Download the infographic.

If there is one year that we can all put behind us, many would agree it’s 2020. Despite this year’s challenges, heartaches, and unpredictability — 2020 did leave us with several valuable lessons for us to build on.

Here are ten business New Years’ resolutions that you may want to consider for a successful 2021.

1. Increase your online presence –Help attract new customers and build brand loyalty by strengthening your digital footprint in 2021. Now’s the time to audit your website and social media pages to ensure user-friendliness and accuracy. By establishing a stronger foothold online, customers will be able to engage and hopefully purchase from you directly without ever walking into your store. Read BBB’s tips on improving your website.
2. Maximize your agility — Forbes magazine says small businesses have a distinct advantage in 2021 by having the ability to adapting quickly in an unpredictable climate. Be flexible and open to shifting focus. Use 2020 as a learning experience and start to plan for different scenarios should state restrictions stick around.
3. Engage with customers — Ramp-up your customer service skills. Communicate with existing customers by emailing them business updates, promotions, and sales. Ensure that you’re responding to customer inquiries and comments on social media in a timely fashion. According to Hubspot, 80% of customers expect an online response within 24 hours.
4. Embrace technology — Consumer expectations changed in 2020, and what resulted is an emerging customer with greater demand for speed, convenience, transparency, and customer service. Embracing technology and making it easier for customers to communicate with you online can help build trust and lead to more business. Need help with social media? Here are five tips your business can start using today.
5. Reduce costs — Save money wherever you can do so without compromising quality. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly one-third of small businesses fail because the owner runs out of money. 2021 could be a great time to reduce overhead, market on a budget, and go green. Here are seven ways BBB recommends your business reduce costs heading into the new year.
6. Foster a positive workplace culture — According to Forbes, strong and thriving workplace culture is considered an essential element for maintaining employee satisfaction and high performance. With many employees working remotely indefinitely, doubling down on company values, transparency, and communication with team members are three key ingredients to help keep the workplace positive.
7. Leverage Customer Reviews — Reputation can mean everything, especially for a small business owner trying to attract and retain customers. You want to tell customers that your business is trustworthy, ethical, and transparent — and what better way to illustrate that story than through online customer reviews. Check out Power of Customer Reviews on Small Businesses to see how BBB tries to ensure accuracy and transparency with its review program.
8. Exercise transparency — Operating with transparency builds relationships that turn curious browsers into buyers and buyers into raving fans. Always be transparent, from admitting missteps and correcting them to inviting your customers to engage with you online and through social media. Authentic interaction with your clients goes a long way to building customer trust.
9. Invest in the community — By giving back or helping your neighbors, you can build relationships and show that your company takes pride in the community. Consider volunteering in 2021 and getting more involved in your area. It’s a great way to strengthen your company’s reputation. Share moments on social media, and don’t be shy showing how your brand is committed to helping make a difference. Read ways your business can impact the community.
10. Establish Trust — Customer trust can mean everything for an online business. With the internet flooded with information about every product or service, buyers can effectively make a purchase decision with just a few clicks. For many small businesses, finding a way to establish a foothold in a competitive market can be the biggest challenge. Giving your business a step up over the competition is always something to desire, and aiming for BBB Accreditation is a valuable way to do this. Accreditation requires the utmost trustworthiness, customer respect, and integrity, which can help your business stand out — especially during a pandemic. See the BBB Advantage.

2020 continues to test and push many small businesses across North America. Some companies have been able to thrive and succeed, while others got turned upside down.

Trust and transparency matter more now than ever before. In a market saturated with companies competing for customers, BBB Accreditation gives consumers confidence that they are dealing with an ethical and vetted business.

The BBB Standards for Trust remain at the core for BBB and its partners, and today presents an even greater opportunity for online retailers to elevate their brand, build trust, and commit to excellence.

Since 1912, BBB has been supporting businesses and consumers in its mission of advancing marketplace trust. Today more than 400,000 Accredited Businesses across North America support that mission. The need for trust has never been greater. BBB is committed to guiding all businesses impacted by the pandemic, especially those transitioning to new online business models and a changing environment.

Consider adding the BBB seal next to your company’s good name and joining a community of trustworthy businesses.

Take the next step by adding trust and becoming BBB Accredited.

Small businesses are the backbone of North America. With more than 30 million small businesses in the United States and contributing to nearly 99% of Canada’s economy, the playing field for owners is heating up. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly one-third of small businesses fail because the owner runs out of money.

How do you change the narrative and find new ways to make operational processes more efficient and cost-effective?

Here are seven ways your business can cut costs in 2021:

1. Low-cost marketing strategies

For many businesses, marketing costs can quickly get out of hand, especially when there’s no plan. According to the SBA, most small businesses spend around 8% of their revenue on marketing. In highly competitive industries, that number is as high as 20%.

Developing a cost-efficient marketing plan between a 2–5% spend could help ensure marketing budgets meet the fullest potential. Think digital — it can often provide the biggest bang for your buck. There are many free online advertising methods, including social media sites, blogs, and videos.

To see how online retailers can better engage with customers, see BBB’s Business Impact Report on Online Retailers.

2. Reduce costs by considering outsourcing

Harvard Business Review explains how businesses can reduce costs up to 30% by outsourcing. For many business owners, outsourcing administrative tasks like servicing emails, document processing, customer satisfaction surveys can be time-consuming and expensive to do in-house.

BBB advises anyone considering outsourcing first to weigh the cost vs. the benefit. If hiring a service provider to fulfill a job, ensure that the business is trusted and vetted. Visit BBB.org to find trustworthy companies in your area. Often outsourcing with firms with a massive pool of employees can not only help you reduces costs but equip you with the latest technology and equipment.

3. Go green

Think long-game when transforming your company into an eco-friendly business. While there may be some upfront costs to consider, environmentally aware companies may save money in the long run.

Regardless of your business, here are some simple ways to lower costs by going green.

55% of consumers worldwide would pay a premium for products offered by eco-friendly and socially responsible companies. -Nielson

4. Reduce travel costs

As communities plan to reopen in 2021, make use of your online virtual power by reducing travel and conducting business online. Consider web conferences, virtual meetings, or webinars to meet with clients and new customers versus exhausting costs for face-to-face meetings.

Because of the pandemic, many businesses are allowing telecommuting for employees permanently. The need for large office space may be unnecessary and could ultimately eliminate added monthly expenses.

