Bothell

As a business reopening you likely have new information that needs to be communicated to your clients and customers. This new information might include: increased health and safety measures, different products, services, or procedures, new delivery or appointment requirements, etc.

Will customer’s choose you or someone else?  Do you have their confidence?

Due to Covid-19 your clients and customers likely have an increased need to feel confident that your business is taking measures to keep them healthier and safer. A solid communication plan conveys this message, and assists consumers in choosing where they will do business.  Therefore communicating the right messaging is critical to your business’ success moving forward. It could mean the difference between someone choosing your business or someone else’s.

Use these tips and ideas to help you craft, communicate, and deliver your newly updated information to your audience.

1.  Document your polices, procedures, and changes that you want to communicate to your customers.
2.  Streamline this information – think Twitter and make it short and concise.
3.  When creating written formats, use bullet point, table, or infographic styles to keep the messaging on point.
4.  When creating a video, keep it short – 2 mins max. You can use slides or photos with narrative, an employee addressing customers, or a video of employees performing their new tasks – with a smile of course!
5.  Where needed, create a one-sentence intro that conveys the “why” of your actions.
   Ie…  “We care about your safety and are pleased to be taking the following measures to keep you healthier.”
6.  Tensions are understandably higher so if you need to ask them to do something be kind and polite, and offer an alternative.
   Ie… “To keep everyone safer we kindly ask that those experiencing symptoms please place your order online. We’ll deliver it to your car later.”

Notes:
Remember to show your empathy and understanding during this disconcerting time – your customers need to know you care.
Also, you may need to create different messages for different market segments. A real estate agent will likely need one message for buyers and another for sellers. And, your online customers will need different messaging from your in-store shoppers.

Websites

Adding your message to your website is a must. Home, Product and Appointment pages are the obvious choices, but don’t forget the less obvious such as Menus, Shipping details, About Us, and FAQs. Map your customer’s navigation and make sure all points along their paths are covered.

Several methods can be used such as:

• Header banners inviting viewers to click through to a designated page, PDF, or video for full information.
• Focused one-sentence messages at key points along the navigation path reminds customers of your additional efforts.  You want to keep confidence levels high throughout their visit and the sales process.
  Ie… Inform buyers on product and shipping pages that your employees wear protective equipment while handling and packaging their products.

Tip:  Increase links to your Contact Us page in case customers have additional questions.

Social Media & Other Online Identities

• Share your message on all your social media channels
• Share in industry and community groups
• Post at regular intervals and update your message as needed.
• Consider paying to boost your post or place an ad
• Remember your review and referral sites, online ordering apps and stores, and other online identities.

Ask Your Customers To Share Your Messaging

Word-of-mouth is an important marketing tool so enlist your customer’s help in getting the word out about your reopening. Encourage customers to…

• Share their positive experiences with your business
• Check-in to your location on social media
• Post photos/videos of the products they purchase
• Leave positive reviews

Email Marketing, Text Messaging and Chats

• Inform everyone on your email and SMS lists with a designated message.
• Add messaging to future newletters/emails in the form of headers or footnotes inviting readers to click through to your designated page or video to learn more about your new policies or changes.
• Remember your auto-responders! Update your contact us, order, messenger, and subscriber auto-responses.

Additional Customer Contact Points

Any place that your company comes into contact with a customer is an opportunity to remind them of your changes and increased efforts. Here are some additional places to add your message:

• Appointment reminders and thank you notes
• Signs on reception desks, and in waiting, dressing and treatment rooms
• Point of entry and street signs
• Shipping documents including packing slips and receipts
• Telephone recordings
• In-store announcements for large public businesses
• Email signatures
• Advertisements
• Press Releases
• As a guest speaker on a blog or show

Inform your customer-contact employees of any new methods, procedures, changes, etc. to build and maintain customer confidence, and to be able to respond to inquiries as needed.

• Have employees verbally explain and physically show clients the changes as necessary. Lee Perry of Arena Sports Mill Creek, WA reminds us to “Give your customers a few extra minutes of attention – they will appreciate it. Show them where the hand sanitizers are stationed and tell them when they arrive what your company is doing for them.”
• Consider preparing scripts or FAQ reference sheets for employees to keep on hand.

In closing…

Remember that the confidence level that your clients and customers have in your business will help determine your success moving forward. The above is not a complete list of ideas but will hopefully get your own ideas flowing and help you reopen with success.

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to the Chamber. We’re here to support you.

