Things Are Uncertain Right Now. Here's How You Can Keep Your Business Healthy
If you've opened your phone in the last month, you've heard the latest update on the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic. And while things are looking pretty scary — from extreme stock market dips to navigating working remotely, there are things you can do to safeguard yourself and your business. Along with this list, check out our content hub for other articles, webinars, and freebies to help recession-proof your business.
1. Become a WFH Boss
Yes, it's easier in theory. Stir craziness, the dreadful allure of household chores, and having family around all lead to distraction. But if you can master your day at home and get into deep work, you'll be flexing a muscle that will help you through this time and beyond. Start by having a clear focus on what you want your day to look like. Write down three BIG things that you'd like to accomplish each day. A lot of small tasks will inevitably come up throughout, but don't let those take priority over your daily big rock items.
To stay focused, we'd recommend implementing a pomodoro timer — dedicated work rounds with built-in rests so you can check your email, scroll through the 'gram, or throw a meme into a group chat. You can set the length of time that works best for you and your habits, be it 20 minutes of dedicated work or two hours.
If you're starting to fade, don't stress out about it. Take a longer break, walk around your apartment or neighborhood, reset your intentions for the day, and return back to your focus round!
2. Start A Side Hustle
If your job security is wavering right now, invest in a recession-proof side hustle. Do the thought exercise: What will there always be a need for? And figure out what skills you have or can acquire to fill that role. With more companies going digital, having a skill set in IT, development, UI/UX, or digital marketing can help set you apart and secure additional income.
There has never been a better time to take an online course and power up your resume. Check some of them out at Udemy or General Assembly.
3. Say It With Us: Contingency Plan
You need to make sure that regardless of what's going on out there, your business is in the right hands. If you're working with a team, that means you should set up clear responsibilities and expectations. Decide who is responsible for each process on the day to day, and then who is second in command should the primary person not be available — be it for quarantine purposes or something less drastic, like a vacation. Invest in a password manager so you can easily share keychains and keep information secure.
4. Software is Here to Help
Finally, remember that hundreds of successful businesses operate with a team that is entirely remote (shout out to Basecamp). How do you do the same? Invest in the right software. While the AppSumo team is working completely remote, we're leaning on a number of tools to help us communicate and collaborate effectively, making sure no balls get dropped. In addition to the obvious favorites like Zoom and Slack, here are just a few that we've been loving:
- Remo: Our new virtual office
- CloudApp: Our favorite tool for sharing screenshots, walkthroughs, and edits
- Book Like A Boss: For instant call scheduling that eliminates the back n forth emails
Everyone's remote tech stack looks different. To help you find yours, we just launched a remote tools collection on AppSumo.
Most of these deals have lifetime pricing — aka, you pay once and you never pay recurring software costs again. (Yes, we're serious. And we've been the best kept secret in software for over 10 years!) To make the transition into remote work even easier during this otherwise difficult time, we're giving you 10% your purchase.