Some people are struggling with the feeling of being paralyzed by the unknowns and a lack of clarity around how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and how long it could last. If you are agile, you can be ready for a variety of scenarios, including disruptions to budgets, plans, campaigns and strategy amid the crisis.

Here are a few high level questions every startup and small business need to ask in this difficult time:

• What is my burn rate and runway?
• How do my customers and target market act in this new environment?
• What does my new business model look like?
• Do I need to make plans that address a potential three-month, one-year, and a three-year problem?

Here are a few shorter term tactical things to consider:

• Look at your budgets for print and event marketing and consider shifting part of this spend to digital marketing
• Look for the opportunity for purpose led acts. Cause-oriented efforts can build brand equity and customer loyalty that lasts through the pandemic
• Look at the timing of product and campaign launches and determine how restrictions and opportunities may impact previous plans

Here are a few thoughts on leadership:

• Lead by example. Work from home, stay calm, show empathy, family first, wash your hands
• Overcommunicate. With most leaders not physically in front of employees and customers, frequent connection is even more important for reassurance
• Encourage the opportunity to thrive. Innovation and creativity can create growth, even in difficult times

It is important to know you are not alone, the startup community is here for you. We are too. We are all in this together.

Debbie is co-founder, chief of customer success at Buzzy Rocket and yellow lab lover. From LA to London, she is well known as an expert in creating that certain elusive magic that drives explosive growth at the intersection of companies, customers and mobile. She has proven strategic vision, and isn’t afraid to get in the trenches. In fact, she’s been doing this at companies big and small for 25+ years. Her background includes executive level positions at both public companies and startups where she has proven over and over again that her passion, drive and results oriented perspective get it done. She is tenacious, loves the game changer and loves to win.

Debbie is co-founder, chief of customer success at Buzzy Rocket and yellow lab lover. From LA to London, she is well known as an expert in creating that certain elusive magic that drives explosive growth at the intersection of companies, customers and mobile. She has proven strategic vision, and isn’t afraid to get in the trenches. In fact, she’s been doing this at companies big and small for 25+ years. Her background includes executive level positions at both public companies and startups where she has proven over and over again that her passion, drive and results oriented perspective get it done. She is tenacious, loves the game changer and loves to win.