Social distancing seems to be the most talked about topic since the outbreak of COVID-19 became a global pandemic. Social distancing is a campaign for everyone including the government to reduce the number of viruses that have another name SARS-CoV-2.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing or keeping a distance is an attempt by someone not to interact with a short distance or avoid the crowd. This is done so that droplets or small particles coming out of the human mouth are not scattered and touched by other humans.
Humans can produce at least 500 droplets when talking, 3,000 droplets in one cough, and 10,000 droplets when sneezing. These droplets will spread in the air and can even stick to certain parts of the human body such as the hands. So as to avoid spreading droplets.
But in its development, social distancing turns into physical distancing by quarantining oneself at home and avoiding outdoor activities. It is feared that outbreaks that could have mutated and have the ability to airborne, or live in the air for a long time so that transmission is no longer through liquid or droplet, but from direct air.
Influence and Strategy for Keeping Business Run
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 broke out in Indonesia, small businesses, especially MSMEs, are at risk of loss. For example, barber entrepreneurs, coffee entrepreneurs, and also other small entrepreneurs who need direct interaction. People will not leave the house and will avoid direct physical contact to reduce spread.
For this reason, businesses can change strategies in the marketing process and also in operations. What are the strategic steps that can be taken by small businesses or SMEs?
Micro Business Credit Relaxation Policy
In the midst of the epidemic, it turns out that the Financial Services Authority (FSA) implemented a policy of relaxation of micro business credit. UMKM debtors will get credit allowance in the form of credit payment allowance of up to one year and also a decrease in interest. With this policy, it is expected that SMEs can focus on other financing that directly targets business development.
Making Substitution Products
One effort for SMEs to run is to create supporting products that replace the main products. This is done so that businesses can continue to run in the midst of an outbreak. For example, online motorcycle taxi riders can be affiliated with SMEs to distribute goods so that they can benefit both.
Another example, if you are a coffee entrepreneur, you can sell coffee grounds through social media. If you are a barber businessman, you can sell shaving supplies such as hair creams, hair styling gels, or hair-washing medications. Any idea can be run in the middle of the plague. Stay productive as a business actor and continue to grow.
Change Market Reach
Not much different from making a product substitution, changing market reach means to suppress market reach. For example, your product is usually sold outside Java, so since this outbreak, you can focus on the reach of markets around production. First, to reduce costs. Second, is to avoid transmission for goods expeditioners.
Re-Weighing Assets and Expenditures
Changes in operational and marketing methods must also affect assets and expenses. You can reduce or move the budget where it feels necessary. For example, cutting or eliminating transportation, packaging, or direct marketing budgets. You can also focus your budget on asset depreciation, because during an outbreak like this, depreciation will happen very quickly.
Digital Transform
The final strategy is digital transformation in all aspects. For example in selling products you can rely on internet marketplace, digital marketing, or social media marketing. You can also manage your employees using HR software such as attendance and remote payroll.
Even more important is managing your finances with accounting software. By using accounting software, you can create, control, and also send financial reports without having to interact directly.
As an online accounting software application, the Journal also supports and is committed to helping meet the challenges of maintaining productivity and economic growth amid demands to reduce mobility to the workplace and public crowds through business programs.
Find out more about Journal products on the Journal website or fill out the form below to try the free Journal demo directly. Get a 15 percent discount and try it free for 30 days if you subscribe for 6 months. In addition, you can also get a 35 percent discount and try it free for 60 days if you subscribe for 6 months. This offer is for all packages and is only valid until the end of March 2020. Greetings healthy and productive always!