How to Make the Most of Fellow Entrepreneurs During COVID-19

Your network of other business owners in the community is more valuable than ever. There are things to be learned from each other and planned together. There is strength in numbers and now is the time to figure out how to support each other to succeed after this crisis ends. 

Be proactive and contact your network with ideas. They are most likely feeling the same stresses and fears and will be receptive for an understanding ear. 

Connect with the leading child-centered businesses in your market. 

Meet virtually to talk about how your respective industries may change after this crisis. Each business will vary, but health and safety concerns will very likely overlap. Share ideas on operational improvements that can be made and to determine what you think your market will expect from the services you each provide. Exchange ideas for how you will recover and rebuild customers. Brainstorm cooperative advertising and cross promotion opportunities between the businesses and plan for them; this can save costs for everyone and show families in your market that you are all ready to provide much needed services. 

Located in a shopping center or business park? Unite and plan to reopen together.

Your neighboring businesses are going through the same hardships and your reopening message will be amplified if it is coordinated. Discuss the feasibility of reopening together, pooling resources for advertising, and coordinating timing. Brainstorm ways to support each other among your current customers. Contact your landlord and involve them in the conversation. They have a stake in making sure you all succeed. When one business gets noticed and traffic it benefits neighboring businesses too.

Use this starter-pack of ideas for working with other entrepreneurs.

You have a willing network and time to connect. The ideas for partnership are endless and we’ve put together a list of ideas to begin with. Use this as your first meeting agenda to give your network ideas to consider and to spur new creative thinking on how to work together.

• Pool your mailing lists and send out joint promotional emails or postcards.
• ​​​​​​​Mention and tag your partners on your social media channels.
• Share inexpensive ads in local news websites or print publications.
• Write an article on topics related to your business partnership and submit to local blogs, digital news outlets, or community websites.
• Send out joint press releases to local media on events, services, or other newsworthy items.
• Offer a reduced price, special service, or convenience if customers buy products from you and your partner business.
• Display posters promoting one another on your walls or windows.
• ​​​​​​​Display one another's flyers at point of purchase or lobby entryways.