Construction Disruption Mitigation

Transcription

1 Construction Disruption Mitigation

2 It is inevitable. Somewhere, sometime, when you least want it, there will be construction near or right out in front of your store. Besides panic, what are you going to do? Better yet, what should you do?

3 Before the Construction

4 Get Involved in the Process V-DOT Project managers will work hard to complete the project on time with the least amount of disruption to your business. Be patient Communicate your concerns to the project manager, the County and the Chamber

5 Get Involved Early in the Project By the time the construction crew rolls up, the design decisions have been made Get involved early in the design phase Stay involved during the construction phase The Chamber often becomes the focal point to get people organized Identify a leader to represent the business community

6 How Do You Stay Informed? Attend the public meetings during the design phase Invite V-DOT representatives to discuss the project at business association meetings Share what you ve learned in newsletters, s, and ads to make the community more aware of what s ahead

7 Get To Know Them Learn the project manager s name and phone number and where the field office is located Establish a fine line of communication Create a friendly rapport with construction workers Identify a point person to collect questions and get answers to bring back. Have V-DOT send news releases and updates to this person

8 Reduce Traffic Inform customers and employees about changing traffic patterns Help your suppliers identify alternate routes to your store before the construction starts Suggest employees carpool Explore ways to schedule employees before and after construction

9 Inform the Public V-DOT may permit businesses to have directional signs in the construction zone Contact the project manager to make sure the sign you contemplate complies with V-DOT and county guidelines Insert maps in bags, post maps online, maps and use social media to keep your customers informed Let the public know you are open. Coop ads might be effective.

10 Be Visible Plan events prior to the construction to draw attention to the area Work with V-DOT Public Affairs Coordinator to plan groundbreaking activities Design a logo for use by all affected merchants during the construction period Use social media to alert your customers far in advance of the construction happening

11 Betty Hoge Seek Advice Director Central Virginia SBDC (434) One-on-One Counseling Customized Training

12 During the Construction

13 Get Found, Be Open! Give employees a script and tips to provide customers with information Extend business hours - before and after construction hours Offer free delivery to your customers who want to shop online Cross promote with stores not being affected by the construction

14 Spread the Word Ask local writers, bloggers or social media influencers for help. Swallow your pride and let the public know you are suffering Post frequent (more than you ever imagined) updates on Facebook and Twitter Give a bounceback offer to customers who shop during the construction redeemable after the project is completed

15 Give your customers a reason to shop Use prize drawings to attract customers Do something above and beyond what you normally do for your customers Offer an item on special for the roadwork season, hard hat special Create a members-only Facebook page focused on neighborhood events and promotions to draw customers to local events

16 Do Something Special Invite customers to use your back door if it is more convenient for them Develop a coupon book for the entire shopping area and make them available on several websites Mobilize social media followers by posting special offers for fans who share your updates Offer double or triples points for your loyalty program

17 Create a Buzz Plan special events such as trunk shows, vendor rep visits, special order events or have a local celebrity at your store Offer free monogramming or engraving Buy one get one half off promotion Have a private sale for your top 20% customers Be a positive influencer

18 Rethink your Business Reallocate your budget for the year Ratchet down expenses during the possible downturn in sales Reduce inventory levels Talk with your vendors, lenders and landlords about the difficulties you may face during this time Secure a good credit line before the construction starts

19 Restaurants Double or triple points for frequent dining programs Actively seek more catering jobs Consider a temporary food truck or delivery service Cook outside, attract attention Themed discount, WINE About it Wednesday Make friends with the construction workers

20 Betty Hoge Seek SeekAdvice Director Central Virginia SBDC (434) One-on-One Counseling Customized Training

21 After the Construction

22 Schedule a Grand Reopening Celebrate the project s completion! Acknowledge the hard work and support of all parties Schedule a Grand Finale - do a ribbon cutting

23 Have a Party! Target the customers you gave extra points to with your frequent shoppers program and bounceback coupons and invite them to come in and use them Have a party! TGIO! Thank Goodness It s Over! Get back to your normal, awesome routine

24 Betty Hoge Seek Advice Director Central Virginia SBDC (434) One-on-One Counseling