How effective is online counselling in treating anxiety?

Anxiety can be crippling. It can make it difficult to do the simplest of tasks, for example going to the supermarket, meeting your friends or even answering the phone.

Counselling is often seen as an effective treatment for anxiety. It can help you to explore the root of your feelings as well as finding coping strategies to help you to manage your anxiety when it flares up.

But what if your anxiety makes it difficult for you to see a counsellor? For some people, just leaving the house is enough to trigger a panic attack. Could online counselling be a solution for treating anxiety?

What causes anxiety? 

Anxiety is caused by the body’s fight or flight response. When your body feels like you’re in danger, it triggers this response in an attempt to keep you safe. During this fight or flight response, your body produces adrenaline to keep you alert to the danger. When the threat is gone, your body stops producing adrenaline and you can relax.

However, with anxiety, this is not the case. Your body continues to produce the adrenaline, despite the threat not being there. This causes you to feel anxious and on edge and can cause sleep difficulties.

How can counselling help with anxiety? 

Counselling can help you to understand the cause of your anxiety and find ways to overcome it. A good counsellor will support you to explore your anxiety and why you feel like you do.

You’ll probably start by talking about how you feel and what’s causing your fears. The counsellor will then move on to looking at any underlying issues including the triggers for your anxiety. Once you understand the cause of your anxiety, you can start to work on changing your unhelpful thinking patterns and work to overcome your anxieties.

It could be a particular stress in your life or a reaction to a past experience. Finding out the source of your anxiety can help you to deal with it, finding ways to release the anxiety and learning coping strategies to help you when your anxiety flares up.

Different techniques work best for different people – it’s all about finding the technique that works best for you, and a good counsellor will work to explore this with you. Many people enjoy practicing mindfulness as a way to relax and allow their anxieties to fade away.

Is online counselling effective in treating anxiety? 

Online counselling is a highly effective treatment for anxiety. In fact, a 2018 study which was published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that online counselling was equally as effective as face-to-face counselling for treating social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.

As many people suffering from anxiety may find it challenging to leave their house or meet new people, online counselling may feel like an easier alternative than traditional face-to-face counselling.

How to find an online counsellor 

Bark offers an easy way to find online counsellors who are ready to help you to overcome your anxiety. You can view their profiles and read genuine reviews from their past clients before you make contact.

If you’re ready to take the first step in overcoming your anxiety, you can find a counsellor on Bark.

How to make your workplace Covid-19 secure

Covid-19 has changed the way we work, with many workplaces being forced to close their doors during parts of the pandemic and many employees working from home. If your job requires you to travel into the office or meet with colleagues or customers face-to-face, it’s never been more critical to have watertight risk assessments in place.

But what steps do you need to take to make sure that your workplace is Covid-secure?

Complete a Covid risk assessment for your workplace

It is your duty as an employer to protect your employees, customers, and anyone else that enters your buildings from harm. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect these people from Covid-19.

To identify where your employees may be at risk, you should complete a Covid-19 risk assessment for your workplace. 

In your Covid-19 risk assessment, you should identify any areas of the workplace or situations which may cause transmission of the virus, identify who could be at risk, and work out the likelihood of their exposure to the virus. You can then put measures in place to mitigate or reduce the risk in these areas.

Maintaining hygiene during coronavirus

Covid-19 can be spread through contact with surfaces. That’s why it’s important to keep high-contact surfaces clean and encourage good hand hygiene amongst your employees.

You should use signs and posters to remind your workers to practice good handwashing technique and ensure that you have adequate handwashing facilities with running water and soap. You should also provide hand sanitiser around buildings and for employees who are unable to wash their hands regularly.

You should identify any surfaces which are touched regularly and implement an increased cleaning schedule for these areas. These areas could include door handles, lift buttons, desks, touch screens, and shared equipment.

Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus

Social distancing involves people keeping a distance from one another to limit the spread of Covid-19. Where possible, you should keep two metres of distance from other households. However, where two metres isn’t possible, one metre is acceptable providing other protective measures are taken such as wearing masks, using Perspex screens, or facing away from each other.

