Businesses can set themselves up for a Great 2021

For many, 2020 cannot end fast enough.  Businesses were on pace to have one of the best years ever and then the coronavirus hit causing chaos and trepidation within our country.  Businesses were forced to close their doors at worst and at best they had to alter how they continue to serve their customers.  Add in racial tension and politicians who promote a division within our country so they can remain in power and through the smoke, fire and destruction; businesses found themselves in dire straits.

With the uncertainty of 2021, a few things remain certain for businesses, especially small businesses.  You must arm yourself with the ability to adapt under any obstacles and challenges.  That means taking some steps to set your business up for success.

1.       Website.  Your website is your store front.  It is where you will do most of your selling to potential customers.  It should be simple and easy to navigate.

2.       Digital Media Strategy. Once you have a good manageable website, you need to drive traffic back to your main source of selling.  It is important to utilize social media sites, online reputation platforms and informational blog sites to gain additional viewers giving them a reason to further inquire about your services.  There is a strategy to increase your market share.

3.       E-Commerce. You should devise a way to allow customers to purchase your goods and services.  The entities that need this the most are the ones who never thought they needed to promote their services on the internet. 

4.       Evaluate & Adapt.  The economic landscape has done a shift more than the San Andreas Fault.  It would be great to have all the answers, but a digital strategy is probably not your expertise.  Finding a company that understands logic, reasoning and knows how to help you navigate through these unchartered times is vital to helping your business survive, rebuild and thrive in the future.

DeliveryMaxx is a small business with full scale marketing capabilities that takes pride in helping other small businesses succeed in an increasingly digital world.  That was our mission prior to the outbreak and news stories of racial inequality and continues to be our goal today.  If you need help navigating a transition to becoming more active on social media, building an e-commerce website, or post-sale communication with your clients we are here to help.  Our clients experience positive Online Reputation, stronger SEO, concise content management, increase in social media engagement and advertisement and higher customer retention. See how we have helped clients in multiple industries across the country such as Automotive Dealerships, Real-Estate Brokers & Agents, Churches, Service Industry, Sports Teams, Non-Profit Organizations and more as we utilize our Patent-Pending Program to develop a digital strategy that will meet the needs of sales, service and messaging to your audience.  www.deliverymaxx.com or give us a call at 888-936-6299 today or watch the DeliveryMaxx Introduction Video!

It’s a Great Time to be a Nerd

In the 1980’s it was unfathomable that “Nerds” would be ruling the world.  A fictional movie was even created which depicted Lewis Skolnick, Dudley “Booger” Dawson, Gilbert Lowell and Lamar Latrelle as heroes who would change how we view the intellectually gifted for years to come.  Of course, a year after the first of four Revenge of the Nerds movie series, we watched Chris Night played by Val Kilmer make being smart look cool in Real Genius.

Gone were the days that He-Man would rule the universe.  GI Joe would soon enter civilian life and “B.A.” Baracus of the A-Team was no longer pitying any fools.  Yep, Marty McFly’s best friend was scientist, Dr. Emmett Brown in Back to the Future and two teen misfits would design the perfect woman on a computer in Weird Science.

Today, we won’t be able to cheer for the gridiron greats as the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers have followed suite of the other professional sports cancelling the Pro Football Hall of Fame preseason opener over the fear of a seasonal virus that has a 99.7% chance of being non-fatal.  According to CDC Director Robert Redfield, who told journalist on June 25, 2020 that the number of COVID-19 cases was probably closer to 50 million than the reported current figures which means the death rate is closer to .26 percent which is a great cause for celebration.

Not only are our sports such as football, basketball and baseball in serious jeopardy, but we are seeing American Hero’s statues being toppled by protesters.  Protesters in Portland, Oregon gathered around a statue of George Washington and lit a fire on its head before destroying it.  New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio has announced that the prominent statue of Theodore Roosevelt which welcomes millions of people across the world standing at the entrance of the American Museum of Natural History, will be removed.  San Francisco protesters defaced and toppled a statue of former President Ulysses S. Grant who led the Union Army during the Civil War.  Even the mayor of Columbus, Ohio is trying to erase history or at least hide it by ordering the remove of a famous Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus who had been credited for discovering America in 1492.

Americans have abandoned following the likes of larger than life men Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan; putting their faith in people like 5’ 7” immunologist, Dr. Anthony Fauci.  We shut down the American economy based on London’s Epidemiologist, Neil Ferguson who stated 2.2 million people would die by April 15, 2020 from COVID-19 if we don’t hide in our homes for 18 months.  Of course he resigned from his position when he got caught breaking social distancing rules he implored the world to take while he was having an affair with a married mother. And don’t forget about billionaire Bill Gates. Because of his vast amount of wealth, he is able to invest in research that can encode medical history on a patient by including a small amount of dye with a vaccine.  Make no mistake about it…these “Nerds” are shaping our public and social policies that will affect how we do business for now on.

