COVID-19 Archives

Being an Agile Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on December 16, 2020May 3, 2023 by Rick E

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on all of us. We’ve seen businesses struggle, from family-owned restaurants to international corporations.

Limitations created by the pandemic forced businesses to become more “agile” to survive during this tumultuous period.

What does it mean for a business to be agile during this pandemic? In a normal context, agility is a business’ ability to adapt to market and environmental changes. Because of COVID-19, however, companies had to make massive operational shifts to protect their business and their employees.

With lockdowns and quarantines being enforced across the world, it was difficult for many to operate at their regular capacity. But after some time, planning, and practice, companies recovered through agile strategies to keep their businesses running as effectively as possible while still upholding the new social norms.

In this article, we will analyze several aspects of business that had to undergo a shift to be more agile.

Operating with Limitations

Imagine having very little room to operate. What can you do? When a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic hits, the only option is to start getting creative. Companies had to rethink and innovate their operations to keep employees safe, while still effectively providing their service.

Consider the fitness industry. When you think of spin classes or boxing, the image of gyms and studios come to mind. Social distancing, however, put all kinds of traditional classes on hold.

Gyms and trainers made the necessary and effective transition into providing online classes. From pre-recorded sessions to live Zoom classes, people were successfully working out through online means. What started out as a major limitation eventually created a major boom in the online fitness industry. The trend has grown so much this year that even businesses that offered virtual classes well before the pandemic experienced a significant uptick in engagement.

Going Digital

In recent years, companies have been undergoing a “digital transformation.”

From internal operations to customer experience strategies, the pandemic accelerated the need for companies to start operating heavily within digital spaces.

Like in any kind of crisis, it became an “adapt or die” scenario. The boom in e-commerce is the biggest example of this fact. Social distancing protocols forced many physical stores to close their doors, and because people are trying to avoid more public places in general, consumer buying habits took a major shift into online shopping.

Communicating with a Purpose

Whether it’s between two businesses, internal discussions, or a company addressing their consumers, digital communication has played a vital role during the pandemic. On the business side of things, meetings had to move from the board room to platforms like Zoom and Slack.

While virtual meetings may not be able to fully replicate the experience of face-to-face meetings, many people have adapted to make such settings as effective as possible. In an in-person setting, presenters can rely on their body language, on vocal delivery to keep people engaged. In an online setting, however, plenty of that energy gets lost. To make up for such disadvantages, presenters focus on delivering more simplified slides to deliver their message as fast and clearly as possible, capitalizing on when people’s attentions are at their peak. These tweaks to one’s presentation style made big impacts as online meetings have become more normalized than ever

SlideGenius Is Your Presentation Expert

At SlideGenius, we specialize in creating presentations that can bring the very best out of your next virtual meeting. We’ve experienced our fair share of struggle with remote work.

These barriers have become normal for us, but we’ve always learned to adapt and overcome them. What pulls us together is our shared passion for helping our clients succeed. From our artists, writers, web developers, animators, and project managers, we use our expertise in presentation design to spark invaluable growth.

Effective Business Presentations from Home

Posted on December 9, 2020May 3, 2023 by Rick E

Delivering an immaculate business presentation no matter the circumstance is an essential skill. But COVID has drastically changed the world. Whether you’re trying pitch new creative ideas to your partners or hoping to land more investors, your abilities as a presenter are more vital than ever to your business.

Executing your pitch has become a completely different ball game. The pandemic has forced many businesses to start working remotely, essentially erasing any chance of having face-to-face meetings. The “normal” pitch setting these days has moved from boardrooms into living rooms. It’s a circumstance we have little control over but must adapt to in order to keep things running smoothly.

While the situation may be challenging, there are ways to keeping your pitch as effective as ever… even as you deliver it virtually. In this article, we’ll tackle some of the best methods of delivering presentations from your home.

Appear Worthy of Your Business Presentation

Appearances go a long way in pitches. But just because you’re working form home, it does not mean you can take your looks lightly. When it comes time for the big pitch, pick an outfit that you’d wear as if you were delivering the presentation in person. This speaks volumes about your sense of professionalism.

