Pivoting During a Pandemic: She Means Business 2020

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? As a non-essential business and classified as a “gym,” we were forced to close our doors. However, we weren’t ready to say bye-bye to our members. We have changed to an online service with live classes, on-demand content and nonstop engagement with our members. We are taking it not only week-by-week, but day-by-day to figure out and adapt our programs to meet the needs our members.

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? As a small business, we rely on our memberships to keep things running. We have the most amazing members that have stuck by us and continued supporting our business through these uncertain times. We have lowered our monthly tuition and made them for the whole family instead of individual kiddos. As an enrolled member, they received unlimited live classes, all on-demand content, free camps and parents’ nights out when we reopen, $100 off any birthday party booking and more. We want to make sure they know how grateful we are of their support.

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? Our private members-only facebook group has served as a great interaction place for families. I see that continuing and possibly providing on-demand or live classes in the future while people travel or are unable to attend classes. The biggest key has been adaptability. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but our team is ready for anything at this point.

How can Wichita support you right now? Try a free class! Share our posts! Purchase a gift certificate. Keep us going in the community. We want to be the place families go for fitness and fun for their kiddos. We always welcome feedback and ideas, too! Email or message us on facebook with ideas, questions, or anything!

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? Fortunately, we have only had to suspend in-person meetings and have transitioned that work to virtual meetings, conference calls, etc. Last fall, our company went through a lengthy strategic planning process to determine the most effective way to deliver services as we were at capacity and quite exhausted, truth be told. Though grateful for all of our clients, we decided to prioritize longer-term contracts and refer out short-term or one-time project-based jobs. Though risky, it has proven successful as we’ve been able to anchor our jobs more deeply to our members’ overall company goals over a longer period of time. Had we not gone to this method, previously, then COVID-19 would have had a much more drastic impact on our company trying to market the need for our services in a time when businesses and organizations, themselves, are cutting costs. 

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? We’re offering complimentary contract hours, as needed, to accomplish our clients’ COVID-19 communication strategies and pivots. This is another bonus of the membership model because we’re able to provide flexible services in times of crisis– and in better times, as well– as our company deems appropriate. This additional offering has been very well received by our members.

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? We’ll return to traditional practices of meeting in-person with clients. Again, I’m so thankful we transitioned our business practices prior to this pandemic — not knowing COVID-19 was coming our way. It’s been amazing to see the model stand up, and even be strengthened, during this troublesome time.

How can Wichita support you right now? Wichitans can continue to support small businesses such as the Wichita Cheesecake Company, one of our members; plug into organizations such as Real Men Real Heroes, another member and become more aware of the Create Campaign’s minority business development work. I’m grateful to work on behalf of my hometown and appreciate the chance to share and be recognized in this feature.

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? When the announcement of Covid-19 impacting our daily lives crept up, I knew we had to pivot to keep our shop afloat. We started pushing fun kid activities, balloon deliveries and making sure our website was ready for the influx. We moved to contactless porch deliveries and shipments as the best way to get items to our customers. It is such a hard time for everyone and we just want to spread joy – whether it’s a craft kit to entertain your little ones or balloons to brighten your day. Birthdays still need to be celebrated, milestones acknowledged and sadness brightened. Art supplies, crafts, puzzles, games and more have been our focus for ordering, and we are trying to get in what we can from our vendors while they are making changes as well. I had to make the hard decision to trim down to a core team during this time, but know it is the best decision for safety and financial reasons. Unfortunately we have lost business from events and large balloon orders, but are so grateful for our customer orders! Can’t wait to have the customers and team back in the shops. 

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? We are currently offering a lower shipping rate and delivery fees. Delivery within 10 miles from the shop is free, outside of that $5 (within city limits). Fixed shipping rate is $5 and we have our usual orders over $100 ship free!

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? Putting more focus on our online website has helped us grow our audience outside of Wichita more, so will continue to keep that momentum going. We have also loved doing balloon bundle drop offs for birthdays and special occasions – sometimes I catch the recipient’s reaction while driving away and it brings me so much joy. Also have found some great arts & crafts brands I’m excited to continue working with!

How can Wichita support you right now? Wichita, you have been amazing and we cannot thank you enough. Keep us in mind when you are celebrating something, needing to entertain your children (or yourself!), wanting to send a special gift or needing balloons. We truly feel honored to help you with any of the above and will be forever grateful for your support during this hard time.

