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March 25, 2020

11 Things to Do Right Now

All of those things you never have time to do? Now might just be the moment to tackle them.

By  Theresa Hegel

Businesses across the country are temporarily shutting down and millions of people are staying home to help flatten the curve of coronavirus. Trade shows, festivals, races and other events have been canceled or postponed indefinitely. Naturally, orders are trending downward as well. It’s a difficult time, but here’s at least one silver lining: you can tackle the things you’ve always been meaning to do, but never had time for. Here are some helpful tasks to stay productive during this slowdown.

checklist

1. Organize your workspace.
Declutter your home office. If you’ve always worked from home, take a crack at that pile of paperwork you keep meaning to get to. Dust your shelves, clean your mouse and keyboard. If you’re establishing a home office for the first time due to coronavirus concerns, take some time to create strong organizational strategies from the get-go.

2. Organize your digital workspace.
Archive any important emails into relevant folders and purge whatever you no longer need. Strive for that ever-elusive “inbox zero.” If your inbox is inundated with marketing messages for services you no longer use and newsletters you never read, employ liberal use of the “unsubscribe” function. Make sure customer information is up to date in your CRM system, clean up your databases, organize digital artwork files, and find a permanent folder for any random files that may be parked on your desktop.

3. Reconnect with your creative side.
The promotional products industry is all about creative solutions to everyday problems, but when you’re in the nitty-gritty of the daily order grind, it can be easy to forget that. With this breathing room, you have time to experiment. Jane Swanzy, owner of Houston-based Swan Marketing, said she plans to try out some of the many embroidery designs she’s bought over the years, but hasn’t had a chance to use while focusing on corporate orders. “I have a lot of ones and twos of shirts – samples or extras from past jobs,” she says. “I’m going to put some fun designs on them and see if I can sell them.”

4. Start an online fundraiser.
Help a business or organization that’s struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, while demonstrating the power of promotional products and apparel. It’s a win-win. At least that’s how Jeremy Picker sees it. The owner and CEO of Lakewood, CO-based AMB3R (asi/590243) set up an online fundraiser to benefit the restaurant and bar industry in his area by selling creatively designed merch on their behalf and donating 100% of the proceeds to them.

5. Make a donation.
Sometimes the best way to make yourself feel better is to focus on how you can brighten someone else’s day. Many promo firms have been shifting their production lines to make medical masks for healthcare professionals, but if that’s not in your wheelhouse, there are plenty of other ways to help. People are converting Little Free Libraries into mini-food pantries, or donating hand sanitizer and other supplies to the community.

Many hospitals across the country are facing severe blood shortages due to the pandemic, but authorities say giving blood is still OK during social distancing measures. Consider signing up with your local blood bank and donating.

6. Learn a new skill.
Enroll in a webinar, take an online course, teach yourself that software you’ve been meaning to learn. This is the perfect time to enhance your skillset and enrich your mind. Swanzy is taking the extra time to learn more about her Wilcom embroidery software. “The recent upgrade has some features I think will work well for my Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo business,” she notes.

7. Read a book.
It could be a business-related book, or even just the reading for pleasure you’ve been putting off during hectic times. A good book is guaranteed to take your mind off your current situation, and perhaps even to help you think about things in a different way.

8. Connect with clients.
You’ve probably already sent emails updating your clients about how your company is handling the coronavirus pandemic and practicing social distancing, but don’t stop there. Reach out to your top clients and find out how they’re faring and whether there’s anything you can do to help. Send them thoughtful care packages (perhaps packed with tasty snacks, adult coloring books or self-care items) to help them through the situation. Even if they’re not placing orders currently, you want to be top of mind once they are.

9. Do some sales prospecting.
Reach out to potential new clients, but be respectful. Many businesses are in crisis mode right now, and the last thing they want to deal with is a pushy salesperson. Position yourself as a potential partner to help them through this crisis, rather than just someone who wants to sell stuff.

10. Plan for the future.
If you don’t have a five-year plan outlined for our business or your career, this is the ideal time to create one. If you already have a plan, it’s a good time to make some updates. You can also work on writing down your processes and procedures, to help streamline your workflow when things get busy again.

11. Just breathe.
Download a meditation app on your phone, or watch a yoga video online. Or just take a couple of deep breaths, and remember: This too shall pass.