The next step, however, is something plenty of people still overlook. In video call settings, remember to always tidy up your background. It does not necessarily need to be a blank space behind you, it just needs to look clean and professional. Find a good spot in your home that looks simple and uncluttered. The last thing you want is your audience being distracted by whatever is going on behind you, whether it be a fancy looking painting or children’s toys sprawled all over the floor.

Looking for a game changer in making your video pop? Good lighting makes your video crisp, naturally attracting more attention. Even if you are not onscreen very long, making good first and last impressions are essential to delivering a successful pitch.

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse

Preparations are more important than ever in virtual settings. While many apps and services have adapted to make your online business presentation easier, there are still a lot variables that can go wrong at any moment. Whether its your mic going on the fritz or your internet connection getting spotty, be prepared for everything that could possibly go wrong. Test your set up several times beforehand to make sure everything is works as it should be.

On top of all that tech prep work, there’s still the act of delivering the presentation that you need to prepare for. Keep in mind, your voice comes off differently through a mic. Use your tests to see if your delivery comes off clearly given the equipment you have to work with. Much like delivering pitches in person, making these run throughs will help you iron out all the kinks beforehand.

Engage Your Audience DURING the Business Presentation

Audience attention span is your biggest enemy in online presentations. You may be able to control everything within your environment, but you can do very little about what your audience has around them. Success rests on engaging your audience throughout the presentation. Actively raise questions for your audience throughout the presentation. This will strike a more conversational tone to your pitch and keep your audience focused on the discussion.

Picking up on your audience’s body language is much harder online. Be on the lookout for different cues. Take note if their attention is drifting off screen. That is a cue to pull them into conversation. This will help you keep things on track while also assisting your audience in properly internalizing everything that’s been talked about so far.

SlideGenius is Your Presentation Expert

As a start-up presentation design company since 2012, we’ve created almost every kind of presentation you can imagine. We’re a worldwide team, with four difference offices spread across the US and Philippines. Meaning, we’re also experts on working “remotely” for close to a decade now. These barriers have become normal for us, but we’ve always learned to adapt and overcome. What pulls us together is our shared passion for helping our clients succeed. From our artists, writers, web developers, animators, and project managers, we utilize our expertise in presentation design to spark invaluable growth.

At SlideGenius, we are eager to be a valuable partner to all who needs our services during this challenging time. Contact us today for all your presentation needs!

Working from Home: Getting Your Business Started from Anywhere

Posted on June 4, 2020May 3, 2023 by Rick E

Even in the face of a global pandemic, lockdowns, and work pivots, businesses and entrepreneurs continue to find ways on how to succeed.

We are facing a future that most of us did not expect when we entered 2020. COVID-19 has caused massive paradigm shifts in how we work and live our daily lives. With customer preferences and habits now changed, companies have had to adapt drastically. Numerous supermarkets and restaurants now offer delivery services, without any prior experience beforehand. Schools of all kinds have started offering more online classes just to make up for campus closures.

If you’re working on starting a new business venture, developing a new idea, or simply trying to find ways to improve your marketing, don’t give up hope. While 2020 has kept us all on our toes, it also created new opportunities for growth.

One of the biggest hurdles that companies have had to overcome is adopting a full work-from-home system. Many have embraced the flexibility of working from home, while others still prefer the routine and structure of office settings. Regardless, your ability to commit to your business goals remain.

Adjusting to such massive change is never easy, but as we have seen from others around the world, success is still achievable. In this article, we will tackle some of the best tips to remember about making the most out of working from home while pursuing your goals.

Be Mindful of Your Productivity

Let’s not kid ourselves here, working from home comes with many distractions. The temptation to just boot up Netflix and watch a few (or many) episodes of your favorite show is easy to succumb to. Therein lies the stigma towards those who work from home: relaxing while on company time.

The truth about working from home is that it’s a true test of one’s work ethic. Remember to always be mindful of your team’s goals and deadlines. At the end of the day, you are beholden to yourself to make sure your they are being met. Where you do your work should not change that.

Use being at home to the advantage of your productivity. To avoid distractions, create for yourself a “sacred” space in your home that is fully devoted for work. Whether it’s on your desk, couch, or kitchen table, it should be wherever you feel is your most ideal working environment. It’s where the switch in your head flips when you know it’s time to get down to work.

