So, I'm here to give a few tips on how you can help your business through this period and beyond.

The intent is to help you with my little knowledge. I'm not a professional teacher, so please follow me with an open mind, open notebook and a pen.

I've realized in the last few weeks that many people, myself included, are worried about the future, and how the post-covid economy will affect their businesses.

See, your fear is very valid, because like it or not, things won't ever be the same after now. Not ever.

So best to worry less and start thinking of strategies to help yourself.

First point is: REEVALUATE YOUR BUSINESS.

Take a look at your product and service offerings, are they still in demand? Be honest with yourself. After all this ends, will what you offer still be hot cake?

Now, even if people still require these products and services, looking at the economy right now and after the Covid, will they still be able able to afford what you offer, or will you need to adjust your prices?

How will this adjustment affect your business? Will you survive it?

Take a critical look at your business and ask yourself the hard questions: What should change? What isn't working? If you have a system or process that isn't working for you right now, chances are it won't work after the lockdown is lifted. Best to toss it out and find something

that works.

Also, you need to look at your finances: what are your key expenses? What should you cut back on? Now, I'm not asking you to kick people out just because you want to save money, but if we're being honest, business decisions are more logical than emotional, so if you

have to cut back and let go of an employee that no longer serves so that you can cut cost enough to pay those who are more essential to your business, by all means, do so.

Now, my favourite part: are you tech-savvy? Can you digitalize your products and services and start

offering them online? Because like it or not, once this is over, you'll have to leverage technology. It's the future of everything. Best to look at your drawing board now and see where & how tech comes to play in your business, and how it can benefit you in the short & long run.

Point 2: HIT THE GROUND RUNNING:

Once you're done evaluating, starting making changes. Because if you decide on waiting for the right time and perfect conditions to implement these changes, you'll be waiting forever. So, start now! Focus on the things you can control, and chuck

the ones you have no control over. And while at effecting changes, look within your network for people you can partner with to take your business to the next level. Like my good friend @_Nwosu_ would always teach, partnership isn't a bad thing. In fact, if don't right, it can

catapult your business to heights you never imagined...only if you get strategic partners that can add value to your business as you're adding to theirs.

I also learnt from @ddipstick1 and @babatj_says that networking is EVERYTHING. And your network WILL determine your net worth

so take advantage of your network, build your minimum viable product (MVP) and push out to your network. You'd be surprised how many people in your network (friends and family) may not know what you do, and yet might need your product or service.

Leverage your network!

Point 3: BE OPEN TO COLLABORATION

Let's take this collaboration discussion a little more seriously. How can you reach your customers faster this period and beyond? What businesses can help you achieve this?

You'd be shocked at the amount of businesses cashing out this period

and that's because they're collaborating with one very essential business provider: Dispatch Riders. It would seem like any and everyone needs them right now, from food vendors to corporate establishments, religious houses, etc.

Also, think deeply about this: in considering

collaboration, what could make you a great partner selection for other businesses? What do you have to offer them, should they choose to work with you?

Also, how can you partner with others to make great innovations? Abi things must be done your old way all the time? You must

learn to evolve or die o, and if your business model requires a change that will involve collaboration so you can stay afloat, please consider it. Otherwise, find a new line of business.

Now I know partnership and collaboration can be scary in these parts of the world because

of bad past experiences & all, but ultimately, you're the one in the driver's seat of your business & can direct it the way you want it to go. Eventually, you may have to come out of your shell to take risks (every business person knows this), and partnering is a form of risk too

Point 4: TREAT YOUR CUSTOMERS RIGHT.

See ehn, everyone is going through this same wahala right now, rich and poor, young and old. And since your customers are all inside this same wahala worldwide, one of the most important things to do right now is to check in on them. And I

don't mean 'on-the-surface-how-are-you-fine' checking in o, I mean genuine concern for their welfare at this time. Let your words reflect the concern.

Communicate with them, not just bombarding them with 'come-and-buy' messages. If you don't know how to achieve this, consult me.

While communicating, do your best to be honest about the state of your business per time. If you need to disengage an arm of your business or launch another, let them know. Don't hide anything. And also, tell them what you're doing to provide them with excellent service per time.

Point 5: SELL YOUR SELLING POINT!

It's VERY important that you're clear on your value proposition: what makes you product or service better than your competitor's? What makes you different? What makes you stand out? Why should a customer buy your product or service, instead of

the one that's available to them at the moment? If you can't answer these questions in a heartbeat, then you may have to go back to the drawing board.

Remember, a Zebra won't have to tell you it's one, it stands out by its distinct features.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, brings me to the end of this class.

If you have questions, my DM is open.

I hope you got a few things from today's class.

Until I come your way again, implement these tips and prosper.

Eshey gan