Doing It Right: How to Reopen Your Business
This article was contributed by: Bash Sarmiento - Author
If the past few years taught us anything, it’s that reopening a business is rarely as simple as unlocking the doors and flipping the “open” sign. It’s about adapting to a world where customer expectations have shifted, health and safety are priorities, and businesses must balance resilience with flexibility.
But what’s the best way to reopen without losing momentum? How do you rebuild customer confidence while ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition?
Steps to Successfully Reopen Your Business
Whether you’re returning after a break or reopening in a new way, here’s how to make sure your business is ready to thrive.
1. Reassess the Landscape
Before anything else, take a hard look at how your business environment has changed. Customer behaviors and priorities might be different than before, and adjusting your approach is key. Businesses that adapt and respond to these changes stand a far better chance of thriving.
Know Your Audience’s New Needs: Customer expectations around health, convenience, and transparency have evolved. Have they shifted their preference towards digital or remote interactions? Are there new industry-specific demands?
Review Industry Regulations: Health protocols and business guidelines might still be in place or have new updates. Compliance ensures both legal adherence and customer trust.
Identify Shifts in Your Market: Your competitors may have changed their approach, which could impact what customers expect from you. Research any new services or technologies that have become the “norm” in your field and assess whether integrating them could benefit your business.
2. Prioritize Health and Safety Protocols
Reopening responsibly means making safety central—not just for compliance but to genuinely protect and reassure your team and customers. A well-thought-out safety strategy can become a selling point, showcasing your commitment to a safe environment.
Set Clear Safety Standards: Think about measures such as social distancing, regular sanitation, and proper ventilation. You might consider visible sanitation stations or reminders about social distancing to demonstrate your commitment.
Train Your Staff: Safety protocols are only as good as the people enforcing them. Give your team the knowledge they need to follow these procedures correctly and help them understand why these measures are essential. Empower them to feel comfortable and prepared to answer questions about your safety standards.
Communicate Your Efforts: A simple sign isn’t enough. Use your website, social media, and even direct emails to let customers know the specific steps you’re taking. Clarity here builds confidence.
3. Refine Your Business Model
A smart reopening is an opportunity to rethink some of the old ways of doing things. Many businesses found that customers now appreciate options like curbside pickup, delivery, or online consultations. Adopting a flexible business model can set you apart.
Expand Digital Options: Consider where technology could enhance your services. Offering online booking, virtual consultations, or an e-commerce option can make your business more accessible.
Flexible Fulfillment Options: Whether through delivery, curbside pickup, or “order ahead” features, flexible fulfillment can make a big difference. This not only adds convenience for your customers but also opens up opportunities to serve those who might still prefer limited contact.
4. Review Your Financials
You'll need to carefully assess your financial situation before reopening. It’s not about just cutting costs but knowing where to prioritize spending to maximize both safety and customer experience.
Reevaluate Expenses: Review your budget closely. Are there expenses that could be temporarily reduced to allocate funds toward reopening needs, such as safety supplies or digital tools?
Assess Cash Flow: Knowing exactly where you stand financially helps prevent unpleasant surprises. Cash flow needs to be strong enough to cover the reopening phase, especially if foot traffic starts slowly.
Seek Financial Assistance if Needed: Government grants or small business loans might be available to help fund your reopening. Many communities offer support programs—take advantage of these if they’re an option.
5. Get Your Team On Board
Your staff is the backbone of your business, and they’re essential to a successful reopening. Beyond the physical health protocols, think about how you can ensure your team feels valued and secure.
Clear Communication: Be transparent about the reopening plan, and share both what you’re doing and why. Open channels for feedback so employees feel included in the process.
Offer Flexibility: Some team members might feel uncertain or need additional support as they return. Providing options like flexible scheduling or a gradual return can help ease anxieties.
Training for New Norms: If you’ve implemented new processes or safety measures, make sure your team is comfortable with them. Training sessions, walkthroughs, or even brief Q&A sessions can make a big difference in overall morale.
Partner with the Right Experts: As your business adapts, having the right partners or experts to support your operations is key. This could involve working with professionals who can help streamline processes and ensure efficiency. For example, a skilled fund administrator can provide essential support, and assist with managing financial resources, allowing you to respond quickly to changing demands and control costs more effectively.
6. Keep Customers Informed
Reopening is exciting, but it’s important to manage your customers’ expectations and build enthusiasm. Keeping customers in the loop about what’s changing and what they can look forward to helps ease any uncertainty.
Share Your Reopening Plan: Use multiple platforms—email, social media, website updates—to let people know about your reopening. Include any changes to hours, services, or safety measures.
Promote Your Safety Efforts: Reassure customers that you’re taking their health seriously. This could mean posting updates about your sanitization efforts, socially distanced store layout, or even team health checks.
Engage Personally: Acknowledge any excitement or concerns. Let customers know you appreciate their patience and understanding and remind them that you’re working hard to provide a safe, comfortable experience.
7. Continuously Improve
Reopening is a process, not an endpoint. Stay adaptable as you monitor customer responses, employee feedback, and any shifts in safety regulations. Keeping an open mind will help you evolve as needed and respond to any challenges effectively.
Monitor Your Performance: Track foot traffic, sales, and any changes in customer behaviors. Use this data to refine your approach over time.
Stay Informed on Guidelines: As health guidelines shift, be prepared to adjust your procedures. This flexibility can make a significant difference, showing your business is both proactive and considerate of the broader situation.
Adjust as Needed: Every business will face different challenges during reopening. The key is staying responsive—whether it’s through changing hours, adding services, or simply refining the way you communicate with customers.
Final Thoughts
Reopening your business is an opportunity to refine and reimagine how you operate. By balancing safety with flexibility and aligning with today’s customer needs, you’re not just reopening—you’re building a business that’s ready for the future. With the right approach, your reopening can be more than a return to the past; it can be a step toward a more resilient, customer-focused future.