Reach Beyond Your Duty

COVID-19 has created a litany of problems, both known and unknown. No one is leaving their homes. Traveling is highly prohibited. Cleanliness protocols are at an all-time high. Take all these problems as a personal challenge to provide your company or value proposition with new and inventive solutions. It’s fully within your power to add more value to your vision and organization.

While companies are looking to continue operations “like normal”, you can take the extra step by performing with greater effort than before. Try getting a head start on the goals you’ve slotted for tomorrow or next week. The flexibility of working from home allows you to fully maximize the time and effort you can put into your business each day. Brainstorm a few more ideas, write a few more emails, communicate a bit longer with teammates. This is your opportunity to come up with something big.

Take Advantage of Time

Perhaps the danger of working at home is blurring the boundaries with work. You may feel the need to waste invest the hours you spent on the road to the virtual office.

Some people take pride in putting every available hour into their work. But the truth this behavior can lead to burnout, which hurts productivity and morale. This will create impediments to success, whether in the long- or short-term.

If you didn’t use to make time to get away from your desk in the office, it’s all the more reason to do so now. Take a bit of time each day to start a new workout program, or even spend more time connecting with loved ones. Spending time on things that bring you joy will help reduce stress levels, especially when pursuing your dream gets too overwhelming. This balance will be crucial in maintaining your ability to keep performing work at your very best.

SlideGenius Helps You Reach Your Business Goals

As a start-up design company since 2012, we’ve experienced our fair share of work and productivity struggles. We know the struggle so we know what it takes to succeed. Aside from gumption, that means having a professional designed pitch deck if you’re raising money, immaculate sales assets for bringing in new clients, or even a spot-on video that will help your potential customers or investor understand your value offer.

We are dedicated to helping our clients succeed by helping them tell their story better. From our artists, writers, web developers, animators, and project managers, we utilize our expertise in presentation design to spark invaluable growth for you. At SlideGenius, we are eager to be a valuable partner to all who need our services during this challenging time. Contact us today to get a free quote!

Emerging Strong During Recession

Posted on May 19, 2020May 3, 2023 by Rick E

Economic hardships aren’t always a bad thing. Some businesses rise from the ashes and pivot their strategies to come out stronger. Some people become their own bosses, taking the leap to start their own companies.

Recessions are not without opportunity. Risks may be higher and advantages fewer, but for the thought leaders and entrepreneurs who put in the hard work, success can still be found.

Miracle Whip Emerges from Great Depression

In the early 1900s, Richard Hellman introduced mayonnaise to the world. But not everyone found their product of the sandwich condiment to be economical.

During the Great Depression, however, people could no longer afford it because of the ingredients used to make them were expensive. Kraft’s sales were slipping.

Determined to succeed, Kraft took a new production approach. They developed an alternative to mayo using new emulsifying technology, creating Miracle Whip. By adapting an trying a new method, they were able to help keep the company alive during historic struggles.

Domino’s Pivots Towards Success Following 2008’s Economic Downturn

A similar thing happened to Domino’s pizza in 2009, when they announced they were making significant changes to their signature recipe. The new pizza was a massive success, driving up both sales and profits of the company.

Netflix used to be a DVD-by-mail service provider in the mid-2000s, but have you ever wondered how they’ve become the streaming powerhouse of the world? During the Great Recession, Netflix defied expectations and found the way to its subscribers’ hearts, attracting 3 million more by the end of 2009. Its stock price rose to 57%, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The first-generation iPod hit the shelves in October 2001. Even though it cost $399, 600,000 people bought one by the end of 2002, and 2 million a year later. While it wasn’t manufactured because of the recession, it provided a cheaper alternative to stereos and going to concert.

With the Recession Comes Reinvention

Lockdowns, canceled events, panic-buying—these are just several setbacks caused by the coronavirus. Apart from the health risks posed by the pandemic, however, a global recession is in the midst.

It’s a domino effect—a pandemic causes lockdowns, which affects businesses in terms of laying off employees and losing customers.

This decade is comparable to the Roaring Twenties, where big businesses will be disrupted and some will eventually collapse, which will create opportunities for small businesses.

Do you want fool-proof solutions to surviving a recession?

Find opportunities in the root of the recession and company disruptions.
Present an alternative.
Get profitable quickly.
Grow with in-house cash.

