With the onset of COVID-19, events worldwide have come to a halt and the industry has had to quickly adapt. While everyone is trying their best to adjust to the circumstances, we are also seeing many new inspiring initiatives from companies all over the world.
We would like to think that in every dark cloud, there is a silver lining. One thing is for sure — there is a light at the end of the tunnel and events will come back when the time is right.
If you are wondering, “ How can I use this downtime to my advantage?” then you have come to the right place! Being a supplier to the AV and Live Event industry, we have been in touch with companies around the world. From their stories, we have compiled a list below of measures that can be taken during this time to prepare for better days.
Change direction: Where can your company still add value?
The biggest initiative we are seeing during this time is companies changing their services to serve the needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out some of the steps you can take below to keep business coming in the door:
Take events online
Online events have skyrocketed during this time. More now than ever, it’s important to stay connected. Instead of canceling or postponing events, brainstorm with your customers on how to bring their events online. AVCOM gives some tips on how you can be more creative with your web streaming.
Adapt existing services
We are also seeing many companies offering their services and specialties outside of the events industry. If events are currently prohibited in your community, see if there are any areas of opportunity for your business in other industries. For example, Choura Events were supposed to build stages for Coachella and instead built temporary medical facilities in LA to treat COVID-19 patients.
Try something new
It’s very well possible that you can’t take your events online or offer your services elsewhere. If that’s the case, don’t be afraid to try something new. Think about how you can use your operations for other solutions needed during this time. Some companies are becoming even more creative by using their skills to create brand new offerings. Stagekings saw an opportunity in helping people work from home more comfortably. Instead of building structures for events, they're now using their resources to build work-from-home desks.
Work on maintenance
Housekeeping tasks are just as important to make sure you are as ready as ever when events come back. Use this time to tidy up your inventory and conduct needed cleaning and maintenance. That way, you can ensure all counts are correct and inventory is in tip-top shape for busier times.
By conducting an inventory count, you can also make sure that any equipment that needs additional repairs or cleaning is taken care of promptly.
Improve workflows
If you haven’t already, set yourself up with a software to track your inventory, maintenance and planning for the future. If you already have a software in place but you feel it is outdated, take this time to shop around for a new one. Some software (like ours) offer extended free trials during this time to help.
It’s also the perfect timing to finally implement scanning and QR codes or barcodes into your warehouse processes (if you haven’t already!). Most software allows you to easily do this yourself online and you can customize and print your codes to attach to your equipment. Check out our 7 tips to set up your QR codes and barcodes.
Improve your online presence
Take this moment to also take a look at your online presence. Dust off your website and make improvements so your services can really stand out from the competition.
If you want to make it even easier for customers to place orders in the future, you can also set up your website with a webshop for your rental and sales gear. Check out our 6 tips on creating a successful online store for your rental equipment.
Train for the busy post-corona season
For those that have more free time than they would like, you could also take this chance to improve your skill sets. Whether it’s training up your sales team or your warehouse crew, it is the perfect time to do so. When times get busier again, the time you took to improve knowledge will help you stand out from the crowd and give your business a step up over the competition.
Curious how Rentman can help you through this period? Schedule a demo or get started for free! You can also check out our recent 6 part training webinar series on the basics of Rentman to learn more.