Like every industry, the Pro AV industry is currently navigating the choppy waters caused by the ripple effects of the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus.
However, though uncertainty seems to reign supreme, there are several concrete steps members of the AV industry can take to not only mitigate the effects of the disease’s spread, but address partner and customer concerns and come out of this period of abnormal operations stronger than ever.
Here are four key initiatives and strategies to ensure your business is among that thriving group.
Don’t Panic
It’s easy to get swept up in the worst-case scenarios where operations are derailed, customers fall off the map in the face of challenges of their own, and other disruptors rear their ugly heads when you’re least prepared.In reality, the situation isn’t nearly so dire.
Precautions are being taken, including remote work, trade show cancellation and more are more-than-likely very temporary, and operations will return to normal at some point. Until then, be as agile as possible in leveraging existing resources and adapting your own operations to account for the change in capabilities.
Utilize the Untapped Potential of Existing Technology
The changing requirements in the coming weeks and months may not necessitate upgrades – even those you already had planned.Instead, look inward at the gear you already own and or rent to see what creative and productive solutions you can create to best serve your customers.
Videoconferencing, remote work, increased online collaboration and presentation, and more are going to be a larger part of the world’s business for the foreseeable future, and you may have untapped capabilities to explore in those spaces.
Plan for a Surge When Restrictions Are Lifted
When operations return to normal and events, productions and more begin to kick into gear once again, the demand will likely return with a vengeance and exceed normal levels.
In the meantime, be sure you’re ready to meet that demand head on. Get all your ducks in a row now in anticipation for the rush so that, where your competitors are left scrambling, you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Ensure Your Customers Are Educated
Just because face-to-face opportunities are limited doesn’t mean you can’t reach your customers in a variety of other ways.In fact, this may be an ideal opportunity to examine your blogging, video, infographic and social media initiatives to see where they can be leveraged more heavily to keep both existing and potential clients engaged and interacting with you.
By being proactive during this uncertain period, you can continue strengthening your foundation of trust with these partners and present yourself as an agile, flexible, industry-leading partner ready to help guide them through this period, not fold in the face of it.
With these tips in mind, you can ensure you’re prepped for the inevitable market rebound – and that you’re projecting that confidence to everyone you do business with.
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