As the United States is trying to redefine our identity, many hard working Americans are just trying to provide for their families and enjoy watching their kids grow up.  According to the New York Times, the real unemployment rate is close to 20% with the over 30 million people unemployed which is the worst since the Great Depression.  In the United States, there are 30.2 million small businesses which comprise of 99.9% of all United States businesses.  These are businesses that are less than 500 employees.  They employ 58.9 million people which makes up 47.5% of the country’s employee workforce.  There is talk of another government mandated lockdown which can prove devastating to businesses just trying to survive.

We must embrace technology and understand how to operate in an adverse climate.  Businesses such as Signet Jewelers, JCPenney, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Tuesday Morning, Chico’s, Bath & Body Works, Macy’s, Pier 1, Sears, Forever 21, Nordstrom, Hallmark, GameStop, Neiman Marcus and Walgreens are among the retailers that are planning to close stores this year.  Even GNC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a couple of days ago announcing it planned to close between 800 and 1,200 stores while it looked for a buyer. Most recently, Chuck E. Cheese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while its finances had been in a freefall since the coronavirus pandemic hit.  Each of these companies failed to be able to provide their goods or services like before once the economic landscape changed.

To survive, rebuild and prepare for the next obstacle that will take place if our political leaders do not take a stand and make sound decisions; businesses will need to look for ways to shield themselves from a lack of foot traffic.  Utilizing the internet and embracing the digital age will be vital for your business to survive.

In short, you will either need to become a “Nerd” or look to a “Nerd” to help your business identify and reach your potential customers.  With more people utilizing the internet for their information and purchases, you can adapt and reach your clients with a digital media and marketing strategy.  Understanding that many potential customers and even some of your employees have been frightened by the news media and local politicians should lead you to investing in PPE products giving the perception that your business is truly a safe place to visit.  Being transparent to both your employees and potential customers will be vital for your success, so your online content should be consistent and plentiful.  This can be a bit overwhelming for some, but as long as you are using common sense with today’s technology you will be able to survive, rebuild and ultimately thrive.

DeliveryMaxx is a small business that takes pride in helping other small businesses succeed in an increasingly digital world.  That was our mission prior to the outbreak and news stories of racial inequality and continues to be our goal today.  If you need help navigating a transition to becoming more active on social media, building an e-commerce website, or post-sale communication with your clients we are here to help.  Our clients experience positive Online Reputation, stronger SEO, concise content management, increase in social media engagement and advertisement and higher customer retention. See how we have helped clients in multiple industries across the country such as Automotive Dealerships, Real-Estate Brokers & Agents, Churches, Service Industry, Sports Teams, Non-Profit Organizations and more as we utilize our Patent-Pending Program to develop a digital strategy that will meet the needs of sales, service and messaging to your audience.  www.deliverymaxx.com or give us a call at 888-936-6299 today or watch the DeliveryMaxx Introduction Video!

Is Public Fear Limiting Your Business Potential?

When I walked my daughter to her kindergarten class as she attended school for the first time she held my hand tight.  Although she was very excited and outwardly expressed that she was ready to gain her independence, I could feel the clammy coldness moister on her palms as she masked the fear of the unknown. 

It was the same fear my son had the first time I took him Trick-or-Treating on a dark Halloween night.  As we walked around the block in his favorite superhero costume, we came upon a house that was extremely decorated embracing the full spirit of the night.  It had realistic graveyards, strobe lights, bloodcurdling sounds and the most horrifying creatures standing guard of the loot ready to be handed out to brave little soles.  My son looked up at me and said, “Daddy, I don’t want to go to that house!”  Of course, that house was ours.  He had never seen the front of it in the dark on Halloween night.  He was afraid of the unknown.

We all have experienced the fear of the unknown.  Usually, our fears derived from the first time we experienced something.  Whether it was school, riding a bike, swimming, college, job, date or even our first kiss; the fear of the unknown increased our heartbeat, produced beaded droplets on our upper lip and sometimes buckled our knees.  A choice was presented as we could go forward and gain experience or avoid the discomfort and pause the anxiety for the time being. Of course, if you think back to all of the first, without facing our fears, we would not have gained the rewards that awaited on the other side of the proverbial door of the unknown.

Today, your potential customers are facing the same types of fears.  Some are still worried about a seasonal virus.  Others are scared that people who look or think different actually hate each other.  Much of these fears exist because of the media and politicians using fear to sensationalize stories, but perception becomes reality and the fear exist thus altering their buying habits.  Businesses are facing fear as well.  Finances are being scrutinized as the unemployment rate has risen to unprecedented numbers.  Global trade wars and oil production perpetuate the fear while analysts try to prognosticate the unknown.

Knowing and understanding that fear is an emotion that is induced by a perception of what could or might happen can help business owners help ease their potential customers concerns.  There are a few things a business can do to create an inviting environment to gain a larger market share.

Great Product or Service.  This is quite obvious to many, but we have to mention it.  If your product or service lacks in areas, your competition will fill the void and take away your potential customers.  Customer service should be its own mentioned item; however, we will state that people want to feel appreciated for spending their discretionary income with you.  Therefore, let your customers know that you value them.