Consider how you could implement social distancing in your workplace to reduce the chance of transmission. This may include using floor paint or tape to mark work areas, providing signage to remind people to keep distance, and limiting the movement of people wherever possible.

Working from home during coronavirus 

If your employees are able to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, you should allow them to do so wherever possible. This will limit the risk of transmission for any employees who must remain in the workplace.

Ensure that you communicate regularly with any employees who are working from home, making sure that they have everything that they need to work safely.

Protecting vulnerable workers during coronavirus

Some people are at increased risk of a negative outcome if they contract Covid-19. Companies should put measures in place to protect those workers as much as possible. This could mean moving vulnerable employees into roles where they are able to work from home to minimise the risk of them catching the virus.

Consult the experts in workplace health and safety 

For more information about keeping your workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational health and safety experts can give advice. If you are looking to hire an expert in health and safety to help you to make your workplace COVID-secure, you can find an occupational health and safety expert on Bark.

Five steps to living your best life during Covid-19

The coronavirus pandemic has left no area of life untouched. From your work life to your family life and your health to your social life, it’s likely you’ve experienced some major life changes over the past year.

Most people have simply been living in survival mode, doing whatever it takes to get through daily life. However, for some people, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused them to take a step back and reassess their lives, making long-term changes which will last long beyond the pandemic.

Whether you’re run off your feet as a key worker or struggling with isolation, here are five ways that you can take control of your life and thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Focus on what you can control 

It’s easy to feel out of control when so many areas of your life are restricted and you’re facing high levels of stress. But try to focus on the things that you can control. Set yourself small goals, whether that be starting to plan the book you’ve always dreamed of writing or taking up running. Focusing on specific goals can help you to take back control of your life.

Connect with nature

Spending time outdoors can help you to feel grounded when things are out of your control. Try going for a walk and really focusing on what you can see, hear and smell. You could also have a go at growing your own fruit or vegetables – there’s nothing more satisfying than eating food that you’ve grown yourself.

Maintain a routine

It’s easy to forget about self-care if you aren’t leaving the house as much as usual, but self-care translates to positive mental wellbeing. Try setting your alarm for the same time every morning to get up, take a shower and brush your teeth. A consistent morning routine helps to set you up for a good day, leaving you ready to achieve your goals.

Keep talking 

It can be easy to feel isolated when you can’t see your friends and family as much as usual. That’s why it’s important to find new ways to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic. Take the time to contact your friends and family by text, phone call, or even video call as regularly as possible. As well as supporting your own mental health, it could benefit the people you reach out to as well.

Hire a life coach 

If this period of reflection has made you reconsider your priorities or empowered you to make a big change to your life, it’s worth considering hiring a life coach.

You may be wondering “what is a life coach?” A life coach can help you to make the changes you desire, whether that’s in your career, your relationships or your day-to-day life. They’re there to help you to set realistic and achievable goals and to empower and motivate you to achieve those goals.

Best of all – life coaching can be done virtually, so there’s no need to wait until the pandemic is over to get started. Your online life coach can support and empower you through video calls and over the phone, allowing you to make changes towards a positive mental wellbeing and a successful future.  

If you’re thinking of hiring a life coach to help you to improve your life, you can find a life coach on Bark.

 

Five tips for planning a wedding during Covid-19

Covid-19 caused many couples’ dream weddings to been postponed or at the least dramatically altered due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Coronavirus has impacted on every single one of our lives in many ways and it can be crushing to learn that the wedding you’ve dreamed of for so long needs to be changed.

Whether you’re planning a small and intimate wedding within the Covid-19 restrictions or planning ahead for a more lavish affair once restrictions have been lifted, you’ll want to read our top five tips for planning a wedding during Covid-19.

Consider your budget 

Even without Covid-19 hanging over us, budget planning should always be your first port of call. Carefully consider what finances you’ve got to work with so that you know exactly what you can afford and where you might need to compromise.

Try to avoid paying out large amounts of money to any supplier in the current climate. Deposits are fine but make sure you’re clear about terms and conditions relating to postponement and cancellation – and get it in writing. You don’t want to lose money if anything has to change.

