On the Front Line for Business Owners- Guest Blog
Read our latest guest blog from Squamish Chamber director, Christine Campbell Owner Operator of C.Campbell Agency
Plan for recovery and even growth for the future now. #squamishchamber #wegetbizdone
The last couple months have shown us unprecedented times and all businesses have been affected one way or another by COVID-19. Squamish businesses included. They are either incredibly busy or have had to downsize or shut down. With the changes come extra responsibilities for business owners and they are seeking extra supports.
Christine Campbell of C Campbell Agency has been on the front line for business owners right from the beginning. The entire months of March and April were spent in triage calls, emails, and texts with clients; helping them assess their financial status in the new climate, listening to their challenges, feeling their pain, and offering them options during these very difficult times. Christine and her team continued to help businesses with their bookkeeping and Christine focussed her energy, expertise, and knowledge on the consulting end of her business. Clients are engaging Christine to help them survive the challenges and plan for the future and are realizing the benefits of investing in their businesses in this manner.
"As small business owners here in Squamish we have been facing some very unforeseen circumstances as a result of Covid-19. Christine and her team from C Campbell Agency have been incredibly honest and supportive through the whole process. She has helped us navigate and understand all our options to find the one best suited to us. The future is unwritten and we are excited for it. - Garett and Mara Halayko - Catapult Agency Inc"
Businesses need to stay updated and understand the funding available for themselves and their employees. There are many business supports available from Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan such as the TEWS (Temporary Emergency Wage Subsidy), CEWS (Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy), and CEBA (Canada Emergency Business Account) loans. Check out the C Campbell Agency Facebook page, where updates help keep business owners informed on the latest information made available as the COVID-19 precautions and resources constantly evolve. One new development is that on May 19, the Prime Minister announced expansion of support for workers and small businesses with this news release.
It’s important for businesses to let their clients know you are still there for them. There are simple measures that could be put in place right away, such as offering home delivery of products, moving staff to work from home, and setting up to take online orders. You need to keep customers engaged and connected, such as gyms posting online workouts people can do from home or restaurants posting how to make some favourite recipes. No matter what, let your clients know you are still there and offer tips or insight to help them manage.
Now is the time to see the bigger financial picture and plan for recovery and even growth for the future. Start making plans to reopen so that you have everything in place when the time is right. Understand your cash flow and be strategic about your business. Hire a bookkeeper or business financial consultant. As our economy and community reopens, be prepared to busier than ever while getting used to the new “normal”. Look at this as an opportunity to do things a little bit different, maybe a little bit better.
About Christine Campbell
C Campbell Agency is a bookkeeping and business financial consulting agency based in Squamish, headed by Christine Campbell and supported by a team of five. Christine brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from being the Chair of the Board of Directors for Squamish Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director of Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association, Board Member of Inside Edge Knowledge Association, Sponsorship Director of Test of Metal Inc., and Founder of Squamish Business Mentors Group. For more information on Christine Campbell’s consulting services and the C Campbell Agency, please visit their website.
Views and opinions expressed in guest blogs are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or advice of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce.
