9 Companies Who Revised Their Offerings to Survive or Thrive in this Pandemic

Without a doubt, this crisis has brought difficult times for everyone. Many brick and mortar businesses have closed up shop because they were deemed “non essential” and countless other companies have put everything on pause because the demand for their product or service dried up.

Whatever the challenge your company may be going through right now, we understand and feel your pain. But at the same time we encourage you to be strong and to fight this out. We challenge you to follow the example of many other businesses who have had similar struggles but refused to give up or stand idle. Instead of letting these new obstacles hold them down, they’ve come up with new and creative ways to continue business whether it may be the launch of a new product or finding a way to serve the community.

Here are 9 companies and organizations and their survive or thrive stories to help inspire you to follow their example:

(1) Uber

With the demand for people transportation plummeting by 70% in some cities, Uber has pivoted from rideshare to expanding its delivery service in 2 different directions: Uber Direct & Uber Connect. 

Uber Direct was launched on April 20th and takes Uber Eats to the next level by adding not just grocery and convenience store delivery, but also retail and manufacturer delivery.

Uber Connect was also launched on the 20th to help keep families and friends connected through the delivery of care packages, household supplies, toys and games. This service is now being piloted in over 25 select cities in Mexico, Australia, and the US.

This same-day delivery service is conducted by no-contact means to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Simply package your item, tell your driver “Where to” in the Uber rideshare app, swipe up and choose Uber Connect as the ride option. 

(2) Guerrilla Tacos

This Los Angeles-based food truck turned restaurant had to close their doors to the public, but quickly pivoted to invent a whole line of emergency food and beverage kits that can be obtained by “no contact” pickup.

One of their best sellers is the Emergency Taco Kit, where you not only get 60 ready-to-eat tacos, but they also throw in some other random necessities like 30 eggs and 1 roll of toilet paper, which is in very high demand at the moment.

Talk about a creative way to bundle your product!

(3) Frey Ranch

Frey Ranch is a distillery in Nevada. In mid March they were approached by their local hospital wondering if they were currently producing hand sanitizer. Since then, the ranch has expedited production to meet the needs of the entire community and have fully dedicated the work of several employees to create this new product.

Many distilleries across the country have switched gears or added hand sanitizer to their production in an effort to keep their teams employed and to do their part in fighting COVID-19.

(4) Podiatry Associates

This Maryland-based foot doctor practice is a great example of how the medical industry has pivoted in order to keep serving their patients, especially those who rely on them for ongoing care.

Podiatry Associates is providing the following medical services by means of telemedicine:

• New patient consultations
• Appointments for patients with an existing or established problem
• Postoperative follow-ups
• Lab order or prescription requests 

By means of a secure audio video connection using Zoom or the latest approved telehealth platform, they are continuing to provide medical support to patients while still protecting sensitive health information through HIPPA compliance.

(5) Markforged

In Massachusetts, this 3D Printing company is manufacturing nasal swabs for COVID-19 testing.

They have also already manufactured over 3200 face shields in order to help prevent the spread of the virus and even publicized instructions how anyone with a Markforged 3D printer can do their part and print these masks as well.

(6) Mailchimp

Mailchimp’s mission has been to support small businesses with getting established online during the pandemic. Until May 31st, they are offering free domain registration for 5 years and access to their free website builder.

They know that their current generosity will come back in large returns down the road thanks to this new offering.

(7) Encompass Recovery

This California organization works with adults and teens who are depressed or need mental support. In response to the outbreak of the pandemic, they launched their first ever teletherapy service where you can meet virtually from anywhere in the US with a licensed therapist.

This type of service is sorely needed especially with all the additional stress from tight finances, job uncertainty, health concerns, or just from being cooped up too long with your family. 

They are currently offering a complimentary assessment and 50% off the first session.

(8) YMCA

You don’t get any more “brick and mortar” than this organization. Everyone knows how old school they are since they were founded on the principle of providing refuge to young men who needed help and a place to stay. Today, we know them as local community centers that are particularly focused on providing resources for physical activity.

But in these less than normal times, the YMCA has made an extra effort to serve the community online through virtual workout classes, especially by their location in Roanoke, VA.

In addition, they have over 600 locations nationwide that are providing healthy meals as a relief service to suffering families.

(9) Alfred

Afred is a brick and mortar coffee chain in the US and Japan. Upon having to close all their locations, the company launched its new coffee subscription product as a gift that you can purchase to cheer up a friend or loved one.

They’ve also released tutorials on social media educating their followers like how to still make your own cold brew from the comfort of your home. 

Summary & Resources

These stories are just a handful of examples of how companies and organizations around the world are pivoting their product or service in order to serve others as well as continue to support their teams and partners.

We challenge you to follow their lead on how to be flexible during uncertain times, but also to find the opportunity for creativity and growth amidst the fear and frustration. How can you move all or part of your service offerings online? How can you revamp your service so that it’s appealing to today’s “locked down” economy? What type of education can you provide to others through articles, videos, courses, or social media posts?

Wexler has compiled numerous free resources as a way to support you during this pandemic. We hope that you find them useful and insightful. Here are several to get you started:

Free Resources:

• 11 Ways to Get Business Financial Help During COVID-19
• 7 Marketing Predictions for a Post-Coronavirus World
• 5 Best Software Tools to Keep Your Remote Team Productive During COVID-19
• The Complete Target Market Quiz Cards
• How to Pivot Your Unique Selling Proposition During a Pandemic
• 7 Proven Steps: How to Write SEO Blog Posts that Drive Traffic
• The 8 Step Website SEO Audit