In a video titled ‘Message from FASTSIGNS International CEO: We’re all in this Together’, Monson says: “I came across a Zig Ziglar quote and it totally touched my heart. It is ‘Expect the best. Prepare for the worst’. Capitalise on what’s to come. The single most important thing for any one of us is to get our mind in a place of positivity and a place of gratitude.”

As well as this, Monson advises her franchisees to use the extra time to work on their selves, their career and their health. To build on business during downtime, she advises writing personal notes to all key customers, reviewing financial statements to understand them better and responding to Google reviews to improve SEO (search engine optimisation).

Monson concludes: “If we’re expecting the best and we’re preparing for the worst, we’re going to be getting ready to capitalise on what comes. So, if you’re intentional during this time about growing your skills and getting ready for your business to rebound and making yourself a better leader, then you’re going to be better positioned when we do come out of this, to capitalise on what comes.”

As businesses and the whole economy are being hit hard by the current crisis, some businesses are finding opportunities to help others and remain in business.

One example is FASTSIGNS Norman and its owner Jeff Ahl, who is providing signage for other businesses that have been affected.

With Norman being the first area in Oklahoma to declare a state of emergency, the city’s bars, restaurants, and other ‘non-essential’ businesses were quickly closed.

FASTSIGNS Norman in Oklahoma is offering essential businesses custom-designed signage

In order to remain in business, Ahl thought of a way to help those in need and ensure he still had an income. To do this he has been providing customers with custom-designed signage to inform people that they are still in business and to let customers know of altered services or opening times for example.

Another way Ahl is staying in business is by producing signs for essential businesses such as hospitals and banks, which has put his store in the essential business category.

To ensure businesses can benefit from his designs, Ahl is also offering up to 50% discounts for companies that need signage due to coronavirus impacts.

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