The A Team is committed to maintaining quality Client services and keeping our operations running as smoothly as possible during this difficult time. Here are some practical tips, and ways we can help, as you navigate the challenges:
o Take care of Yourself and your Team – as they say before liftoff, if oxygen masks drop during flight, secure your own mask first before attempting to help others. The same is true for your business. You and your employees are your most vital resources. With anxieties running wild, you need to focus on your personal health and also pay attention to what your employees might need. Beyond washing hands and working from home, short-term loans or advances, and flexibility in work hours and/or requirements may be necessary as conditions continue to change.
o Take advantage of NYC relief programs – The Mayor announced this past weekend that there will be assistance to small businesses to help them adapt to changing customer behavior. Businesses may qualify for low-interest loans and employee retention grants. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees, seeing a decrease in sales up to 25% or more will be eligible for Zero Interest Loan up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit. The City is also offering eligible small businesses with fewer than five employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees. Learn more at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/index.page
o Stagger staff in the office – while some businesses can operate remotely, not all can. To maintain a necessary onsite presence, allow staff to determine best options that result in smooth workflow – perhaps one week on/ one week off scheduling- and adapt as needed
o Provide special customer service – you’ve spent time building relationships with your Clients, and each one has different needs and pain points. Take time to consider how you might provide special services or support, perhaps assisting with a special project or helping Clients navigate remote operations.
o Evaluate your own business practices – we often have too little time to stop and review our own trends in order to build a stronger foundation for future growth. Now might be the perfect time! The business environment is changing dramatically, and with insight and focus, you’d be well poised to evolve your strategies and tactics.
o Let the A Team help you! – we all hope this crisis will pass quickly; but in the short term, it is important that you have the proper hardware, software and systems to keep your business on track. We’ve been streamlining accounting processes, evaluating accounting technology, and implementing solutions for hundreds of companies over the last 19 years and would be delighted to assist any way we can.
Have a question? Need advice? More than ever, we are here to help. Reach out to Tedd Drattell at tdrattell@ateamconsulting.com or call 516-680-3495.