Be realistic about dates

No one knows when large gatherings such as weddings will be able to recommence. Choosing a date in early 2021 may be risky so don’t get your heart set on it. Planning for late 2021 or even 2022 may be more realistic. No one wants the stress and uncertainty of wondering whether their wedding is going ahead and potentially having to rearrange it.

Review your guest list

There’s always a chance that things could change at the last minute, no matter how far in advance you’re planning your wedding. As well as having your ideal guest list, it’s useful to also write a core guest list of people that you wouldn’t want your wedding to go ahead without. If you are forced to cut your guest list down at the last minute, you’ll have your core list already planned out to fall back on.

Plan ahead with suppliers

With many couples being forced to postpone their wedding, many suppliers are quickly becoming booked up well into the future. If there are specific wedding suppliers that you plan to use, get yourself booked in as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may run the risk of your chosen supplier being fully booked, leaving you to scramble for an alternative who has availability.

Hiring a wedding planner for your Covid-19 wedding 

Planning a wedding at any time is stressful, but there’s no doubt that the stress will be greatly increased if you need to plan your wedding during the coronavirus pandemic. Hiring a wedding planner can remove some of that stress. They are highly experienced in planning almost any type of wedding with connections in the industry which may go in your favour when booking suppliers.

If you’re thinking of hiring a wedding planner for your Covid-19 wedding, you can find a wedding or event planner on Bark.

 

 

Five reasons to hire an online dog trainer for your pandemic pup

Covid-19 made everybody reassess their priorities. For many people, it resulted in a new addition to their home: a dog.

It may be that you live on your own and need company, or that you’ve discovered a new love for walking that you want to share with a four-legged friend. Whatever your reasons for deciding to welcome a dog into your home, your canine will need training.

Whether it’s a rescue dog that you’ve rehomed or a young puppy that you’ve carefully selected from a litter, your dog will be looking to you for guidance on how to behave in their new home.

Here are five reasons to consider hiring an online dog trainer.

Counteract the ‘new normal’ 

Everyone keeps talking about the ‘new normal’ that we’re all adapting to. This new normal means that you’re probably spending most of your day in the company of your four-legged friend which is great for bonding but may also mean that your dog is becoming reliant on you. This could become an issue when it comes to leaving your dog alone in the future.

Your dog is also missing out on everyday stimuli, such as other dogs, people outside your household, traffic, and loud noises. Investing time in training your dog at this challenging time can help to counteract this strange situation, ensuring that you aren’t left with deeply-rooted issues later down the line.

Keep your dog calm in quarantine 

There isn’t much that’s more stressful than your dog getting a sudden burst of energy when you’re in the middle of a Zoom meeting and deciding to destroy your chair leg!

Hiring an online dog trainer can help you to harness your dog’s energy and put it to good use. The online dog trainer can provide you with daily training exercises to do with your canine which will exercise their brain, leaving them worn out – so you can fool everyone into thinking you’re concentrating on that next video call.

Fend off the boredom 

Let’s face it – lockdown is boring. When you’re not working or doing your daily exercise, there isn’t much else to do.

An online dog training course will give you something else to get stuck into, with daily training exercises to complete with your pup. While all of your friends are comparing how many box sets they managed to watch, you can revel in your success of training your four-legged friend.

Don’t miss out 

When it comes to toilet training or lead training, there’s a critical window where your dog will be most receptive to training. Miss this window and it can be more difficult for your canine to master their new skills.

An online dog trainer can give you professional advice on the best way to train your specific breed of dog because they’re all different. The sooner you can train your dog, the less time they’ve got to get stuck in habits that are challenging to break.

Some things can’t wait 

There are some issues that need dealing with straight away. Dog behaviour problems, such as aggression, require immediate attention. Signs of aggression in your dog include growling, snarling, baring teeth, snapping, or lunging. Fail to address aggression in your dog immediately and you could be left with a serious problem.

Online dog trainers are highly skilled in dealing with issues such as aggressive dogs, giving you techniques and exercises that you can do at home with your pooch.

If you’re ready to get started with dog training, find a Dog Trainer on Bark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is online tutoring effective for younger children?

Using technology to aid learning is not a new concept. Since the 1990s, many children have benefited from digital learning including educational television shows, specially designed learning laptops, and electronic reading devices such as Leadpads.