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? Over the last few weeks, we added more sanitation standards than what was recommended and required. We added No Contact Curbside Pick Up to allow our customers a safe way to pick up our food. We started offering Family Meals. We changed the entire execution of how we operate several times as it was state or federally recommended. First only 50 people in our restaurant, then 20, then 10 and now no one. Each time we had to make adjustments to make sure we are meeting the needs of our customers. We’ve had to cancel private parties, adjust to delivering caterings, even what roles my small staff now have to adjust to and how I pay them. For example, you cannot have traditional servers if you do not have a dining room. We’re tired but determined!

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? At The Kitchen, we started offering family meals in addition to most of our regular menu. The family meals are affordable (under $10 per person) as well as delicious and comforting. My belief is during this uncertain time, coming together over food can provide comfort. When we sit together around the table, eat the same dish, it provides a sense of closeness. I say this with all sincerity, in a world that is currently filled with a lot of fear, worry, anger, we are committing to spread love through food. When we cook with love and positivity, our food is tastier. And that is what we will continue to do now and after.

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? There might be a place for us to continue offering family meals to be picked up. The honest truth is since we do not know the length of this state of emergency, it is hard to know what adjustments we will have to make when it is over. What will our customers’ needs be at that time? How many employees will I have? What I do know is – my family and I are committed to responding to whatever community needs are and keeping our restaurant open and vital. We are also working on some new exciting ideas that we should be launching in the next month – so stay tuned to our social media pages.

How can Wichita support you right now? The Wichita community is amazing when it comes to support. I cannot thank all of our customers enough. If you can order family meals/food from us – that’s wonderful. It helps keep our doors open and our lights on. If your budget does not allow it – spread the word, share our posts, leave positive comments. Every little positive thing makes a difference.

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? We have gone from in store personal service to direct in home shopping specific to each clients needs. This has been accomplished using Instagram, Facetime, and pictures through text to show clients what we have in store.

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? We have been putting together customized boxes tailored to individual clients delivered directly to their door. As well as offering discounts and promotions weekly through email and Instagram.

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? We have always offered the personalized service. It just looks different now. When things get back to normal and we reopen that will remain the same.

How can Wichita support you right now? BUY A GIFT CARD! Shop our Instagram, reach out to us directly and let us do the shopping for you!

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? I’ve really worked to provide services for moms who might be experiencing fear, overwhelm, disorientation, annoyance, all-the-feelings. I also speak about ways to support your children during this unsettling time. Because we are ALL experiencing fear and discomfort. As I work in courage, this is exactly what I was trained to do. I’ve been offering daily Courage in a Crisis episodes – 10 already have aired and 10 to go! I also LOVE to do IGTV episodes on Managing YOUR Mind. 

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? I’m offering Courage in a Crisis Series on my FB Page or podcast. I have also created a 16 page Free from Fear Action Guide with a training video – it’s available on my website. It has four incredible tools to support you. AND I am offering free coaching sessions to anyone who needs it right now. Please feel free to book on my website.

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? Will we ever be back to normal? I think we’ve all been changed by this, right?We’ve all learned that we are not alone and that there is such strength in community. As for my business, I will continue to host interviews with incredible women who bring inspiration and support to others. I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned and grown through this process; I’m just so grateful for such a warm and welcoming group of women that I get to do life with right now. AND I will continue pop-up coaching because it truly makes my heart happy. I want every woman to reclaim who they are, what they need, and how to get there.

How can Wichita support you right now? Be kind and spread hope to others! We are all in this together! And please join my NEW weekly Ask Me Anything Pop-Up Coaching Sessions on my Facebook page on Wednesdays at 2:00, or make an investment in YOU by joining my coaching program. We need support to manage our brains during this trying time. We can decide to feel joy in the midst of all this unrest. I can show you how.

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? We had to temporarily shut down our winery tasting room, cancelled planned events, wine tastings and food service. We shifted our winery operations to serving customers through online sales of wine bottles and curbside pickup orders. Our business is still operating but we have seen a drastic decline in revenue.

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? Currently, we are offering our customers discounted pricing on the purchase of wine bottles. For customers who order online at www.jennydawn.shop, I am placing free chocolates, stickers and corkscrews in the packages as an added thank you gift. We truly appreciate all of our customers and the support we have seen from the community.

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? We are thankful that we were able to relaunch the sale of wine online. In 2019, Jenny Dawn Cellars transitioned from a licensed California wine brand to a licensed Kansas Winery so we had to temporarily stop selling wine online. The pandemic prompted us to start selling wine online again which we will continue to do when things get back to normal.