5. Create a budget

If you’re not already using a budget to control costs, consider starting in 2021. A budget can help you make smart and safe financial decisions and anticipate costs before it happens.

The Balance Small Business talks about three types of accounting that help you analyze, verify, and report results. Understanding your expenses and creating a working budget can help you avoid common financial management mistakes.

6. Shop local

Buying from local providers can offer you more flexibility and personalized service. Connectsteam recommends writing down a list of all major companies you work with and then comparison shop with local listings to see where you can save.

Additionally, buying local supports the community, creates additional jobs, and can often provide you with better customer service. To find local, trusted, and vetted businesses — visit BBB.org and search for the BBB Accreditation seal.

7. Cut unnecessary perks

As tempting as it might sound, you may want to consider reducing or eliminating some staff perks or office parties. An alternative is to give employees additional time off to spend with family and friends versus spending more on gifts or small bonuses.

Business.com recommends business owners and company executives to dial back on any “exclusive” perks. It saves money and creates a sense of equal value between workers and managers.

2020 has proved to be a difficult year for businesses, as many struggle to stay open and survive. Budgeting and reducing simple costs can help your business get an edge in 2021 and be ready if it’s an unpredictable year.

Interested in getting your business BBB Accredited in 2021? Visit Apply for BBB Accreditation | Better Business Bureau®

Originally published at https://www.bbb.org.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT — US VERSION DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many small companies are now making technology and online marketing a more significant focus for their company. Having an effective online presence and knowing how to meet and exceed customer demands digitally can be a difference-maker for your business.

In this Business Impact Report, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) takes a deeper dive into the online retail industry from customers, business owners, research findings, and exclusive BBB data. E-commerce is booming. Sales reached $3.5 trillion in 2019, and according to Statista, by 2023, e-retail sales are estimated to account for 22% of all retail sales worldwide.

At BBB.org, search for online retailers skyrocketed 383% this year, suggesting that more and more consumers are researching businesses before making an online purchase.

Business owners have an opportunity to change the narrative of their company, from just trying to survive to thrive during difficult times. This report takes you step-by-step on how to bolster your business’s online reputation, improve customer communication and build trust, and how operating with integrity and honesty can differentiate your business.

More customers turn to BBB.org

• 73% increase in online business profile views
• 383% increase in online shopping business profile searches
• Overall business profile search to BBB.org up 97%
• 62% increase in business profile views for BBB Accredited online retailers

* Source: IABBB year over year data between March — Oct 2019/2020

Know the facts

Even though e-commerce is thriving globally, savvy retailers will want to be on top of the latest industry trends and make strategic decisions to help their business grow and thrive.

Small businesses are defined as those with 500 or fewer employees, from LLCs with multiple locations to mom and pop shops with fewer than five employees. And while running a small business is no easy task, here are some surprising facts business owners can’t afford to ignore.

Opening and maintaining a small business can be a considerable risk that requires upfront costs and hard work. And while many small businesses succeed, identifying early risks can help you better prepare for the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of companies fail in their first year, and 50% of small businesses fail in their fifth year. In Canada, 23% of small businesses (1–4 employees) fail in year one.

For many business owners, the finances and accounting are the most challenging part of running their company, but they are at higher risk of failing without those skills.

* US. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Without question, shoppers overwhelmingly look online to purchase or research a product and service. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of customer inquiries to BBB.org spiked 36% year-over-year. Having an online presence is essential to any business’s success and can also lend authority to your brand and connect to even more customers.

BBB interviewed Amanda Brinkman, host of the show Small Business Revolution, on the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and towns. Brinkman acknowledges that it’s a challenging time for companies but warns that even when stay-at-home orders lift, people will not come back in the capacity as they did before the pandemic.

**Big Commerce “So many businesses do not focus on their online presence, but it’s vital. It’s on us as owners to make it as easy as possible — communicating with customers, to be pivoting how we sell and deliver products, and showing the heart behind our businesses as to what we are doing for the community.”

-Amanda Brinkman, host of Small Business Revolution

The online retail landscape continues to change and evolve each year as customer expectations and the demand for convenience skyrocket. According to Statista, e-retail sales surpassed 3.5 trillion US dollars worldwide in 2019 and are forecasted to accelerate even more in the future.

Business owners now need to do more than just set-up their e-commerce sites and promote their products or services online. A company website and social media platform is a space where people can learn more about who you are and your values as a business owner, and it is also a place to provide personal customer care.

According to 99firms, online purchases will continue to soar as more brick-and-mortar stores close due to the pandemic and quarantining. Many business owners have had no choice but to move their stores online and appeal to new customers. This ever-increasing demand can be costly, from packaging and shipping expenses to technology upgrades. Regardless, investing now can pay off dividends in the future.

Growing Online Retail Trends

• E-Retail sales surpassed $3.5 trillion US dollars in 2019
• Retail websites generated almost 22 billion monthly visits in June 2020
• In 2019, e-retail sales accounted for 14% of total sales.

Spot the risks

The Better Business Bureau released its 2020 Online Purchase Scams Report identifying top scams, riskiest products, susceptibility, and monetary loss. As more businesses vie for customers’ attention online, consumer trust will play a larger part in purchasing decisions.

According to the report, 35% of people exposed to an online purchase scam will only trust retailers with whom they’ve done business in the past. If this trend continues, small businesses will have an increasingly difficult time competing in the market and differentiating themselves from larger and better-known enterprises and brands.

One solution is for companies to emphasize trust, integrity, and transparency at the core of their business model. BBB Standards for Trust can be a guiding light for businesses navigating through these trying times. Advertising honestly is vital, and the BBB Code of Advertising explains what enterprises need to know about advertising claims.

For BBB Accredited Businesses, adding the BBB seal to their company website and social media can give customers an added sense of confidence.

35% of people exposed to an online purchase scam will only trust retailers with who they’ve done business in the past.

Listen to customers

Customers spoke loud and clear to BBB about what they liked and disliked when it comes to online retailers. BBB analyzed 76,000 positive customer reviews to see what resonated most with buyers.

The research ranks affordability, punctuality, friendliness, and communication as top qualities for consumers when reviewing an online business.

Customers tell BBB that their online experience misses the mark when the product never shows or arrives late. In reviewing 400,000 complaints and negative customer reviews, about 50% of customer remarks claimed the item was late or never came.

