Five Ways to Prepare to Re-Open

Everything Starts with a Plan
Make a list of your current business processes and procedures that will require modification before opening and create a written plan of action for each. Several points of the plan should be referenced in advertising efforts to show you are serious about customer and employee safety. Call it your COVID-19 Safety Plan, or something similar, then review and revise it as necessary. Create a project punch list that includes new protocols, safety procedures, social distancing, and marketing. Discuss these with your staff members to ensure every point is understood.

Respect Social Distancing
By now, you’ve been to a store that has placed stickers on the floor indicating where to stand, seen signs that read “no more than ten people” (or fewer), noticed some doors are marked entry and exit only, and even seen plastic shields in front of checkout counters. You should consider similar procedures. Start gathering necessary supplies and signage to accommodate your COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eye protection, face masks, and gloves, may be required. If you do not have any, begin shopping and purchase those now.

Customer Interaction
Some of you may do business by appointment only. How can you make it easier for your clients to schedule online for your services?

• Review your inventory of business supplies and add relevant items in anticipation of changes (based on your plan). For example, will hand sanitizer and hand cleaning stations be needed or expected by your customers?
• Consider whether you need to rearrange your office or store. Check out locations, seating, foot traffic patterns, restroom policies, dressing rooms, etc.
• Curbside pickup locations should be clearly marked, fast and accessible. Even though your doors may be open for traffic, people may still be cautious and will appreciate these conveniences.
• Create professional-looking flyers and signs now! There may be options (either professionally or self-made) and your Manatee Chamber team can help you find quick, easy solutions.

Create a New Cleaning Schedule
Customers will notice if your store is clean, organized and safe to enter. Revise your cleaning / sanitation plan and have all necessary items needed to ensure the ongoing safety of everyone who enters your business. Create a formal cleaning / sanitation schedule and add it to your daily calendar. Make sure your staff is fully aware and able to comply with the new procedures. Include inspection times and checklists for quality control.

• Keep cleaning supplies visible to your clients and customers. Have a goal of always smelling fresh and recently cleaned.
• Provide easily accessible disinfectant wipes.
• Consider having a professional company do a regularly scheduled deep bacterial cleaning. Your Manatee Chamber team can help connect you with local professionals.
• Post your cleaning plan so that it’s visible for everyone who enters to see the steps your’e taking to ensure ongoing safety.

Advertise Your COVID-19 Safety Plan
As businesses begin to re-open, consumers will look for companies sharing their COVID-19 Safety Plan. Businesses that have remained open have executed this very well and for some it has increased their revenue. When you begin to advertise that you’re open for business, follow it up with your plans and protocols. Consumers will take notice and know they are entering a safe environment.

• Update your website, social media platforms, and advertising channels so your COVID-19 Safety Plan can be easily found.
• Make videos showcasing your plan in action.
• Have flyers or handouts listing items available for delivery or curbside pickup.
• Ask customers for online reviews and let them know you’d appreciate them mentioning your store’s cleanliness.
• Have fun with this process. Show pictures of you / your staff cleaning, smiling and happy to be open again.
• Plan a Grand Re-Opening event and make it fun!

Respect the Process
The process of re-opening will continue to be revised as our leaders evaluate the environment. Many people are ready for business as usual, but many others will remain cautious for quite some time. If you cater your plan to the cautious, all customers will respect your new procedures. The faster we adhere to safety protocols, the quicker we will get back to business.