Preparing to Open for Business
by Diana L. Martin
Depending on the state you’re in, your business may be on the verge of reopening and may be facing some significant challenges. Or perhaps you were an essential business and have been open the whole time, but sales were (obviously) much lower than usual. In either event, jumping back in, reconnecting with your customers and presenting products and solutions to meet their needs and jumpstart your sales will be crucial.
If you haven’t been staying connected with them during the shutdown, via social media or email campaigns, you may be behind the 8-ball when you reopen. It will be key for you to connect with your customers and find out what they most need from you right now. Hopefully, your staff knows your customers - the businesses they’re in, the products and services they sell/manufacture and how your company can help them prosper.
Your sales staff will be back on the road, probably in limited capacity to start with, visiting their accounts. It’s time to take an assessment of the tools at their disposal and ensure that they have everything they need to meet and serve your clients - simple things like a good briefcase or backpack, business card files and business card wallets.
Having a briefcase or catalog case large enough to hold the necessary literature and samples is essential, as is having an organized place to keep the business cards they collect and their own cards to give out. Nothing looks worse than an unorganized or uninformed sales rep and everyone will be trying to get their foot in the door, so first impressions are important! If you need some more brochures or flyers printed for your reps to hand out, our custom print division would be delighted to help you.
Another thing your reps will need during this time is PPE products to protect them as they interface with your clients. Things like face masks, face shields and gloves. These things can be difficult to come by due to the current circumstances, but we have a page dedicated to PPE items that you can check daily to see our stock levels and place orders.
Browse our site for all your specific needs. Our Customer Care team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist you. Call us at 877-795-2600 or email us at orders@oexusa.com with any questions you may have!
