Tips for businesses moving forward by Chamber of Commerce Vice President, Rick Howe

In my experience as a business professional as well as my training with the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management Program, I can tell you that the best way to get through challenging times is through positive efforts and energy towards what is in front of us and facing it head-on. With the recent announcements of public health actions that have temporarily halted events, there will inevitably be business impacts.

Antler Arch and cowboy bar

There is an old saying that goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The recent decisions made are to prevent more significant financial impacts down the road. Let’s face it; we have had an excellent winter to date, being grateful for what we have received, and realizing this could have happened in May or June is vital to keep in mind. The show goes on! We are still open for business, so taking care of every customer is as crucial as ever. Let’s adjust our expectations and feel good about what we do have. Now that we have cleared that up, what do we do now?

We now have time, so why not make the best use of it. I would suggest looking at this temporary interruption in two weeks intervals, not months down the road. Ask yourself, "what can I do in the next two weeks to improve or benefit my business until the environment gets moving again"? Rest assured, it will happen, but will you be ready?

History from previous interruptions and there have been many, teach us this area will be one of the places people will return. For the very reasons we live here, people continue to want to experience something that makes them feel special and included. People will be isolated for a time that they are not used to; they will be ready to treat themselves and come to a place that makes them feel good again. We should be grateful that we have those very assets right outside of our door. So, here are some business tips to get you started on the road to recovery.

town square center at night

1. If you don’t already have a list of to do’s, make one.

2. Take those items you have not had the time to complete and get them done.

  • Is there a repair list, take it on one item at a time?

  • What can I complete in two weeks?

  • How about asking your staff if there are things they would like to have done or completed going into summer.

  • How about training?

  • Don’t have the amount of money set aside you would like; there are YouTube tutorials for just about everything.

  • If you are an owner or supervisor, pull out your staff resume’s, is there some skillset that one of your staff have that you had no idea of that just might fit something your business needs or an area you are looking to improve.

By now, you get the direction and the statement this is intended to convey. Be proactive with the unexpected pause to help get you, your business, and your team to the next level. When things come back, you will be amazed and how grateful you will be that you took this time to do something good for you and your business.

 

Rick Howe, IOM

Vice President

Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce

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LOOK OUT FOR NEXT WEEK'S BLOG: HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING THIS TIME. 

View some great ways to spend local here.

See shopping in Jackson Hole, and around town square.

See food & drink for restaurants and lounges.

Winter and spring-time activities are plenty and sure to keep you busy!

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT JACKSON HOLE