 E. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-825-3161
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Prestage Foods of Iowa
216 N. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-603-6465
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Emerson Veterinary Clinic
2770 Highway 17 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4785
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Eagle Grove Evangelical Lutheran
615 SW 2nd Street | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3697
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First Baptist Church
1210 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4612
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Grace Evangelical Free Church
1220 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5414
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Holy Family Cluster
608 2nd Avenue NE | Clarion, IA 50525
515-293-0009
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Mount Calvary Lutheran
400 W. Broadway – PO Box 194 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4668
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United Church of Christ 1115 SW 2nd Street – PO Box 333 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515-448-3584 View Website
United Methodist Church
421 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4701
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C & C Property, LLC
1215 SW 3rd Street | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-851-0536
Home Rental Service
1009 NW 1st Street | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3421
Homeland Realty
201 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3717
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J.K. Properties of Brevard
PO Box 141 | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-851-0602
Ryerson Realty LLC
2761 Country Lane | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3079
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Vance LLC
Deb Vance
515-689-3715
B&S Crossing
316 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5072 0r 515-851-2014
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Country Girl Bakery
223 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-851-8975
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Family Table
618 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4321
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Huntley’s PitStop
213 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4180
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El Jalapeno Mexican Bar & Grill
301 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-9848
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Jessica’s Country Kitchen/The Farm
223 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3956
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Lewright Meats, Inc.
317 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3300
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Nine & Dine Restaurant
1127 270th Street | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4166
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Rails Bar & Grill
220 Railroad Avenue | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-603-6280
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Twiins Shoppe
301 N Commercial Ave | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-4413
Ampride
215 N. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-603-6412
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Arden Scott Collectibles
208 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-851-0037
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Ben Franklin
220 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3543
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Bomgaars
Country Lane Circle | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3681
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Casey’s General Stores
200 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3022
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Christ Furniture
205 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3413
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Eagle Grove Greenhouse
120 S. Iowa | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-5181
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Fareway Stores, Inc.
205 NW 1st Street | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3241
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Gramma’s Attic 209 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515-851-1228 View Website
J & J Sports
118 W Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3557
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Kauffman Wood Kreations
612 SE 2nd St. | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-603-6730
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Larson’s Guns and Ammo
216 S. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515-448-9077 View Website
The Shop
122 W. Broadway | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
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Union Pacific RR
1400 Douglas Street- Stop 1560 | Omaha, NE 68105
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Goldfield Access
536 N. Main | Goldfield, IA 50542
515-825-3996
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MidAmerican Energy Co.
2759 Country Lane Circle | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-281-2287
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Oldson Plumbing
114 N. Commercial | Eagle Grove, IA 50533
515-448-3456
WMTel
227 W. Herman St. | Woolstock, IA 50599
515-839-5571
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