If you own a business that has remained open through the pandemic and related economic falloff, first of all, congratulations. In the half year since COVID-19 emerged, nearly half of all businesses in the U.S. have closed at least temporarily, with nearly all closures due to the pandemic, according to a broad-based study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Among those businesses still operating, the study found, the median firm was on edge, with cash on hand to last roughly two weeks.

In trying times, communities must come together to survive. At Whisenhunt Communications, we are helping how we can: by offering free publicity to all new and returning clients who are reopening their businesses after a COVID-related closure.

We know that marketing is imperative, even and especially during downturns. We urge our clients to not only communicate online as much as possible, to be in touch virtually when you cannot literally, but to maintain some type of marketing plan, as well.

Staying connected with valued and potential customers and clients is at the heart of business maintenance – and never more than during times of strife.

At Whisenhunt, nothing matters more than doing a heartfelt, exceptional job of marketing our clients for as close to altruistic reasons as a for-profit business venture will allow. It’s a sound philosophy, espoused by many highly successful business leaders, including Google co-founder Larry Page, who advises, “Always deliver more than expected.”

Delivering more than expected is a mantra that’s built into our mission statement at WC. Here are a few more excellent quotes about marketing that we’d employ to simply define our business goals and, by association, our clients’ goals.

♦ “In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart. … Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, not an ad campaign.”
–– Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks

♦ “The best marketing strategy ever: CARE.”
–– Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia and best-selling author

♦ “Instead of using technology to automate processes, think about using technology to enhance human interaction.”*
–– Tony Zambito, founder of Buyer Personas
*This is especially meaningful at a time when actual human interaction is limited.|

♦ “Genuinely support people in ways you can. If you build great relationships and people get to like you for you, they will eventually promote what you do.”
–– Bernard Kelvin Clive, personal branding coach, corporate trainer and best-selling author

The bottom line in any successful endeavor is to keep things simple, kind and true. As Clive wisely noted in his 2015 Tedx Talk: “Move your idea to the next level: Be NICE!”

For information on our offer of free publicity to businesses reopening after a pandemic-related closure, email us at [email protected] or call or text 805-766-3225.