~ Bothell Kenmore Chamber of Commerce

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Page Updated 1/29/2021

The Bothell Kenmore Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting our local businesses with resources to assist you in working through the challenges related to COVID-19.  If you have questions or need anything at all we encourage you to reach out to us.

News! County Statuses –  King & Snohomish Counties will move into Phase 2 of the new “Healthy Washington Plan for Recovery” effective February 1, 2021.

Moving into Phase 2 permit:
– Restaurants to reopen indoor dining at 25% capacity and must close by 11:00pm.
– Indoor fitness centers & live entertainment venues can also reopen to 25% capacity.
– Indoor social gatherings with people outside of the household will be permitted w/a max of 5 people from outside the household and limit of two households.
– Outdoor social gatherings maximum will increase to 15 people from two households.
– Moderate risk indoor sports and all sports outdoors gain flexibility to have league games and competitions
– In-store retail remains at 25% capacity for both Phases 1 & 2 with no clear steps announced for increased capacity.
– Bars that don’t serve food must remain closed.
Full Information Available Here

New! The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to help small businesses keep workers employed during the pandemic and economic downturn. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. Here are some resources to assist you with the program…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.  Learn more here

Businesses To Require Face Coverings For Customers & Employees
Businesses in WA state are prohibited from serving customers who aren’t wearing face coverings per a proclamation by Gov. Jay Inslee and Sec. of Health John Wiesman. This went into effect on July 7, 2020.

Bothell Special Permit to Turn Parking Into Outdoor Dining
Food & beverage businesses within the City of Bothell may apply for a permit allowing for the temporary change of use from parking to outdoor seating.  Expand your table and chair capacity and serve more customers. Limits apply. Download Permit Information Here

Bothell Special Permit to Conduct Business on Main Street Closed Area
One block of Main Street in downtown Bothell is now temporarily closed to vehicular traffic to allow businesses to expand their working footprint outdoors. The street, sidewalk and flex/parking spaces will be open for dining and retail sales. Businesses can apply for a permit. Get More Information Here

⇒ NOTE: Our Resources page is now organized by category. We encourage you to scroll down and fully explore to locate all resources. New information will be noted.

As some businesses are permitted to remain open and others will again soon we encourage you to plan, review your internal policies, purchase supplies as needed and commit to being in compliance for successful operations. The following resources can help you get started:

All Industries: Requirements For All Businesses – State of Washington, Governor’s Orders
Industry-based. Learn what will be required of your business.

Checklist for Businesses with Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 – Washington State Department of Health
Employer reporting requirements, employer responsibilities, actions to take for suspected or confirmed cases, etc. Updated December 11, 2020.

Safe Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance for Public Spaces – Washington State Department of Health

Communication Resources: Messaging Materials, Sample Social Media Postings & more – Centers for Disease Control
Find posters, notices and more conveying important messages about Covid-19 in multiple languages. You will also find sample social media postings on a wide variety of topics related to Covid-19.

Checklists and Guidelines For Safe Start Open Plan
Great resource for employers in planning your re-opening strategy.

Guide To Re-Open Your Business – U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Articles with helpful strategies including creative office space strategies, screening employees, encouraging customer compliance and many more.

Back To Work Toolkit
Toolkit for re-opening the office and getting back to work.

Article: Communicating Your Reopening To Customers
Your customers will need to feel safe doing business with you. Learn ways to communicate your efforts to help them feel confident.

Business Signage Toolkit
Print these posters for businesses. Ie. Shopping Tips, What Is 6 Feet?, We Do Take-Out, etc.

Hygiene Signage For Businesses
Print these posters from EvergreenHealth to remind your employees and customers of safer habits.

WA State Coronavirus Response Resources Page
Extensive list of state resources for businesses and employees.

Facial Coverings Are Mandatory Statewide: Effective June 26, 2020
Governor Inslee announces that every Washingtonian in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others, will be legally required to wear a face covering. Read Full Details Here

Unemployment Insurance, Benefits & Taxes

Tips from the Employment Security Department…

Preparing fully before applying will help the process go smoother
Everyone who is eligible will receive benefits – and it will be paid retroactive to their date of eligibility

Employment Security Department
Main Page for Unemployment Information in WA State

Webinars: Introduction To Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment benefits now available for Self-Employed and Independent Contractors in the State of Washington

Employment Security Department
Video of Shared Work Program overview. Shared Work is a special program that helps businesses avoid layoffs. Video also available in Spanish.

WA State Employment Security Department: Layoff Assistance
“The Employment Security Department (ESD) can: Help businesses and workers facing major layoffs, and help prevent layoffs from happening.”