How can Wichita support you right now? Wichita continues to be extremely supportive of our business. We would encourage individuals to like our Facebook page and share our posts as well as follow us on Instagram. If you’ve had a bottle of Jenny Dawn Cellars wine you could write a Google review. Lastly, we would be honored if you purchased a bottle of wine by stopping into our winery or ordering online through our website www.jennydawncellars.com under the “Shop” menu. Our wines can also be found at 20 plus wine retailers and liquor stores throughout Wichita. We have an interactive map on our website under “Where to purchase.”

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? When we had to temporarily close our doors we had to find a way to take the same motivation and drive from inside the studio and provide it to our members and community through other means. OTF has created at home workouts that use basic items found at home to use for your workouts, no workout equipment needed! Our coaches continue to develop a community feel and inspiration through social media challenges, live workouts and accountability factors. We have found a way to bring ourselves to everyone at home during a time that they can’t walk through our doors.

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? Members and non-members all have access to FREE online at home workouts! We have special challenges to be completed that allow them to win prizes upon re-opening our doors. We like to look at the silver lining, and although we greatly miss being in the studio, we are able to work on our mental strength, able to push ourselves outside our comfort zone of the studio, and learning perseverance during unknown times. We believe we will all come back stronger than ever!

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? We have seen a huge growth in our members coming together and supporting each other through this difficult time. Encouraging, inspiring, and supporting members that they may have never met. We hope to continue our out-of-studio challenges with our members to help promote a healthier and more positive community. We will continue to be more involved within our community for health and wellness.

How can Wichita support you right now? We are encouraging everyone to try the home workouts that can be accessed at www.orangtheoryathome.com and share their results! Orangetheory is truly for everyone. We would love for everyone to enjoy our workouts and coaches through this time and then come try us out when the studios re-open. OTF is more than just physical health and when becoming an owner of OTF, our main goal was to be a place our community could turn to for all health aspects, both mentally and physically. What we ask is that the community share encouragement, inspiration, and positivity through Covid-19 quarantine!

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? We feel lucky that we’re able to stay open during this difficult time, but we’ve had to shift to a beer to-go only model with our crowler cans. I have implemented a new texting function and online order form, keeping our hours and beer menu updated on our website. People order ahead of time and we have it ready when they come to the front door for quick payment and pick-up. 

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? We’re offering several discounts per week and are still figuring out the best days and hours to be open. We’ve become more of an errand now rather than a destination, so we are trying to keep this in mind. We do a Three-pack Thursday and offer 3 crowlers for $25. We also starting doing $8 crowlers on Sundays. We recently started to do special discounts for those taking care of us, like 20% off orders for health care heroes, and plan to recognize grocery store employees, first responders, and teachers. We may add in other specials as needed, depending on how long this lasts. We know everyone misses the taproom, so we started doing a Facebook live Fridays at 7pm, and just chat about how things are going.

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? We have been offering some limited 12oz can options, since crowler cans are becoming hard to find with all breweries going to this model. It takes a lot of time, but it would be nice to have some 12oz 6-packs available during the busy summer and holiday months.

How can Wichita support you right now? Buy beer to-go! Please share our specials and social media posts. Make a point to get take-out from local restaurants and support online boutiques and stores if you can!

In the last several weeks, how have you had to pivot and adapt in response to the effects of Covid-19? The Workroom has gone strictly to online sales with daily (M-F) manager specials announced over Facebook live including the wildly popular now regular weekend special of the Mystery Swag Bag. Last weekend would have been the 7-year anniversary kickoff market, which we turned into a virtual market over social media allowing a continued platform to showcase and sell works by local artists. We are launching a series of virtual trunk shows each themed around a different category of product that tends to be one-of-a-kind items which are too labor intensive to get all on our online shop (examples: jewelry, ceramics, wall art, vintage finds etc). Birney’s Snack Shop is closed to regular business but is serving free sack lunches daily (M-F) to all in need. All ages. Ne questions asked. No judgement. This has been made sustainably possible by the many generous donations from members of our community both via supplies and monetary donations.

What special provisions are you offering to customers right now? Curbside pick up, free delivery within 10 miles and free shipping over $50. Manager specials announced at noon daily M-F via facebook live.

Have you made any changes to your business in response to Covid-19 that you hope to continue when things get back to normal? Ramping up online shop offerings and ways to drive business to it. More facebook lives and online engagement.

How can Wichita support you right now? Shop local! Share, like, comment on social media posts.