BBB also found that approximately 30% of online retail complaints and negative reviews alleged that the product was flawed or incorrect. Many of the complaints submitted to BBB mention a broken item, counterfeit goods, or in the case of clothes, the wrong fit.

More than 80% of negative online reviews fall into these two categories, while the remaining 20% describe different circumstances. Customers complained about subscription orders, auto-renewals, and billing errors.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT — US VERSION DOWNLOAD THE REPORT — CANADIAN VERSION

Build Trust

Customer trust can mean everything for an online business. With the internet flooded with information about every product or service, buyers can effectively make a purchase decision with just a few clicks.

For many small businesses, finding a way to establish a foothold in a competitive market can be the biggest challenge. Giving your business a step up over the competition is always something to desire, and aiming for BBB Accreditation is a valuable way to do this. Accreditation requires the utmost trustworthiness, customer respect, and integrity, which can help your business stand out — especially during a pandemic.

Here are six steps your online business can do today to help build trust during the pandemic.

1. BE TRANSPARENT AND HONEST about the changes you and your business have made in switching to or expanding an online presence and how it might affect customer expectations.
2. COMMUNICATE AND EDUCATE customers about the impact the pandemic has on your business and services. Be responsive to customer questions and provide any COVID-19 policy on your website.
3. TAKE EXTRA SAFETY PRECAUTIONS to protect your employees, including wearing masks, social distancing, and sanitizing work areas. Make sure your website and ordering system have high levels of security and data privacy. Build trust by ensuring your customers feel safe, both in-person and online.
4. PROVIDE AFFORDABLE OPTIONS to customers. Show support and build customer loyalty by offering discounts or flexible payment plans that fit budgets and restore confidence.
5. ADAPT TO CUSTOMER NEEDS by honoring requests and providing special accommodations as needed. Put the customers’ needs first and seek solutions that leave them happy.
6. PROMOTE YOUR BBB ACCREDITATION and assure customers you are a trustworthy and ethical business.

Market your business

Whether you’re a sole proprietor or own a small to medium-sized business, being able to successfully market your product or service can be daunting, especially when you have little to no budget. In addition to staying open during a pandemic, many business owners must reinvent themselves and look at new and innovative ways to attract and retain customers online.

BBB has seven tips to effectively market your business, get in front of more customers, and strengthen your online reputation. 1. Be authentic

Authenticity may sound like just a buzzword, but creating authentic connections with your online customers can build trust and brand loyalty. Tell your story through branding and messaging, and share your passion with customers by inviting them to know you better. HIghlight your trusted reviews and be responsive to customer comments and questions.

2. Join a networking group

One great way to market your business, meet new people, and exchange ideas are joining a networking group. It is especially essential for digital business owners who have no physical office or storefront to attract an audience. Most local communities have networking groups you can join for free, or you can explore different online groups on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook.

3. Grow my email list

If you’re looking for a strong return on investment with your marketing efforts, email delivers. According to Oberlo, for every $1 you spend on email marketing, you expect an average return of $42. Oberlo says that 9 out of every ten marketers use email marketing to distribute content organically.

Experts recommend setting up a lead capture form on your website to encourage people to sign-up or subscribe to your content, special offers, or receive company news. Facebook and referral campaigns can also help grow your subscriber list.

4. Create quality content

Almost any savvy digital marketer will tell you to produce quality content to drive traffic to your website. And it doesn’t matter the business — if you’re creating engaging content targeting your industry and customers, people will want to read and engage with your content.

There are plenty of free and trusted online resources that allow you to set-up a blog, share videos, or create infographics. You can always use your social media channel as an easy way to create and post content for prospective customers.

5. Keep your promises

Keeping the lines of communication open between you and your clients is essential. When you understand what they want and can convey what you can deliver clearly, you’ll be able to keep the promises you make. Over-promising to a client is a mistake many new entrepreneurs make, feeling they must say “yes” to land the sale. However, if you’ve promised something beyond your scope or ability, then you’ve set the customer up for disappointment and yourself up for failure.

When you quote a price, honor that price. If you’ve given an estimated time frame for completion, make sure you hit your deadlines and any phase checkpoints in between. When you’re working on a long or complicated project for a client, it’s critical to keep communication lines open and address any issues that arise as they happen. When you keep your clients in the loop and give them honest updates, you’re operating with transparency and building trust.

6. Respond to customer reviews and complaints

From the one-star rant to the five-star cheers, it’s critical to respond to all customer reviews. Review sites make it easy for satisfied customers to leave a five-star rating or mention their favorite business aspect. However, most business owners know that a dissatisfied customer is ten times more likely to leave a negative review than a happy customer is to leave a positive one. Your users’ reviews and how you respond to them lend an air of trust to your business. Choosing to answer each one diplomatically increases confidence in your brand.

When you receive a negative or lackluster review, you have an opportunity to improve your business. Most unhappy customers vote with their wallets and choose to take their business elsewhere. The customers who choose to leave feedback are shedding light on areas where you can improve or even draw attention to a problem you may not know you have.

7. Operate with transparency

Operating with transparency builds relationships that turn curious browsers into buyers and buyers into raving fans. Always be transparent, from admitting missteps and correcting them to inviting your customers to engage with you online and through social media. Authentic interaction with your clients goes a long way to building customer trust.

Leverage social media

Like it or not, social media is changing the way we shop. If brand loyalty, customer satisfaction, and communication matter to your business, then you should have a presence on social media. With so many companies forced to move their business online because of the pandemic, social media is often the go-to place for customers.

Not convinced? Then check out these 2020 social media statistics that every marketer and business owner should know:

• 97% of digital consumers have used social media in the past month (GlobalWebIndex)
• Social ad spending is forecast to increase by 20% to $43 billion in 2020 (eMarketer)
• Roughly two-thirds of US adults now report they are Facebook users (Oberlo)
• 53% of consumers say they’re likely to buy from brands that are transparent on social (SproutSocial)

Social media influence can give local businesses the knowledge to leverage exposure, interaction with customers, and maybe the chance to go viral. Additionally, social media sites have also become a platform for consumers to read and leave reviews.

For small businesses, this can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, a positive online review can lead to a referral and create positive exposure locally for a business. Still, a negative review can quickly tarnish a business’s reputation.

To learn how to promote customer views for your online business, read BBB’s Power of Customer Reviews briefing on BBB.org.

Bottom line — social media can make a giant impact on business from sales and promotion to customer perception and reputation. Building a strong social media presence can help introduce you to new customers and be more cost-effective than traditional advertising.

