Lydia Vargo, Senior VP of ChicExecs, shares the incentives companies can offer to humanize themselves and attract customers during a crisis on Forbes blog. Enjoy this excerpt from the piece.
It’s no secret that businesses are falling on hard times right now, but we often don’t give enough credit to their resilience. In a worldwide crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a company needs to adapt to survive. What does that strength and perseverance look like in today’s business world? It looks pretty darn human.
When uncertain times drag on, no brand wants to come off as insensitive or tone-deaf, especially in an unsteady economy. Instead, they can acknowledge turning points in history with sales strategies that speak to human nature.
Here are four ways companies can incentivize customers.
1. Pivot Business Solutions
This wouldn’t be the first time in U.S. history that companies have mobilized their efforts to repurpose resources during an impactful event. Take World War II, for example, and how the manufacturing industry transformed virtually overnight to produce wartime equipment.
In today’s climate, businesses want their inventory to stay relevant in the eyes of their customers. At the same time, when you have the materials and the means of production to meet in-demand emergency needs for customers, why wouldn’t you pivot to serve them?
Generations later, fashion brands are trading couture for mass-produced face masks, hospital gowns and other personal protective equipment. Beauty brands and the alcoholic beverage industry are answering the calls of consumers, health care workers and wholesalers who are in desperate need of hand sanitizer. Even restaurants are thinking outside the box by transforming themselves into small food markets and providing relief to consumers who can’t find the items they’re looking for within traditional grocery stores.
2. Give Back To Charity
It’s ingrained within many of us that in times of need, we give back in any way we can. This rings true for businesses no matter what their scale is. It’s one of the easiest ways to show your company cares about what’s going on in the world and that it’s involved.
3. Run Positive Social Campaigns
Outlets that cover hard-hitting news would have you believe the world is coming to an end during crises like these, but this is the perfect opportunity to shine a beacon of light on happier moments. Create social campaigns that inspire positivity, whether in the form of hope, joy or support.
4. Offer Discounts And Payment Flexibility
Your customers experience a great deal of difficulty in the world during crises like these, including lost jobs, closed schools and canceled events. Let’s not forget the concerns they may have for their health and that of their loved ones. Everyone loves a discount, but in times of turbulence, it takes on a new meaning. For some, that discount could signify a small part of the financial relief that they could really use during difficult times.
Read Lydia’s blog in its entirety here.