Safety.  Whether you agree with the reports or not, the majority of the public is more knowledgeable about the spread of a virus even if it is much like the common flu.  Therefore, look into investing into PPE products to give an impression that you care about the safety of your employees as well as your potential customers.  Something as simple as making hand sanitizer available can go a long way.

Communication.  Today, people have a plethora of information at their fingertips.  They are spending more time looking at social media than ever before.  Sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have billions of users who are averaging as much as 8 hours a day on these media platforms.  It only makes sense that if your potential customers are spending half of their waking hours scrolling through content; you should focus your marketing and advertising resources communicating with them.  With the advancement of technology, you have the ability to provide a consistent message easing your customers concerns allowing them to research making the decision to conduct business with your company.  You should have a strategy that is easy to implement as well as consistent earning your potential customers trust thus limiting the fear of the unknown.

Business is no different than life and with social media your entire operation is online for the world to see.  As business around the United States are dealing with the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak and stories of racial inequality; now is the time to get back to the basics.  Many of the lessons our kids, you and me have learned through the years are applicable today.

DeliveryMaxx is a small business that takes pride in helping other small businesses succeed in an increasingly digital world.  That was our mission prior to the outbreak and news stories of racial inequality and continues to be our goal today.  If you need help navigating a transition to becoming more active on social media, building an e-commerce website, or post-sale communication with your clients we are here to help.  Our clients experience positive Online Reputation, stronger SEO, concise content management, increase in social media engagement and advertisement and higher customer retention. See how we have helped clients in multiple industries across the country such as Automotive Dealerships, Real-Estate Brokers & Agents, Churches, Service Industry, Sports Teams, Non-Profit Organizations and more as we utilize our Patent-Pending Program to develop a digital strategy that will meet the needs of sales, service and messaging to your audience.  www.deliverymaxx.com or give us a call at 888-936-6299 today or watch the DeliveryMaxx Introduction Video!

Getting Back to Basics in a Time of Uncertainty

This time of the year brings uncertainty for many 18 year olds (and their parents too).  As a parent of a graduating high school senior, I have a plethora of emotions going through my mind.  Although I am excited and can’t wait for my senior to enter the next chapter of his life as he attends a school in what seems like another continent, 1633.8 miles away to be exact; I run through a virtual checklist in my mind to make sure I have prepared him for anything that can happen while he embarks on this new adventure.

My thoughts drift back to when he still wanted to hold my hand crossing the street.  I was once his super hero that could protect him from anything.  There was a time when he would hang on my every word listening intently to my advice, stories and even laugh at my jokes.  It was an honor to get to coach him in sports at an early age, celebrate his victories and console him during his defeats.  Memories of watching him overcome obstacles and achieving success will last a lifetime and hopefully a few lessons will resonate with him as he encounters new challenges in this world.

Life is pretty simple if you slow down enough to take measure.  Most people in this world are good, but there are some that want to do you harm.  Understanding that you can vastly improve your odds of safety by avoiding hazardous situations and networking with those who are achieving success can lead you to greatness.  Realizing that every challenge presents an opportunity to allow you to change course gaining valuable experience to prepare you for the next trial that will arise will be vital to your growth.  Being transparent with others allows your true character to be exposed, but also allows you to see the true character of others.  You will not be able to please everyone, but you will be able to take solace if you think of others before yourself.  When you do something, do it with passion or don’t waste your time doing it.  Take time to celebrate the little wins and have fun while archiving the things that keep you from accomplishing your goals avoiding those things in the future.

Business is no different than life and with social media your entire operation is online for the world to see.  As business around the United States are dealing with the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak and stories of racial inequality; now is the time to get back to the basics.  Many of the lessons I have tried to teach my son are applicable to business as well.

Having a strong digital platform and the ability to implement a marketing and advertising strategy will allow your potential customers make an easy decision to solicit your services or products.  With more people than ever enamored with information instantaneously available at their fingertips; it is vital to share your message utilizing today’s technology, but also provide an opportunity for your customers to tell others about how great their experience with your company was.

DeliveryMaxx is a small business that takes pride in helping other small businesses succeed in an increasingly digital world.  That was our mission prior to the outbreak and news stories of racial inequality and continues to be our goal today.  If you need help navigating a transition to becoming more active on social media, building an e-commerce website, or post-sale communication with your clients we are here to help.  Our clients experience positive Online Reputation, stronger SEO, concise content management, increase in social media engagement and advertisement and higher customer retention. See how we have helped clients in multiple industries across the country such as Automotive Dealerships, Real-Estate Brokers & Agents, Churches, Service Industry, Sports Teams, Non-Profit Organizations and more as we utilize our Patent-Pending Program to develop a digital strategy that will meet the needs of sales, service and messaging to your audience.  www.deliverymaxx.com or give us a call at 888-936-6299 today or watch the DeliveryMaxx Introduction Video!