Give back*

During the pandemic, some of the most heartwarming stories came from small business owners across North America who gave their time and resources to help their community get back on its feet. We profiled some of these business stories on our YouTube page.

Small businesses provide character and individuality to a community. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44 percent of the US economy. For Canada, small businesses make up nearly 99% of the country’s economy and account for almost 42 percent of the gross domestic product.

By giving back or helping your neighbors, you can build relationships and show that your company takes pride in the community. By volunteering and getting more involved in your area, you can strengthen your company’s reputation. Sharing these moments on your website and social media can help raise awareness and provide your business with free publicity.

* Government of Canada

Small businesses donate 250% more than larger enterprises to local non-profits and community causes

-Source: Score

BBB: This is why we are here

2020 continues to test and push many small businesses across North America. Some companies have been able to thrive and succeed while others got turned upside down.

There are some bright spots and new opportunities for small business owners as they gear up for the holiday shopping rush. A new customer is emerging — more aware and intentional about how they spend their money and who gets their business.

Trust and transparency matter more now than ever before. In a market saturated with companies competing for customers, BBB Accreditation gives consumers confidence that they’re dealing with an ethical and vetted business.

The BBB Standards for Trust remain at the core for BBB and its partners, and today presents an even greater opportunity for online retailers to elevate their brand, build trust, and commit to excellence.

Since 1912, BBB has been supporting businesses and consumers in its mission of advancing marketplace trust. Today more than 400,000 Accredited Businesses across North America support that mission. The need for trust has never been greater. BBB is committed to guiding all businesses impacted by the pandemic, especially those transitioning to new online business models and a changing environment.

Consider adding the BBB seal next to your company’s good name and joining a community of trustworthy businesses.

Take the next step by adding trust and becoming BBB Accredited.

About the research

This report’s data includes responses from BBB Accredited Businesses, research from the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, and multiple online business and marketing sources cited throughout the report.

For more information on the report findings, please email marketing@iabbb.org.

Stay connected and follow us on social media for the latest business updates, alerts, and business reports.

BBB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau

BBB Twitter: https://twitter.com/bbb_us

BBB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbb_north_america/

BBB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-business-bureau

BBB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterBusinessBureauChannel

Originally published at https://www.bbb.org.

If brand loyalty, customer satisfaction, and communication matter to your business, then you should have a presence on social media. With so many companies forced to move their business online because of the pandemic, social media is often the go-to place for customers.

Not convinced? Then check out these 2020 social media statistics that every marketer and business owner should know:

• 97% of digital consumers have used social media in the past month (globalwebindex)
• Social ad spending is forecast to increase by 20% to $43 billion in 2020 (eMarketer)
• Roughly two-thirds of US adults now report they are Facebook users (Oberlo)
• 53% of consumers say they’re likely to buy from brands that are transparent on social (SproutSocial)

Social media can play an essential role in your small business because it can show authenticity, transparency, and help build awareness. And while your company may already be using social media, the question remains, are you using it effectively?

If you are ready to commit your business to a social media plan, here are five easy ways for you to get started using social media for your business.

1. Create goals — Start your social media strategy by identifying your top organizational objectives. Instead of using social media just as a megaphone for your business, evaluate how it can help achieve your goals. Whether you’re trying to generate awareness for your brand or drive traffic to your website, practical social media goals can maximize returns.
2. Know your audience — Many companies create social media accounts in a hurry without understanding who their audience is. Define your target audience and create content around those customer needs. Each social media platform attracts different customers, so you’ll need to adjust your messaging to ensure you’re connecting with the right people.
3. Stay committed — It’s one thing to create social media accounts for your business, but it’s another to maintain them. Keep your followers engaged by posting value-added content consistently and be responsive to customers who may have a question, make a complaint, or want to give you kudos.
4. Create a calendar — Once you’ve created goals and identified your customers, create a social media calendar to help you plan and visualize your strategy. A calendar can help you save time, reduce stress, keep you organized, and, most importantly, provide you with insights.
5. Listen to your audience– According to Hootsuite, social listening allows brands to track, analyze, and respond to conversations about them on social media. You can monitor your channels and those of your competition to see what people are saying about your products and your brand.

The sky is the limit when it comes to building out your social media. Try not to overdo it when you’re first starting, because it can quickly become overwhelming. Think of social as a place to show people your personality and why your brand matters.

At Better Business Bureau, our brand centers around trust. BBB Accredited Businesses recognize that fact and will often promote their partnership with BBB on social media to help gain confidence with customers.

Whatever your goals are for your business, BBB recommends to always be responsive to customers and truthful in advertising. Check out the BBB Standards for Trust to see if it aligns with your business. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow us on social media.

BBB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau

BBB Twitter: https://twitter.com/bbb_us

BBB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbb_north_america/

BBB LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-business-bureau

BBB YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/BetterBusinessBureauChannel

For More Information

Visit the BBB Small Business Resources page for more business tips.

Find out how to Get BBB Accredited.

Whether you’re a sole proprietor or own a small to medium-sized business, being able to market your product or service successfully can be daunting — especially when you have little to no budget. In addition to trying to stay open during a pandemic, many business owners must reinvent themselves and look at new and innovative ways to attract and retain customers online.

Here’s the good news. It’s do-able, and you don’t have to spend a fortune.

BBB has seven tips to effectively market your business, get in front of more customers, and strengthen your online reputation. Entrepreneur and digital marketer Suttida Yang gives advice on how she successfully grew her business digitally.

Yang says this is where you pitch your business or product in two sentences or less. It summarizes what you do and how it can help a customer or potential customer solve a problem. A meaningful elevator pitch describes your value proposition in 90 seconds or less.

It includes highlighting a competitive advantage, solves a problem, incorporates social proof, and intrigues your audience.

Now that you’ve nailed down a worthy elevator pitch, Yang recommends joining a networking group to meet people, trade ideas, and build contacts. This is especially important for digital business owners who have no physical office or storefront to attract an audience. Yang says most communities have networking groups you can join for free, or you can explore different online groups on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook.

If you’re looking for a strong return on investment with your marketing efforts, email delivers. According to Oberlo, for every $1 you spend on email marketing, you expect an average return of $42. Oberlo says that 9 out of every ten marketers use email marketing to distribute content organically.

Yang recommends setting up a lead capture form on your website to encourage people to sign-up or subscribe to your content, special offers, or receive company news. She also says running Facebook and referral campaigns can help grow your subscriber list.