Over the past decade, education has come to rely on technology, with digital devices now used widely in schools. This includes interactive whiteboards and tablets which support the teacher, homework tasks involving online games and quizzes, and laptops and computers in the classroom.

It’s vital that children learn to use technology from a young age so that they don’t get left behind in an ever-increasing digital world. But with younger children naturally having a shorter attention span than their older peers, is online tutoring really realistic for younger children?

Can online tutoring work with younger children? 

The good news is, online tutoring can be highly effective with younger children if it is done in the right way. Experienced online private tutors will have a range of tactics to keep your child engaged whilst teaching them everything they need to know.

The benefit of private tuition is that it is generally done on a 1:1 basis, meaning that the online tutor can tailor the sessions to your child’s abilities and interests. A good tutor will also establish which learning techniques are most suited to your child, meaning that they can adapt the teaching materials to be as effective as possible for your child.

How to keep younger children engaged with online tutoring 

The best way to keep your young child engaged with online tutoring is to choose a tutor that your child relates to. It’s important to take your child’s personality into account when choosing a private tutor. Will they connect best with someone who is outgoing and funny or someone who is more reserved and serious?

It’s also important to carefully consider the time that your tutoring sessions occur. For young children, it’s best to avoid the evening when they may be tired. If you’re planning on booking a morning session, it’s a good idea to take your child for a quick walk or encourage them to play outside beforehand to burn off any excess energy so that they are ready to sit still.

To prepare for your child’s first online tuition session, offer your child a healthy snack half an hour before so that they aren’t distracted by hunger during the session. Try to choose a room where there are as little distractions as possible so that your child is able to focus on their learning.

How to find an online tutor

It can be difficult to find the right online tutor for your child. That’s where Bark comes in. Through Bark, you can view the profiles of every available online tutor to find the right one for your family. You can even read reviews from former clients to make sure they’re right for you.

Whether you’re looking for a maths tutor, an English tutor, a French tutor, or even a general primary school tutor, Bark can help. If you’re ready to start your search for an online private tutor for your child, you can find a tutor on Bark.

Meet Dan – Owner and Founder of dogHEART

This week we’re heading to Richmond California to chat with Dan, owner and founder of dog training company dogHEART.

Let’s hear Dan’s story about building a successful career on Bark.

Can you tell us a little bit about you and your company? 

dogHEART is a behavior training business for Service Dogs and Pet dogs that started in 2017.

We strengthen the human-canine trust by showing humans how to bring out the best value in their dog so their dog will be safe, and owners will have confidence and peace of mind in public.

What were you doing before you launched your business? 

I was in business development, helping failing non-profits become sustainable.

What made you want to start your company?

I enjoyed helping non-profits continue their mission with underserved communities. But it was time for me to follow my dream to help people find comfort and strength in life and trauma through dogs.

Well-behaved dogs are powerful healers just by their presence and unconditional love. My dream is to start an Integrative Wellness Center, utilizing Service Dogs in a holistic approach to heal trauma.

When did you join Bark? What made you join? 

I decided to join Bark in November 2020 because I had to rethink how to continue business due to the Covid-19 pandemic locking everything down. I posted ads on Google Search and YouTube, which yielded minimal results. Bark was my only viable option.

Can you tell us about your experiences on Bark? 

I began to receive more results in two weeks than I did in two months with my other ads! By my third week, I had three clients. I cancelled my other ads, and I am staying with Bark.

What’s the best thing about Bark? 

There are so many great things I have found with Bark. Probably the best for me is their business model. I am no longer sending out ads, supposedly focused on my demographic, and waiting for clicks.

Bark reversed the current marketing model by allowing my business a space to be visible to the people seeking out my specific service, and I find that this model yields high returns on investment.

Any top tips for success on Bark?

Show your passion. Follow the profile template the Bark professional marketers set up. Contact your leads as soon as possible. Utilize the professional help that Bark provides.

What do you think of the Customer Success team at Bark? 

I have reached out to Bark’s Customer Success Team several times as I was getting started. I am continually impressed at how quickly I can get a real person who is courteous, professional, and who expedites solutions. 

