Inspiring Examples of Small Business Innovation in the COVID-19 Era
…. And Some Lessons Your Small Business Can Learn From
Businesses across the world are struggling to survive as the coronavirus pandemic continues. However, it’s not impossible to find examples of innovative businesses that have learned how to thrive during this public health crisis.
Here are some great examples of industries that have quickly transformed how they provide goods and services. There is a takeaway that you can use in your own company, training, or school.
Telemedicine
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically accelerated innovations in healthcare, particularly telemedicine. Patients and providers have been forced into live-video visits, which are surprisingly effective.
According to Dr. Bart Demaerschalk, medical director for synchronous services at Mayo’s Center for Connected Care, change has come from this crisis: “The COVID-19 pandemic has essentially accelerated U.S. digital health by about 10 years..”
Takeaway: Sometimes, it takes a cataclysmic event to force change and modernization. In the era of COVID-19, telemedicine improves the safety of patients and providers alike. “But independent of the pandemic, it simply offers better, more convenient care that costs less.”
Read the full article in the link below:
https://www.sciencemag.org/features/2020/11/telemedicine-takes-center-stage-era-covid-19
Virtual classes and workshops
Communication tools, like Zoom or Google Classroom, are important pieces of software that keep your business and education running smoothly. They’re integral parts of the communication and collaboration process. During the coronavirus pandemic, plenty of companies and schools have used video conferencing tools to host virtual classes and workshops for their customers and students, too.
From online CPR instruction to virtual exams, these have pivoted their offerings to appeal to a stuck-at-home audience.
Takeaway: Think about how your company or trainer can offer its services virtually. If video isn’t the right medium, could you write an ebook, product guide or create an interactive website?
Virtual business solutions
The way modern companies do business is changing, which means that Office Evolution franchisees across North America are staying busy. One example of these changes can be seen in Office Evolution’s nationwide presence growing during the pandemic.
With a pop-up office, small and medium-sized teams can rent on-demand office space for as long as they need. There are no long-term leases, which makes this an attractive option for companies who aren’t sure if they need their big corporate offices any longer.
Office Evolution’s Chief Operating Officer William Edmundson says, “With pandemic fatigue wearing on work-from-home employees and businesses searching for convenient workspace alternatives, demand for our concept has risen dramatically. Employees and businesses alike are focusing on flexible workspace options that help foster collaboration and innovation – and Office Evolution provides the perfect alternative.”
Virtual office spaces are also a great solution for businesses that want their employees to get back to work safely.
Takeaway: When it comes to the spaces your team uses to get work done, you have plenty of choices. At Office Evolution Folsom, we provide virtual office, co-working, and flex office private office solutions at our shared office center. We offer meeting rooms, offices, hot desking in a shared workspace co-working lounge, a shared reception, a business address, and virtual receptionist services. We have many options and price points, and all terms are flexible. Plus, you become part of a community of Dreamers, Risk-Takers, and Doers, click here to learn more.
Prioritizing innovation allows for post crisis growth
Our final example can apply to countless companies, because all modern businesses are capable of thriving in the COVID0-19 era.
Consulting firm McKinsey writes in a recent article, Innovation in a crisis: Why it is more critical than ever, companies must “prioritizing innovation today is the key to unlocking post crisis growth”
Fortunately, there are many examples of this approach working across industries that include retail, manufacturing and more.
Takeaway: Business survival in 2020 and beyond won’t be easy. But, if you want your company to thrive, you need to be ready to try new things and make decisions link never before.