Almost any savvy digital marketer will tell you to produce quality content to drive traffic to your website. And it doesn’t matter the business — if you’re creating engaging content targeting your industry and customer, people will want to read and engage with your content.

There’s plenty of free and trusted online resources that allow you to set-up a blog, share videos, or create infographics. You can always use your social media channel as an easy way to create and post content for prospective customers.

If you’re not already on social media, maybe now is a good time to start. BBB interviewed Amanda Brinkman, the host of the TV show Small Business Revolution, about the importance of creating an online presence. Brinkman says successful online businesses can reach new people without a customer ever walking into their store. Companies need to spend more time embracing technology by ensuring their website is up to date, the business listing is correct, and social media pages are current.

“It’s on us as owners to make it as easy as possible,” Amanda explained. “Communicating with customers and showing the heart behind our businesses as to what we are doing for the community.”

At Better Business Bureau, we pride ourselves on our Standards for Trust, and our accredited businesses hold themselves to those high standards. We encourage companies to respond to customer needs, act with integrity, advertise honestly, and honor promises on agreements and transactions.

These simple steps can go a long way to building trust with customers and strengthening your reputation as a trustworthy business.

Some of the most heartwarming stories during the pandemic came from small business owners across North America who gave their time and resources to help their community get back on its feet. We profiled some of these business stories on our YouTube page.

By giving back to your community, businesses can not only get in front of more people and networks, but it helps build that trust with your brand. Many companies will post on social media to raise awareness about a particular event or cause in the community. It shows support, and it is free publicity for your business.

For More Information

Visit the BBB Small Business Resources page.

Find out how to Get Accredited. You can also view our BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.

Originally published at https://www.bbb.org.

A conversation with Amanda Brinkman, host of Small Business Revolution

Amanda Brinkman co-hosts the show Small Business Revolution with television star Ty Pennington. Deluxe, a BBB Accredited Business, created the show to help small businesses, and in turn, small towns, reignite the spark that drives them and keeps people coming back. BBB’s David Quinlan sat down to have a virtual conversation with Amanda about the struggles and opportunities for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s an excerpt from the interview.

Tell us about the show Small Business Revolution — what’s the vision?

The Small Business Revolution is a show or a series where each season, we revitalize a different small-town main street, and we do it through its small businesses. I work at a company called Deluxe, and they started the Small Business Revolution because we work with 4.5 million small businesses every day. We help businesses with everything from marketing their business to operating their business.

For us — our brand purpose is to champion small businesses so communities can thrive. We want to go out and put our money where our mouth is and do that work. The reason we do that work is that we believe small businesses are so integral to our neighborhoods, our communities, to our country, and certainly to our economy. We want to tell the stories of great small businesses and show how business support can genuinely help entrepreneurs run their business better and feel more secure operating them.

The show is unscripted; it’s in the reality show genre — but one thing we do not do is create that drama that you sometimes see on the network reality shows. We are here to help these businesses. We always say it’s a makeover show with heart. We are trying to tell the story of these businesses to inspire more people to recognize the importance of supporting small businesses.

When you support a local diner or a local barbershop or a local retail store — those dollars stay within your community and create jobs in your community. It is more than a show, it is truly a movement, and we are trying to inspire people to support small businesses.

How are small businesses being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

This is really a challenging time. This pandemic has never happened in modern times for businesses and people. It is an odd way to be living as a human, let alone running a business within this environment. You have to look at running your business differently.

One of the things we are always working with businesses on in the show and is so important right now is making sure you have a great online presence. Even as stay-at-home orders lift, people are not going to come back in the capacity as they did before.

For the foreseeable future, this is the business — trying to operate without people physically being in your space and how you continue to bring in money. We see businesses realize that their online site is their storefront, which is so important right now.

So many businesses do not focus on their online presence, but it’s vital. Thinking through how people find you online or the story your website tells about you, how you engage with customers on social media, how you are using directory listings, and marketing tools like email and print.

So what we are seeing is that businesses that are not just surviving, but are trying to find a way to thrive during these difficult times. They are focused on three things.

1. Businesses are thinking about their business model and starting to focus on what they sell and how they sell it, and where they sell it. Business owners are using this time to shed some of those proverbial ideas that are always in the corner of an entrepreneur’s mind. Maybe it’s those ideas that didn’t get off the ground. is the community asking of my business? What skillset, equipment, delivery mechanisms do I have to change in my addressable market? How can I reach new people and figure out how to get my products and services to them?

2. The second thing we really see businesses doing is focusing on the technology of their business — so thinking through things like their digital presence, their websites, their online presence, so getting your website updated, cleaning up your directory listings, and starting to invest in social media.

3. The third thing we are seeing — and this is something we love about small businesses — is that they are giving back to their communities. The week the country began to shut down, we saw small businesses show up in droves to support their community. They were figuring out how to make medical supplies or feed people in the community that are in need. The universe is almost rewarding them for their generosity, and their instinct was to do good for people around them.

With all of these things, I think people are recognizing how disproportionate this crisis is impacting small businesses. So how can small business owners make it as easy as possible for people to support us? It’s on us as owners to make it as easy as possible — communicating with customers, to be pivoting how we sell and deliver things, and showing the heart behind our businesses as to what we are doing for the community.

How have small businesses and big businesses partnered during this time?

It’s been incredible to see entrepreneurs get so creative. We’ve also seen a lot of partnerships between big businesses and small businesses. Small businesses partner with big companies locally that have the resources and the distribution model to get those products out. We see big businesses and small businesses work together during these times in a way that I hope continues once we emerge from the crisis. Small businesses have the nimbleness and ideas to go for it, where big companies have more of the infrastructure or supply chain to deliver on that idea.

How relevant are the BBB Standards for Trust — especially for small business owners?

The standards are vital. They are key. I am so glad they are your values, and I know that’s what BBB is known for in the community. People want to support businesses that are doing the right thing, and they are doing it by the right standards. We all recognize we have a lot of power in our dollar and where we spend it. We want to support businesses that are doing the right thing and operating with integrity, treating their employees and customers well.

We are starting to hold corporations and brands and businesses to a higher standard. We want to see people living their values and not just saying they stand for trust and integrity — but demonstrating that through their actions in what they do and operate as a business.

I love that there are organizations like BBB out there holding businesses accountable — that it’s a standard on which we judge companies. And it should be. It shouldn’t just be the financial performance; it should be how you run that business.