How has Bark helped you during Covid-19?

I am thankful that I found and joined Bark. We all have to get through life during this difficult time. I find Bark to be the link between me and clients who need my services.

Anything else you’d like us to include? 

I am amazed at how much Bark wants business people like me to succeed by offering to reapply credits if you do not receive any clients from your first credit pack. I love that credits do not expire!

We’ve loved chatting with Dan today – it’s great to hear how he’s used Bark to follow his passion (and we didn’t mind the adorably cute pics of the dogs either!). If you’re looking for a dog trainer, then head over to Dan’s Bark profile. You can find more information about dogHEART, check out his reviews and make an enquiry – all from one place! Stuck at home? Dan also offers puppy training online (for puppies 2 months to 5 months of age).

16 things to do during lockdown

Life is on hold, but you don’t have to be 

 

Stuck indoors and looking to relieve the lockdown boredom? If you’re struggling to find a series on Netflix you haven’t watched, it’s time to think outside the box. Staying in doesn’t have to be a waste of time – why not discover a new skill or hobby? Not only will lockdown fly by, but you’ll come out of it as a new and improved version of yourself – win, win! 

Train your pooch! 

Give your pup some love this lockdown by giving them some behaviour training. Whether it’s combatting aggressive behaviour or teaching them basic obedience commands, dog training can lead to your pup living a longer and happier life. If you’re not sure, hire an online dog trainer and learn the most effective tips and tricks.

Learn a new language

Being stuck indoors is the perfect opportunity to brush up on your language skills. Long gone are the days of dusty old language books – there are now endless ways to learn a language online. Whether it’s watching foreign language shows on Netflix (with subtitles, of course!) or listening to podcasts, language learning doesn’t have to be boring anymore. 

If you’re serious about improving your language skills, hiring an online tutor is a perfect way to add some structure to your learning. They’ll also hold you accountable on the days where vegging out on the sofa is much more tempting! 

Set goals

If you enjoy living life in the fast-lane, lockdown might feel like it’s been put on pause. But having the time to slow down and reflect can be really helpful when it comes to understanding where you are in life and where you want to be. 

Whether it’s working towards financial independence or trying to live a healthier lifestyle, setting goals and breaking them into small daily tasks will help you to feel focused and productive. If your goals seem unattainable or you don’t know where to begin, why not hire an online life coach? As long as you’ve got a strong internet connection you can have consultations via video call, or over the telephone. 

Try a healthy new diet

One of the upsides of lockdown is that you can spend more time in the kitchen, try out new recipes, and kick-start healthy eating habits. If you have difficult dietary requirements or need help controlling your calorie intake, start your journey the right way by getting a nutritionist or dietitian.

Balance the books 

Okay, so not very exciting – but hear us out! Lockdown is the perfect time to get on top of those boring financial tasks. If your business has been affected by Covid-19, it might be time to reassess your financial situation. If you need some help getting your affairs in order, an online financial advisor will be able to help you manage a number of tasks, including cash-flows and reassessing your budget. 

Get the boring stuff out of the way so you can free up time for what’s important when lockdown ends! 

Kick bad habits 

Did you know it takes 21 days to break a bad habit? Lockdown is an ideal time to say goodbye to bad habits and form some healthy ones! The first step is identifying what you want to change and what your triggers are. 

Once you’ve figured that out, there are lots of exercises to help you combat a bad habit. A tried and tested one is replacing a bad behaviour with a good one – if you find yourself regularly reaching for the cookie jar, why not replace it with some dried fruit? Alternatively, you could hire an online hypnotherapist to help you with the legwork. 

Learn to code 

Coding is an incredibly sought after skill in our digital world, so why not give yourself a head start and give it a go? There are tonnes of online coding courses out there, or if you’re looking for more personal support, you can find an online coding tutor. 

Learn a new instrument 

Ever committed to taking up piano or the guitar only to find that you simply don’t have the time to practice every day? With so much time on your hands, lockdown is the ideal opportunity to get your daily practice in. Struggling to find your inner Beethoven? Find an online music tutor. 