Working Washington Emergency Grants

Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants
Currently closed for applications.

Other WA State Resources

WA State Department of Revenue
Business Relief During COVID-19 Pandemic

WA State Department of Health: Workplace and Employee Resources & Recommendations

Updated Regularly: Businesses Currently Hiring – WorkSource Washington
Essential Workforce Openings (Health care, Grocery, etc.)
King County Jobs
Snohomish County Jobs

WA State Department of Commerce: COVID-19: Insurance For Businesses and Events

Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) Business Resiliency Toolkit
Disaster planning information, guide, and emergency procedures workbook.

Covid-19 Legal Clinic For Small Businesses & Non-Profits – Communities Rise
Virtual clinic helps small businesses and nonprofits connect with a lawyer to navigate the legal issues they are experiencing due to Covid-19.

Webinar: COVID-19 Business Impact Webinar
Originally hosted on 3/23/20. Learn what resources are available for you and your business as we navigate how COVID-19 continues to impact our state and the economy. Speakers include: WA State Labor & Industries, U.S. Small Business Administration, WA State Dept. of Commerce, WA State Employment Security Dept., WA Small Business Development Center, UW School of Public Health.

Watch All Governor Jay Inslee Press Conferences re: COVID-19 Coverage

Governor Inslee Announces Washington’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan – A Safe Return To Public Life
Learn about the Governor’s 3 Overriding Goals.

Governor Inslee Issues Protections For High-Risk Workers
The proclamation provides older workers and those with underlying health conditions a series of rights and protections.

WA State List of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers
The Governor has designated “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” to help state, local, tribal, and industry partners as they work to protect communities, while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.

Bothell – Special Use Permits for Outdoor Dining
City of Bothell is temporarily permitting restaurants to conduct outdoor dining in approved parking lots and closed roads.

Grants for Bothell Small Businesses
Check for status of grant fund. Grants are being provided for emergency financial support through the Bothell CARES Small Business Grant for qualified small businesses negatively impacted by the mandatory closing of non-essential businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Indicators of Covid-19 Activity in King County
This dashboard provides a snapshot of several useful indicators, or measures, related to COVID-19 activity in our community and its impact on our health and our hospitals. The indicators help determine if current actions are adequate, need to be strengthened, or might be carefully relaxed.

Grants Available From Snohomish County For Small Businesses
Check to view status of grant program. Apply today to see if you qualify for up to $25,000 in grant funding for your small business located in Snohomish County.

King County & Seattle Public Health: Planning For A Coronavirus Pandemic
A Guide For Businesses & Organizations

County Health Officer Directs Residents To Use Face Coverings
Seattle & King County Health Department strongly urges face coverings in all indoor public places including grocery stores and other businesses, as well as outside settings where maintaining six feet of social distancing is difficult. This directive will go into effect May 18, 2020.

Public Health – Seattle & King County
Guidance for retail businesses and service operators to protect from the spread of COVID-19

Snohomish County Info For Business/Employers
An extensive list of resources and materials for employers and employees related to COVID-19.

Farmer’s Markets – Snohomish County Information For Markets & Vendors
Operational requirements, checklists and more.

City of Kenmore Announces Local Face Covering Directive
All persons and commercial establishments within Kenmore’s boundaries are asked to comply with the Public Health Seattle & King County Directive to wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth in most public settings.

Business Rent Reduction Request Template Letter (Open in WORD for editing)
Courtesy of Business Australia

Puget Sound Energy Announces Relief Measures 

Washington HealthPlanfinder
The state’s health insurance exchange has opened a special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are or become uninsured.

Chamber Member’s Pay-It-Forward Campaign To Support Our Local Businesses
Although many of our members are experiencing financial hardship, others are asking how they can help. To service this request for kindness, we have created a way to “Pay it Forward” with a donation towards another member’s Chamber dues.

Workforce Education Opportunities
Get trained to go to work, find a new career, or advance your skills.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to help small businesses keep workers employed during the pandemic and economic downturn. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. Here are some resources to assist you with the program…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.  Learn more here

SBA Releases Instructions To Calculate & Apply For PPP Loan Forgiveness
Includes Forgiveness Application Form and instructions on how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the CARES act.