Links:

Small Business Revolution: https://smallbusinessrevolution.org/small-business-revolution

Deluxe: www.deluxe.com

Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallbusinessrevolution/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallbizrev

Twitter: @amandakbrinkman

For more information on how BBB can help with your business goals, visit the BBB Get Accredited page.

Originally published at https://www.bbb.org.

Download a PDF of the BBB COVID-19 Business Impact report.

Two wars are being waged on COVID-19 — controlling the spread of the virus, and minimizing the economic impact of the pandemic. This two-front battle is critical for many small business owners forced to balance safety and health with keeping businesses open and running.

So how do some businesses thrive amidst chaos and uncertainty? One key answer is trust. With increasing customer demand, unpredictability across the market, and intensified competition — many firms scramble to survive. The stories of resilient, honest, and innovative business owners across North America continue to inspire and create hope for a brighter future in a post-COVID world.

To help capture these success stories and shine the light on new challenges, the Better Business Bureau conducted a recent pulse survey with nearly 1,000 BBB Accredited Businesses. Of those surveyed, 62% of companies said they never had to close their doors since the outbreak of the pandemic.

And while the economic outlook appears rosier now than it did a few months earlier, the road to recovery will be challenging and demanding. It could take five years for a business to get back to 2019 levels, according to a model conducted by McKinsey Global Institute and Oxford Economics.

For business owners and leaders who value trust, ethics, and integrity to run business and build a brighter future, the BBB COVID-19 Impact Report is for you.

Current Attitudes versus March 2020

In March, 87% of businesses surveyed by BBB anticipated the pandemic would harm their company. Two months later, 71% of companies expect the epidemic to impact them negatively when asked the same questions.

Similarly, businesses surveyed projected less of an impact over the next two months versus what they initially reported in March.

Cutting costs and taking advantage of financial federal assistance programs certainly helped businesses weather the storm. Nearly three-quarters of the firms who applied for assistance said they received funds.

Challenges Facing Businesses

Cash flow, health and safety, and meeting customer expectations are the top challenges facing BBB Accredited Businesses. And while the perceived impact over the next 60 days is lower than when we asked the same question in March, companies are identifying new opportunities to keep their doors open.

Skylar Travel in Alaska had to shut down all operations in March because of the pandemic, but the owner Jin Chen used it to help her community. She created an online supply sharing group, where she used her tour guides to deliver essential supplies to the community members. Check out the full story on BBB’s YouTube page.

According to a HubSpot report, businesses with an established digital presence have a clear advantage on how to best respond to ongoing challenges. Global site traffic is 20% higher than pre-COVID levels, as more people purchase online.

Yet manufacturing, business and financial services, and automotive are industries that BBB found most likely to remain open. Construction, remodeling, and building trades expect to grow.

Building Trust

Nearly a quarter of the businesses surveyed say instilling customer trust is going to be a challenge moving forward — but also an opportunity. By creating stronger relationships with customers and providing support to the community, businesses are in the driver seat to deliver an even better user experience.

BBB Accredited Businesses that commit to meeting the BBB Standards for Trust saw considerably more online engagement on BBB.org than non-accredited companies, including website visits, email clicks, and customer reviews.

Of those surveyed, 42% of businesses say the most significant way they are building trust is by increasing communication with customers, followed by health and safety protocols, and offering financial discounts. Operating a business with integrity is even more critical now to business owners than it was pre-COVID-19.

Customer Impact

Between March and May 2020, BBB received more than 53,000 complaints and reviews related to the pandemic. Allegations of price gouging of essential items soared, while travel agencies, airlines, and vacation rental businesses received the highest number of complaints and negative customer reviews.

According to a McKinsey & Company report, customer behavior changed as more consumers shopped online, bulked up on home goods, switched products, and spent more hours in front of the TV or on social media.

As more and more businesses vie for online customers, the BBB Standards for Trust can be a guiding light, especially around advertising honestly. BBB recommends that companies do not fuel consumer fears but instead act as a calming and reassuring partner to customers. The BBB Code of Advertising explains what businesses need to know about advertising claims.

Meeting Demand with Standards for Trust

In June, more than 14.7 million users visited BBB.org to search for trustworthy businesses, access resources, and read about pressing consumer issues. Top searches in June include roofing contractors, general contractors, and plumbers.

Site traffic to BBB.org surged more than 40% in June — a testament to how high trust ranks among consumers. BBB Accredited Businesses saw a clear advantage among the 25 million business profile views last month. On average, a BBB Accredited Business receives 163 inquiries per year, versus 24 inquiries for a non-accredited business.

Why does this matter? Data suggests that a new customer is emerging — one who is more aware and intentional about how they spend their money and who gets their business. For BBB Accredited Businesses, this presents an excellent opportunity for elevating their brands and standing out from competitors by aligning their business with the BBB Standards for Trust.

1. Build Trust — Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.
2. Advertise Honestly — Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.
3. Tell the Truth — Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.
4. Be Transparent — Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and disclose all policies, guarantees, and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.
5. Honor Promises — Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.
6. Be Responsive — Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.
7. Safeguard Privacy — Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect consumers’ preferences regarding their data.
8. Embody Integrity — Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions, and commitments with integrity.

Five Ways to Strengthen Your Business

Although the pandemic is far from over, many businesses are focused on how to make the second half of 2020 a success. Attracting customers, building relationships, and supporting the community are the top takeaways for small business owners surveyed by BBB.

No one knows what the future holds, but if the last few months are any indicator, businesses can get on the right track and be better prepared to meet new customer demands and establish trust. Here are some ideas:

1. Create/ update business profile -With over 108 million customer inquiries at BBB.org so far this year, businesses can get in front of more customers by being listed in the BBB Directory. As a BBB Accredited Business, you can optimize your business profile page and have access to the BBB Accreditation Seal, making it easier for customers to find and trust you.
2. Communicate with your customers — By being transparent and responsive, businesses can gain a greater understanding of their customers and their needs. BBB Accredited Businesses make a commitment to do both — establishing trust and value in the marketplace.
3. Embrace the BBB Standards for Trust — Trust is a cornerstone of any successful business and at the core of BBB. Differentiate your business from others by embracing BBB’s eight standards, and give your customers an added level of trust and confidence before and after purchase.
4. Support the Community — Businesses that reinvest and give back to their communities commit to their customers and their families. Giving can open many doors and is often a critical step in building trust.
5. Market your Accreditation — The need for trust has never been greater. Get in front of customers by marketing your accreditation and ensuring your business’s commitment to building trust. With more than 400,000 BBB Accredited Business across North America, now is a prime time to consider BBB Accreditation for your business.