Revamp your living space 

If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, maybe all you need is to give it a new look! Interior designers are now providing their services online – designing a ‘virtual’ room and filling it with real-life items available to purchase – pretty cool right?

Learn to draw 

Okay, so you may not be the next Picasso, but drawing is a great way to pass the time, and has been proven to help with anxiety and stress. If you’re serious about improving your sketching skills, it’s worth hiring an online drawing tutor to help you hone your craft. 

Give your website a face lift 

If your business has had to come up with new ways to connect with customers remotely this year, then having a great website should be at the top of your priorities. Whether it’s improving user experience (UX) or refreshing your content, investing time into your website will help to attract and retain new customers. But it can be a tricky task – especially if you don’t know the basics of web design. Hire a web designer to ensure your website gets the high-quality finish it deserves. 

Get fit 

With an abundance of online fitness classes to choose from, there’s no reason you can’t get fit from the comfort of your own home! Grab some household objects as weights and get moving! Getting an online personal trainer is a great way to add structure to your workouts and help you to achieve your fitness goals. 

Get party planning! 

Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or anniversary, lockdown is a perfect time to start planning your next event. Yes, the world seems uncertain, but there’s no harm in giving yourself a headstart for when normality resumes. If you need a helping hand, why not hire an online event and party planner? From scoping out the best venue to finding decorations, it’s easy for them to tick off their to-do list from home. 

Update your CV 

Smash the job market as soon as you get out of lockdown by updating and refreshing your CV. Not sure how to make the most of your CV? Online CV writers are on hand to ensure your CV is perfected and polished – highlighting your best bits!

Write a novel (or a blog) 

There’s no better time than during lockdown to get those creative juices flowing. Pick up a piece of paper and a pen (or your laptop) and start working on that novel you’ve been meaning to write for the last five years. Or if you don’t fancy yourself as the next William Shakespeare just yet, maybe ease yourself in with a blog post. 500 words are very different from 500 pages, after all! If you need a polished blog for your business, you can find online blog writers to do the hard work for you. 

Try out yoga 

Lockdown is the ideal opportunity to find your inner zen. Whether you’re an experienced yoga-lover or a complete beginner, there will be something online for your age and capability. All it takes is a quick two minute Google search. Alternatively, you could hire an online yoga instructor – they’ll be able to ensure your form and techniques are spot on, saving you nasty injuries later down the line. 

Government financial support for businesses during Covid-19

It’s safe to say Covid-19 has caused significant challenges for businesses big and small.

Thankfully, governments are stepping in at a time when businesses need them the most, to provide vital financial relief.

To save you some time, we’ve put together a list of the financial support that governments are providing for businesses in the eight countries we operate in – as we could all do with a little bit of help.

United Kingdom 

You can find the full list of UK government funding schemes, as well as information on how to access them, here. Here’s a quick summary of what’s available:

  • Coronavirus job retention scheme
  • Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
  • Business rates relief

Ireland 

Find everything you need to know about funding options for small businesses and individuals in Ireland here. Here’s a few examples of some of the options available:

  • Employment wage subsidy scheme
  • Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
  • Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme
  • Covid-19 business loans

United States

Government funding options for businesses affected by Covid-19 in the US are listed here. A few of the funding options are listed below:

  • SBA debt relief
  • SBA Express Bridge loans

Canada: 

Find all the information you need to know about financial support for individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic here, with some examples listed below:

  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
  • Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Australia 

Information on Coronavirus-related financial support in Australia, as well as how to access it, can be found here.

Sole Trader financial support can be found here.

South Africa

Keep up to date with Covid-19 business support options for individuals and businesses South Africa here. 

New Zealand

Read information on financial support schemes in New Zealand here. Some of the options include:

  • Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme
  • Wage Subsidy Schemes
  • Business Finance Guarantee Schemes

Summary

Remember, the availability of the above funding options in each country is likely to change as the coronavirus situation changes, so it’s worth keeping a regular eye out for any updates on government websites.

We hope this information has been useful. If there’s anything else we can do to support your business during these uncertain times, please let us know. Our Customer Success team is open 24/7 – give them a call at a time that suits you (phone number available on our website), or drop them a line at team@bark.com.

Let’s get through this together.

