Small business success in 2020
This year has certainly tested us all in many ways. One thing that has been helping me to stay positive is watching the small businesses I know adapt to the circumstances in innovative and imaginative ways. I know how hard it is as a small business to adjust and adapt your offer, and seeing the way some businesses have been able to pivot and prosper against the odds has been nothing short of inspirational!
One example of this has been Yorkshire Psychotherapy (YP), a local business and client of mine that provide private therapy services. Before the pandemic hit therapy and counselling happened through face-to-face meetings but YP have changed the way they work and now offer the majority of their services online, using Zoom or Skype.
I caught up with Heather Howard-Thompson, the founder of YP and a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with over twenty years’ experience in the mental health sector, to find out how they have taken advantage of technology to help them weather the COVID-19 storm.
1. How have you adjusted your business since lockdown?
Like everyone, we had to adjust quickly in March and move our business online. No mean feat when I’d only used Zoom a couple of times before! We’ve also started looking at other areas to help without one-to-one sessions (such as online digital courses, podcasts and eBooks) as a way of generating revenue.
2. What has been the hardest thing about adjusting?
The hardest thing has been initially losing clients who didn’t want to have sessions online and developing our service to help people build confidence in trying a new way of conducting therapy. We also moved into new premises in January 2020 that we have not been able to use as we are not seeing people face to face.
3. Has anything surprised you?
How quickly people have adjusted to online sessions and how much our therapists are enjoying the flexibility of remote working. Also, how great Zoom is and using breakout rooms when running workshops is fab!
4. How have people / clients responded to your changes?
Initially sceptical. We have found that people are now much more receptive to online work and actually find it much more accessible. Not having to rush to appointments after work and being able to be in the comfort of your own home helps people feel more relaxed and prepared for sessions.
5. What top tips would you give to business owners who are thinking about making changes?
Not all businesses can adapt as easily as we have, but I’d suggest looking at the bigger picture of where you want your business to go and seeing if you can use new technology or ways of working to improve your business. It has been a great opportunity to complete courses in marketing and business development, so if you’re not sure what to do, find training that can help you see things from another perspective.
6. Have you learnt anything new about yourself or gained any new skills?
I’ve learned that in the face of adversity, good things can happen as well as bad. Being forced to look at my business and make changes has helped me pivot and change practices that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
7. how are you planning for the future?
I’m planning for our business to remain online for the foreseeable future and devising online digital courses to help those that don’t want to or can’t access therapy. As more and more services go online, opportunities arise to make positive changes for the future.
8. What do you love the most about your job?
I love helping people, seeing clients learn new skills to manage their mental health and improve. I also love a project, so the ability to try new things and develop areas in the business is exciting!
9. tea or coffee?
Coffee!! I tend to stick to decaf but I love a cheeky latte. In lockdown I bought a Nespresso machine to keep me going at home, I love it!
10. Favourite biscuit or chocolate bar?
I love a freddo! In fact we have designated freddo jar in the office!