Takeaways for Small Businesses

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small business is astounding. In trying times, companies often come out ahead by refocusing their priorities and making trust a long-term play in building a better business.

From transforming your brick-and-mortar store to an online experience or changing your business model to address your customers’ needs, many companies must reinvent themselves to survive. And while the economic outlook may not be as gloomy as initially thought — the road to recovery could take a while.

Customer needs are changing, and businesses must meet the demand. With more people going online to shop and research businesses — the trust factor has never been more critical. Investing in your business and revaluating your values can be a significant first step in coming out of the pandemic ahead.

Don’t take our word for it! Hear from BBB Accredited Businesses who happily share their success stories in hopes of creating a better world. BBB is committed to providing guidance to all businesses impacted by the pandemic and transitioning to new business models and a changing environment.

BBB Resources:

About the research

Data collected for this report include 938 different responses from BBB Accredited Businesses across North America. The margin of error is =/-3% at a 95% confidence level for consolidated findings. 99% of respondents are owners, co-owners, presidents, or CEOS of companies. Special thanks to the following BBB locations in helping collect information for this report: Atlanta, Calgary, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Halifax, Huntsville, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Milwaukee, Oakland, St. Louis, Tucson, Victoria, and West Palm Beach.

Originally published at https://www.bbb.org.

The Power of Customer Reviews on Small Businesses

Reputation can mean everything, especially for a small business owner trying to attract and retain customers. You want to be able to tell customers that your business is trustworthy and transparent — and what better way to illustrate that story than through online customer reviews.

But it’s harder than it sounds, because many small businesses have a difficult time receiving positive reviews, responding to negative ones, and marketing reviews to help their business grow. In this article, we break down the power of customer reviews for your business, why reviews are essential to consumers, and how to leverage reviews to help your business be better.

In a Bright Local Consumer Review Survey, 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, with 52% of 18-to54-year-olds saying they ”always” read reviews. And with more people turning to the internet to find local businesses, company owners have a tremendous opportunity to get in front of potential customers with the right message.

According to Moz, Local Search Ranking Factors survey, reviews have a 15% chance of influencing your position in local search results.

So what does this all mean? Customer reviews can improve your online reputation which helps businesses build trust with customers, converts searchers into leads, and boosts local search rankings, according to Bright Local.

Who can you trust?

One of the biggest challenges for businesses and online shoppers is determining which reviews are real and which ones are fake. Many online review sites struggle in trying to weed out bogus reviews or reviews created by bots. In one study by Spiegel Research Center, the purchase likelihood for a product with five reviews is 270% greater than a product with zero reviews, so unfortunately, businesses may fraudulently try to generate reviews, especially positive ones.

But in that same study, consumers also indicate that fake reviews can damage trust, believing that five-star reviews may be too good to be true. That study is just one of many that validate the importance of responding to negative reviews and avoiding using fake positive ones in an attempt to manipulate a rating.

Still, many businesses turn a blind eye to online reviews because they rely on local customers, referrals, and foot traffic. But with more online review sites available to consumers, the need for trustworthy reviews has never been greater. Consumers are savvier and can comparison shop quickly by searching for a business on their phone.

BBB Customer Reviews — A Trusted Review Source

At Better Business Bureau, we and our Accredited Businesses are committed to our Standards for Trust, especially when it comes to being transparent, honoring promises, and truth in advertising. With BBB Customer Reviews, we try and vet each reviewer when a comment is submitted to check for authenticity. And while it’s next to impossible to guarantee that every comment is legitimate, here is how BBB tries to ensure accuracy and transparency.

• BBB validates the email address or phone number of reviewers.
• Allowing the business to respond to a customer review and share their side of the story before it is published.
• Allowing the reviewer also to submit comments on the customer review. Comments from third parties are not allowed.
• Not allowing anonymous reviews or reviews where the consumer got compensated.
• Customer Reviews are posted to the company’s BBB Business Profile.

To date, BBB received more than 4 million customer reviews but has published only 62% of them — and for a good reason. In our battle against fake reviews, BBB is determined to take extra steps to ensure the reviewer is authentic. According to the BBB Trust Sentiment Index, consumers rank a business’s reputation first when determining trust. An honest and legitimate review can go a long way in helping consumers make better purchasing decisions and for companies to put their best foot forward.

How to Promote Customer Reviews

There are several creative ways to showcase your customer reviews and polished online reputation. Much like marketing your BBB Accreditation, we recommend these five actions to use online reviews to improve your business reputation.

1. Respond to customer reviews — One of the best ways to improve your online reputation is to respond to reviews. If a customer leaves a negative comment, use it as an opportunity to work with the customer to find a solution to the problem.
2. Follow-up with customers — After a purchase, reach out to the customer a week or two later to ensure the product or service provided is exceeding expectations. Ask the person to leave an honest review and share feedback that will help your business be better.
3. Monitor review sites — Carefully check online review sites to ensure your reputation is solid and customer demands get answered in a timely fashion.
4. Provide easy options — Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by including a link to your business profile or the BBB Leave a Review page on your website, posing questions on social media, or reminding customers to provide feedback at the point of purchase.
5. Share positive reviews — Advertise your BBB Accreditation, rating, and customer reviews by adding a link to your BBB profile on your website and on social media. You can even share customer reviews with your own staff, to help boost employee morale and encourage better customer service.

The world of online reviews can seem overwhelming, but if managed correctly, it could provide your business with a valuable reputation boost. While there are several online review sites available, consider leveraging trusted BBB Customer Reviews. After all, it boils down to trust, and what better way to tell a customer you’re a trustworthy business than aligning yourself with BBB.

For more information on how BBB can help with your business goals, visit us here.

So I’ve started doing case studies with BBB Accredited Businesses — asking them why BBB? How has it helped their business? Is your business better off being accredited?

Here’s one business owner’s perspective on why trust, integrity, and standards go a long way into making his company better.

When owner Eric Long first opened his pest control company, it was his big chance to start a family business and create a legacy. With a vision of being the people’s best pest control company, Eric has proudly served the Greater Dayton, Ohio area for five years. He measures his success by the fact that he has been self-employed for the last two years, and he no longer works three different jobs to make ends meet.

