**AVAILABLE NOW: COVID-19 E-Book: 7 Tips and 21-Point Checklist to Prepare For Reopening. Download Your Free Copy.**
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It can be tough to want to stay updated with everything going on during this COVID-19 pandemic, because so much of what’s being shared out there is negative. There seems to be more bad news every day! But, in this episode of “Give an Ovation”, Ovation CEO Zack Oates, sat down with Joey Ngoy, a restaurant owner and the CEO of TFN Media to talk about what restaurants can do to not only keep their businesses going, but how they can be a bright spot of positivity in their communities online. Here are 6 awesome tips from Joey:
1. Take Advantage of Delivering, Phone Orders, and Curbside-Pickup
Some businesses may not feel it’s worth signing up for services like Grubhub or Doordash, because they think the COVID-19 situation will blow over soon. However, Joey encouraged restaurants to fully embrace these platforms because it is very unclear when society will return to normal, and at least they keep some revenue coming in. And, compared to before the crisis, “It’s actually more efficient right now to get set up”, Joey noted.
2. Get Yourself on the Map
Now that dine-in options are mostly closed, Joey and his team created a live, interactive map online that shows what restaurants are still open and how you can order from them. It’s easy and free for restaurants to get some publicity, and you can check it out here.
3. Be Transparent, Especially with Sanitation
There is a lot of confusing information out there, so it’s crucial for owners to be straightforward and clear with what efforts they are taking to ensure health and sanitation in their operations. Joey urged that employees use gloves and masks while helping customers with phone orders and curbside pick-up, and emphasized that “communication is key”.
4. Sell or Giveaway Excess Food and Supplies
If your restaurant has to close temporarily, don’t just throw away your leftover produce. Consider selling it, or even just giving it away to employees or the community.
5. Be Positive
“Just see it as a curveball, a crazy curveball, but we’ll get past it.” Restaurants and businesses may not realize what an uplifting impact they can have! They can raise spirits, and improve brand image and empathy.
6. Get on Social Media
It’s not too late to start. “Even do some Tik-Toks. Start dancing. Do something to get more customers. Don’t give up.”
Thanks for reading! Make sure to check out the whole podcast, as well as other interviews with restaurant/business gurus by checking out “Give an Ovation” on Youtube, podcast.ovationupcom, or your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