Small Business Guide to the CARES Act
Complete Information & Links by U.S. Senate Commitee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship

Families First Coronavirus Response Act
FFCRA helps workplaces by reimbursing American private employers that have fewer than 500 employees with tax credits for the cost of providing employees with paid leave taken for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

Paycheck Protection Plan

Webinar: Loan Forgiveness – What Every Business Should Know About PPP Loan Forgiveness
Hear from a panel of speakers about how business owners can set themselves up to best utilize their PPP funds – including tips and tricks to navigating this new program and best positioning your business.

Quick Answers & Preparation List re: Paycheck Protection Program
Infographic Worksheet by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

SBA – Small Business Administration / EIDL

Webinar: SBA Loans & Grants Available Under the New CARES ACT
Join representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as they review the new funding opportunities available including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans, the SBA Debt Relief and Express Bridge Loans, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Emergency Economic Injury Grants.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Relief Options & Funding Programs – U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to provide assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program to businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury in an eligible disaster area.

SCORE Coronavirus Small Business Resource Center – A mentorship & counseling division of the SBA
A central hub of up-to-date information and best practices for small business resilience at this time. The completely free resource center includes financial support resources, live and on-demand educational content and access to remote mentoring.

COVID-19 SBA Disaster Loans
Distributed by: Office of Congressman Rick Larsen

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Coronavirus Small Business Guide & Resources – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Workplace Tips for Employees
General workplace health and safety information.

Centers For Disease Control

CDC Guidance for Businesses
Recommended strategies for employers to use now, response plans and more.

Note: Most relief grants have open enrollment and application deadline periods. Many also offer rounds 2 and 3 of grants so we have left the links below available for you to review and check for availability. These sites also offer other resources that may be of assistance to you. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these organizations and their services.

City of Lynnwood Small Business Relief Grants
Check status of grant fund. Funds for eligible businesses may be used for existing operating expenses, including business rent or mortgage, payroll, utilities, inventory, marketing, and improvements to meet social distancing requirements.

Local Marketing Grant Program
Check the status of grant fund. Sound Publishing is offering grants for digital display and print ads to qualifying businesses.

Workforce Education Grants
Students enrolled in a professional/technical program may be eligible for these grants.

Facebook Small Business Grants
Facebook is offering Small Business Grants to qualifying businesses located in King County.

ArtsWA Grants
ArtsWA grants support the work of arts organizations across Washington State.

The Plate Fund
Food Service Workers that LIVE in King County
Apply for financial assistance from The Plate Fund. Donations are also needed to add to this fund.

Non-Profit Relief Funds
Learn about the relief efforts and additional federal policies to provide resources for nonprofits and the communities they serve.

GreenRope Offers Free CRM Programs For Qualifying Non-Profits
Customer relationships are key in business and especially during this unusual time.

Cultural Relief Fund
Grant funds for cultural workers who have suffered financial hardship from the COVID-19 outbreak or have an innovative idea that shows promise in supporting other King County residents may be available to you or your organization.

Google Ad Grants & Free Resources For Non-Profits

Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
Grants of $500 will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis starting April 2 to those individuals who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, as reviewed and verified by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund
Open to independent restaurants with under 100 employees. Apply here for temporary relief funds up to $15,000.

World Health Organization – Getting Your Workplace Ready for COVID-19

Now is the time to review your workplace policies regarding leave, working remotely, wage and hour, and so forth. Chamber Member HR Kinections’ Mia Wyatt is ready to assist you.

Quick Information re: CARES, Unemployment, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Payroll Protection Program
Slides from HR Kinections’ presentation at Chamber General Meeting on April 23.

Preparing Your Business For COVID-19

If working remotely is in your plans then consider these resources and Chamber Members for assistance:

CMIT Solutions of Bothell, Lynnwood, and Seattle North

Greenlight Techs, LLC

15+ Tools & Resources For Working Remotely

Support Our Restaurants! Rally behind these local restaurant, bakeries, wineries & breweries!
Here is a list with links to all our chamber members in the food and drink industry. You’ll also find a list of different ways you can support these businesses.

Local Libraries Offer Online Resources For Professionals, Students and Families
Learn about the many FREE resources available ie. movies, magazines, audio books and so much more from King and Snohomish County libraries, and how to get a quick library card!

Video: Make A Mask In 45 Seconds
Slow the spread folks! Learn how to make a mask with household items in just 45 seconds from the U.S. Surgeon General. CDC is recommending face masks for everyone when out in public.

EvergreenHealth Patient Update – Coronavirus Information

HealthPoint – Coronavirus/COVID-19

Immediate Clinic MultiCare – Coronavirus Health Alert

Pacific Medical Centers – Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19

WA State Department of Health – 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)

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