Today, Free Bee Pest Control is a BBB Accredited Business, known by its customers as a trustworthy and honest company committed to doing the best work possible.

Top Business Challenges and Goals

As a new business owner, Eric says the number one challenge he experienced was how to respond when customers asked if his company was BBB Accredited. He says customers wanted to see the trusted BBB seal, and when he didn’t have it, Eric missed potential job opportunities.

Eric’s top goal was to improve the reputation of the industry by building a reliable and reputable business focused on integrity and treating customers fairly. He says BBB Accreditation certainly helped communicate that message.

How BBB Accreditation Helped

Eric learned early on about the value of BBB Accreditation. His father, also a business owner, taught Eric that the BBB wasn’t an enemy — but a supporter of small business. Today, Eric takes full advantage of his BBB Accreditation that goes beyond his A+ rating and more than 60 five-star BBB Customer Reviews. You can find the BBB Seal on just about every area of Free Bee Pest Control, including its trucks, website, business cards, and letterhead. Eric says when customers see the seal, they know his company is committed to excellence.

Since being BBB Accredited, Eric says Free Bee Pest Control secured additional jobs through the Get a Quote service. He has plans to grow the business while keeping the personal touches and added customer satisfaction.

“Our BBB Accreditation helped to immediately add credibility to our business, even right out of the gate. We are a one-person operation doing great things, and our BBB Business Profile helps tell our story. I proudly tell people our business is BBB Accredited.”

Why BBB Accreditation and the BBB Standards for Trust Matter

The BBB Standards for Trust are a guiding light for Free Bee Pest Control, Eric explains, especially when it comes to integrity. He says by embodying integrity, his company is doing the right thing, and that matters most to his customers. Customer satisfaction is number one at Free Bee Pest Control, and Eric is not shy about letting people know, especially on his BBB Business Profile page.

Here are Eric’s top ways he’s leveraged BBB Accreditation.

• Adds integrity and trust to his brand
• Get a Quote program
• Marketing assets

Final Results

With more than ten years of experience as an exterminator, Eric had the vision to be the best pest control business in town. He created his company from the ground up and today serves several hundred customers a year. He’s proud to say he is self-employed, generating more than $100,000 in business annually. Free Bee Pest Control is a BBB Accredited Business and an award-winning business with an A+ rating and dozens of five-star reviews. Eric credits much of his success to the way he conducts business — with integrity, the cornerstone of the BBB Standards for Trust. As a third-generation exterminator, Eric takes pride in his work and wishes to not only keep his customers happy but also to create a legacy for his kids.

Over it.

Don’t get me wrong — I am incredibly grateful for my family, health and employment — but I am completely over the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are days when I feel like every ounce of energy has been sucked dry. Finding the motivation to workout, complete a home project, or write a blog requires some serious self-discipline and drive. And when you’re not motivated, good luck.

So how do you get over the rut?

I found four ways that helped me break out of the day-to-day drag and lead to better habits and increased productivity. The best part is that each method takes less than 30 minutes!

Do a mind sweep

If the days are starting to blend together and your tasks and responsibilities are adding up — odds are you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and unmotivated. A mind sweep is a great first step to alleviate the pressure and help clear your head.

First introduced to me by veteran business coach and New York Times best selling author David Allen, the mind sweep is a critical first step in the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology for stress-free productivity. Simply grab a pen and paper or open your Evernote and start writing down, rapid-fire, any task or must-do on your mind. This could be assignments at schools, tasks at work, phone calls to make, emails to answer, errands to run, goals to set, articles to read — write it all down and capture it one place. You can organize later, but the simple process of capturing everything that’s on your mind will help you gain control and find relief in your head.

To learn more about the GTD methodology and the mind sweep, checkout my interview with David Allen on YouTube.

Meditate

Trust me, this works and can help with sleep. I’ve started meditating for 10-minuites each day including some mornings. There’s a ton of free apps out there that can help get you started. I’ve used Head Space and Calm and both have free seven-day trials. You can browse different topics like combatting stress, dealing with anxiety, or peaceful piano.

Meditation can give you clarity, add a sense of calm to your day and help decrease anxiety. I’m not religious about how often I meditate, but I do find immediate mental relief after a ten-minute session. My partner uses the same technique before going to bed which helps him clear his head for a more restful sleep.

Journal

I started keeping a journal in business school to help capture those ‘aha’ moments and ideas during lectures and readings. It turned out to be one of my favorite habits as I often reflect on those moments to help find motivation and discover ideas. Typically, I journal 3–5 times a week using my Remarkable device or in a notebook.

When I journal, I try and capture ideas, thoughts, and emotions that I can reflect on including positive and negative experiences. I found that writing down my daily ‘aha’ moments not only alleviates stress, but it also helps with productivity by building upon ideas that I’ve had captured. There’s been tons of studies on how writing can help with mental health and I find that during this pandemic, it’s been one of my go-to techniques to help light that inner fire and get me off the couch.

Organize today, tomorrow

If you haven’t noticed, I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to productivity. That being said — I’m also pretty lousy at it. I really do love the idea of being organized and productive, but so many times I fall off the wagon.

When I read Organize Today Tomorrow by Dr. Jason Selk, Tom Bartow and Matthew Rudy, I was able to stay the course a bit longer. In the book the authors reveal eight ways to help you stay focused and productive. The most helpful strategy is what the authors call OTT or organize today, tomorrow.

At the end of each day I spend a max of 15-minutes organizing what I need to get done the next day. I list three items including one ‘I must’ and make a note of it in my calendar. The goal is to complete my ‘I must’ task and at least attempt to tackle the other two items. What I like about this strategy is that it forces me to focus on the one thing I need to get done each day. This is a great way to attack a goal or prioritize your day.

Feeling better?

At the end of the day it’s about finding what works best for you. I don’t suggest doing all four methods the same day because that can become overwhelming and seem like a chore. The key is to find something easy to do and provides the greatest return. Try one method for a week and see if you can put your mind at ease and find that inner drive to help you attack the next day.

Finally — it helps to have an accountability partner to help pump you up. Blogger Suttida Yang motivated me to write this blog and always encourages me to write and share my experiences with others. A simple check-in text from her helps me stay on point.

So, while this coronavirus pandemic completely sucks and makes us all a bit stir-crazy, don’t let it overwhelm you. Take back your day even if it requires just a few minutes of your time.