How to protect your business during Covid-19

With a global pandemic sweeping the world, national lockdowns, and businesses big and small having to close their doors for extended periods, it’s been a turbulent year, to say the least. But despite the extreme uncertainty and challenges the coronavirus pandemic has caused, small businesses have shown incredible resilience and strength in the face of adversity. 

As we continue to adapt to the reality of living with Covid-19, we’ve put some tips together to help you protect your business during these uncertain times. 

Government funding 

It’s important to know what financial support you’re entitled to as this could make a real difference to the stability of your business during a rocky period. 

Here’s where you can find out more information about the government funding schemes for individuals and small businesses affected by the pandemic: 

Make the move online 

Having an online presence is crucial for connecting with customers remotely. After all, the internet is the number one tool for people searching for what they need, especially when they’re confined to their homes. 

Providing your services online is key to retaining existing customers and attracting new ones. From dog training to personal training and everything in between, you’d be surprised at how many services can be provided remotely. 

 

Refresh your website 

Following on from the above, if you want to build a successful online presence, then you need to have a great website – it will help you to connect with customers far and wide but it won’t attract and retain new clients if it isn’t attractive, user-friendly, or relevant to their requirements. 

If your website is in need of a revamp, now’s the perfect time to do it – and if you don’t know the first thing about web design, why not hire a web designer to take the pain out of the process? Many web designers provide this service remotely too! 

Communication

With changes happening daily, it’s critical to maintain strong communication with your clients, to keep them up to date with any last-minute changes in your business operations as a result of new government restrictions. A great way to do this is via social media, regular email communications, or updates on your Bark profile and/or company website. 

Manage your cash flow  

During such uncertain and volatile times, it’s vital to monitor your cash flow closely, as this could be impacted significantly by the changes in work circumstances as a result of the pandemic. 

If you haven’t already done so, create a short term cash-flow forecast for the next few months, taking into account various scenarios that could affect it, such as late payments from customers. 

Employing an accountant is an efficient way to get to grips with the figures so that you can effectively prepare your business for the uncertainty of the next few months. Many accountants also provide their services online. 

Expand your social media presence 

Social media is an effective (and free!) tool that all businesses can harness to expand their customer base during a pandemic.

By expanding your social media presence, you can engage with more customers, remind them that you’re there, and come up with creative solutions to serving them remotely. 

We’ve put together a handy beginners guide for creating a social media strategy for small businesses, which you can read here.

Address your budget 

It’s a fact of coronavirus life that many small businesses will have to rethink and adapt their budget as a result of the pandemic. 

If like many businesses, you’re experiencing a decrease in cash-flow, it’s vital that you adapt your budget accordingly. Here are a few considerations: 

  • Monitor your cash-flow – It’s likely your cash-flow has changed a lot throughout the last few months, and it will probably continue to do so. Make sure you monitor this closely to be aware of any changes that need to be made in your budget i.e. in terms of cutting unnecessary expenses. 
  • Be proactive with payments – Managing your payments during a pandemic is a balancing act between ensuring you receive your payments on time and being mindful of issues your client may be facing in managing their own finances. It’s always a good idea to touch base with your client before the payment is due so that you can identify any issues early on and come to an agreement. 
  • Manage your personal finance – Many personal finance providers are offering flexibility to their clients during times of crisis, so it’s worth having a discussion with your mortgage lender, energy supplier, etc. to see whether they can provide you with any financial support. Having more personal income means that you could invest this into your business at a time when it needs it most. 

Promote workplace safety  

It’s vital that your workplace practices and environments are Covid-19 secure so that you can continue to serve your customers safely. To put your customers’ minds at ease, make sure you clearly state which measures you’ve taken to protect your staff and customers from Covid-19 infection.

Small steps such as displaying health and safety checklists on your office, website, etc. (which are often free to download) and sharing the steps you’ve taken on your social media channels is a great way to reassure customers. 

Summary

We hope this guide has been useful. If there’s anything else we can help you with or anything that we didn’t cover in this article that you think is important to share within the professional community, please do get in touch via telephone or email – find our telephone numbers on our website or email team@bark.com. 

We’re always looking for ways to support you during these difficult times.