There are some crazy things going on in the world. It is so easy to watch the news and feel panicked, uncertain and worried. At Q+M, we’re closing our Ann Arbor office and asking all our employees to work at home. We aren’t at risk; what we’re hoping to do is reduce the chances of contributing to any spread that might affect others.
Any time I leave Traverse City, people are surprised. They’ll actually call me to make sure everything is okay. I love my hometown. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. I don’t go on vacation. Why? Because millions of people around the world come here because it’s such a special place.
The current health concerns swirling around have already resulted in closed schools, canceled events, and a hesitancy for folks to leave the house. Many of my clients are thinking of creative ways to balance keeping their doors open with ensuring the health and safety of their customers. I am always so impressed with the brainpower and consideration of the small business owners I work with every single day. Together, we’ve put together a few ideas that might make you feel more confident in supporting local businesses right now, even if you’re concerned about Covid-19.
- Get It Delivered. So many local restaurants and coffee shops offer food delivery. Take a second to download a food delivery app or two to see what places are available. Got a favorite spot? Check their website, social media accounts, or even call (you know, like 1997) to see if they have accounts set-up with GrubHub or DoorDash.
- Order Ahead. Even if your favorite restaurants don’t do delivery, they’ll almost certainly let you grab’n’go. Through delivery or picking up your food, you’re limiting the time you’re exposed to crowds and taking control things like washing and disinfecting your hands and using your own utensils, or those safely packaged.
- Buy Those Gift Cards. Splash some cash now on a gift card to use later. Got a friend you’ve been socially distancing from? Make their day with a gift card for lunch or coffee once all this is over.
- Give Local A Chance. Before you pull the trigger on Amazon, try a local business first. Consider calling your local hardware store, your local grocery store, or anyone with real, flesh-and-blood employees in your neck of the woods. Even if they don’t have it, they can get it, and they may get it just as quickly as Bezos.
- Small Libraries Are Huge Right Now. Supporting local businesses is good. Supporting your neighbors, that’s awesome. Many libraries are now closed, which was when I realized things were getting scary. Not to worry; small “Little Libraries” are now the norm in many neighborhoods, and you’d be surprised how many great books are out there. Pick a few books to contribute, and maybe post up on social media about what you’ve contributed to the stash!
We’re all wondering what’s going to happen next. The best thing about this situation is that what happens today, tomorrow, and in the weeks ahead is up to us. Make the decision to be safe, to be positive, and to take care of each other. The future is whatever we make it; let’s make it better.