You have to remember, however, that these are achievable if you have a sound mind and if you’re bringing you A-game even if you’re at home.

Leading Your Company Through Dark Times

Your leadership will go through trial by fire as you face daily challenges in the system during quarantine.

Aptly called the “Black Swan of 2020,” businesses will only survive if they act quickly and decisively.

You might be asking, “How is that possible when there’s so much uncertainty revolving around this global threat?”

Well, right now, it’s only the strongest who will prevail, but those most adaptable to change.

Here are things you can do as a leader to navigate through this crisis and emerge stronger than the competition:

Communicate brutal facts to your team while having confidence that you will get through it together.
Allow your people to voice their fears as the crisis persists.
Get ready for chaos.
Envision the future.

At SlideGenius, we want to help you get back up on your feet. Other companies may be on pause right now, but not us. We’re still here to lend a hand to those who want to get their message out there.

Success During Coronavirus: How Businesses Are Coming Out on Top

Posted on May 12, 2020May 3, 2023 by Rick E

Our health and economy have been greatly affected by Coronavirus. Though the news may make us feel differently, the world hasn’t come to a standstill yet.

Though many businesses are struggling, others are thriving. How are they thriving? The trick seems to be the same always.

Take a moment, look at the market, and figure out what you have to offer. Sometimes, the difference is as simple as just appearing more prepared for the circumstances than your competitor.

Here are several companies allocating their resources to help medical workers and families at home during the Coronavirus outbreak.

World-Renowned Companies Respond to Pandemic Demands

Major car makers Ford, GM, and Tesla are alleviating the shortage amid the pandemic by making ventilators and other vital equipment for the medical community.

The world’s biggest fashion brands and institutions are contributing to the battle against the coronavirus in big ways as well. Balenciaga, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent, to name a few, are manufacturing face masks and medical overalls as well as providing financial donations to support COVID-19 research.

Turn the challenges of Coronavirus to your advantage. SlideGenius can help.

The Body Shop, while its shops are closed for the meantime, are dropping off care packages to local hospitals, shelters, and senior citizens communities in North America and in the UK.

Small Businesses Lend a Helping Hand During COVID-19

Local businesses, in Utah, for example, are also doing what they can to help people cope with the negative side effects of the pandemic. Five Wives Vodka is making hand sanitizers and donating profits to the Food and Beverage industry.

These may be temporary solutions, but the payoff would probably be significant in the long run.

Fundraising During the Pandemic

Crisis often presents its own opportunity. Having the right solution for the market’s needs can still lead to success. Olive, an automation tool for healthcare administration, has raised $51 million so far.

Fundraising for products such as eBikes, indoor farms, and portable power on Indiegogo have long surpassed their goals in a matter of minutes.

Stories of financial distress are common, but there are still opportunities. That’s what makes having a well-designed investor deck that stands out is more important than ever.

Ideas, products, services, are all still getting funded. You just need to Plenty of people are still looking to the future, investing now while other people are stepping back. Don’t think it’s too late to make your plans happen. Just make sure you’re creating a business plan that reflects the needs of the future, not the past.

Mental Health Check

Apart from a healthy body, you’ll need a healthy mind during these times.

SlideGenius can help you build your path to success even during the Coronavirus.

Here are several ways to keep your mental health in check during quarantine:

Stay close to your normal routine; or
Start a new quarantine ritual

Talk to a health professional via telehealth if your anxiety becomes unmanageable
Stop over-researching about the pandemic

You may be bringing work home with you, but it’s still important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Otherwise, you’d be putting yourself at risk of burnout. Yes, even when you’re working from home.

When you were going to work, there was a clear distinction of your work and personal life. Now that you’re working from home you can end up working more hours than you’re supposed to.

Those who feel the lack of control over their schedules are at most risk of burning out.

SlideGenius Helps Move Your Business Forward

Things are hard but they’re not hopeless. If you are trying to get your business off the ground or trying to grow your sales when times are tough, SlideGenius can help.

At SlideGenius, we have built our business helping people in your position. We can help you to catch the eye of potential investors by creating a more dynamic presentation or by creating sales assets that communicate your value in an engaging way.

Don’t give up just because the world feels challenging. Reach out to get a free quote and start growing your business.

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