Question

I. COVID-19 is shaking up business and consumer behavior on a massive scale. The strongest and most immediate business impact of this pandemic situation has been a major disruption to supply chains and distribution channels. Suggest five ideas to overcome this situation.           

II. Most Businesses in Oman are locked down due to coronavirus spread and they are affected. However, businesses need to be engaged with their customers. Imagine you have a business of driving trainer. Explain how you will run your business and engage with your customers?     

Answer 1

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1.

Covid-19 has disrupted the supply chain by shutting down manufacturers and suppliers in ever part of world. Five ways to overcome this challenge are :

1.Diversify suppliers-  Diversification sounds easy ,but finding an alternative manufacturer or distributor can be difficult depending on the product.

2.Use tiered suppliers- Many larger merchants have tiers of suppliers.This is different from diversifying entirely,in that tier 2 and tier 3 typical focus on tactical replacement.

3.Substitute products-Another option for overcoming supply chain distruption is to launch new products.start by analyzing customers purchase historyand then choosing complementry or similar goods.

4.Hold excess inventory.-Merchants usually avoid buying too much inventory.But a just in time stratergy does not work when suppliers cannot ship the products.

5.Partner with diversified manufacturers and distributors.-Covid 19 is hurting china based manufacturers and distributors.Many are now planning to diversify outside of china themselves.some have already done due to spike in labour rate.

2.)

As due to coronavirus many business begin to close and practice social distancing ,its important to keep customers informed about the status of your company.Business owners should find some ways to virtually engage with customers and maintain the relationship.

Some of the ways to engage the customers in being a driving taining business are -

1.Maintain a live chat services -Live chat can be a great way to personally connect with your customers. If you are able to offer live chat support service, ask your employees to assist customers from their home offices during this pandemic. This way they can stay in contact with customers personally while still distancing themselves. Customers will enjoy getting to connect with someone while they’re apart from friends or family.

2.Create training tutorials or make entertaining videos related with driving skills- Many people are at home reading and watching news about recent COVID-19 events. Get their minds thinking more positively by creating helpful, relevant content. Use video to create training tutorials for customers based on your business’s specialty.

3.Host live events -If your business canceled an event due to the pandemic, or if you have the resources otherwise, host a virtual event. Market your event by posting about it on social media, your website, and via email.

4.Provide special offers and discounts to use in the future-Though it may be challenging to make sales, encourage customers to support your business in the future. Offer discounts or credits to put toward their account now that they can redeem at a later date. If you’re able to sell products online, offer special discounts on your website. Customers enjoy exclusive opportunities, so make them feel special by offering loyalty programs and offers. This also helps your business continue to gain sales and maintain positive interaction with customers.

5.Update your social media more often -Now is a great time to be active on social media. Share entertaining videos, provide coronavirus updates, or share industry news. Posting on multiple outlets allows you to build your awareness and gives your customers a sense of what your company values are.

6.Keep your business clean and sanitized.-If your business is still regularly accepting customers, make sure you’re following proper hygienic best practices. It’s important to deep clean your business every one or two nights before reopening and wipe down your products or other store items each time a customer touches them. Provide the customers with hand sanitizer when they walk in and have it available throughout the rest of the store.