Regional Queensland
Owning and managing a mechanical workshop in regional Queensland Australia, the impacts of COVID-19 have proven to literally, ‘throw a spanner’ in the works. As news from around the world had us gasping at the impact, it started to hit closer to home in March 2020. As more and more cases were discovered, mostly in capital cities and largely populated areas such as the Gold Coast and Cairns, our Government began pulling their triggers to activate the thought action plans and initiate support for the people of Australia, undoubtable to be directly impacted by the economic crisis that followed the health emergency.
Even though Central Queensland had/s sparse cases, the government directives state and country wide has seen the brakes pulled on progress, growth and momentum for many businesses. What was set to be an amazing 2020 in business for the region, almost seemed like a far-off distant dream.
Preparation
In an almost intuitive fashion, our business financials including outgoings such as lease agreements, supplier arrangements and advertising contracts were targeted early in the game to ensure continuity of operations was maintained with reduced overheads, albeit with the anticipated reduction of cashflow and income.
The priority was and still is; business continuity, employee security and stability as well as zero debt accrual. With a plan to ride out this pandemic and come out the other side stronger and with as many other local businesses still intact along the journey. Ensuring financial obligations are met and negotiations are fair, shows an example of our support to our trader network as well as to our own business.
Support
Understanding the support available within Australia has been key to ensuring short to medium term planning and projections are incorporated into the long-term agile plan. Goals are adjusted and shifted slightly however not lost. The dream is not gone, simply delayed.
There is a lot of help available to interpret the financial support available to small businesses in Australia and in each state specifically. The government websites are especially effective however for some small business owners, engaging with their accountant is strongly recommended. Now is not the time to be an ostrich.
Engagement
Maintaining engagement with customers when you’re in an industry that has been temporarily closed is critical. I’ve seen cake decorators commence tutorials to build their brand and presence, beauticians offer press on nails with contact free delivery to replace acrylic nails, networking events converted to online events with the same keynote speakers you’d expect on stage, and even booked out restaurants open for delivery only.
For the mechanical industry, we’ve re-launched services that have always been available such as free pick up and delivery of a customers vehicle, contact free payment options as well as have emphasised and advertised our commitment to maintain our high hygienic practices to ensure the safety of our employees, our customers and our visitors.
If you’re in an industry that simply cannot operate at present, my biggest piece of advice is to maintain engagement on social media, by email or however your customers usually hear from you. Customers will remember that you were there for them during this challenging time and they’ll be there for you when our new normal resumes.
Digital Opportunities
‘I don’t need a website’ and ‘I don’t have the time or money to build an online presence’ phrases have never been more irrelevant than they are now however at the same time, are ones I hear often. If you’re not online, you won’t be found, especially if you’re not currently trading. If creating an online presence is not your skill set, engage some help but please, don’t put it off any longer.
Self-Care
COVID-19 presents us with a unique opportunity to reset and redefine our businesses and ourselves as Leaders. An opportunity to truly unpack what is important to us and what we can let go of. Instead of wishing to rush back to normality, understand what it is we want to rush back to in the first place.
~Business Game Changer Special Promotion~
To quote Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, “I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in the way they responded”.
I too hope you are proud of yourself. Proud that you did your best and were as prepared as you could be. In writing this though, please don’t be too hard on yourself. One person’s win could be growing their business, and another’s may be as simple as keeping their doors open and avoiding financial hardship.
Network, support others and know that help is available, you just need to ask for it. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many people are wanting and willing to help you.
By Nyree Johnson
About the author
Nyree Johnson is the Manager and co-owner of Johnson’s 4WD Repair Shop (www.johnsons4wd.com.au) in Rockhampton Queensland Australia. Nyree is also a Brand Ambassador for Babes, Bubbles and Business (www.babesbubblesbusiness.com.au/) thanks to her passion to represent and speak on behalf of women in small business and women in regional Queensland.
Nyree and her husband Nathan Johnson were awarded ‘Best in Business’ in 2018 for the region as well as won their individual category for ‘Wheels, Auto and Marine Industry’.
With an Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management as well as a Diploma of Business and a Diploma of Business Administration, Nyree enjoys sharing her skills and knowledge with women who share her passion for small business management.
