Roksolana Pyrtko, the general manager of Roksolana shopping mall and Spartak sports and entertainment centre, and the generator of ideas for the Formula of Beauty sports and entertainment complex, has developed a strategy for not losing employees, customers and business during the quarantine. She told us about it Galnet.
"In a situation where we are forced to stay in quarantine, the most important task for business leaders is to keep the team together. Qualified employees are the greatest value. And this cannot be neglected. For example, we decided to keep the salaries of all our employees. I am convinced that a strong team united by an idea will survive any crisis. But the manager must convey to people that after the quarantine is over, they will need to work twice as hard to regain their market position," says Roksolana Pirtko.
The next step will be optimisation, says the manager.
"We have postponed all development projects, as well as repairs and additional costs, until 'better times'. Today, we are taking only the most necessary planned measures to keep the facilities operational. We have agreed with contractors and suppliers to reduce the list of their services and defer payments. We promptly wrote official letters of force majeure and refused to provide low-margin services. And like everyone else, we have tightened our belts and are in a standby mode," he explains. "An entrepreneur needs to talk about his or her problems in order not to lose all resources during this period! Communication is an integral part of entrepreneurial activity. Today, for the first time in the country's history, people are being banned from doing business. Moreover, people are being restricted in their movements. So, to put it mildly, everyone is in a difficult situation. Don't be afraid to write letters, make phone calls, explain, ask for an extension or make arrangements. It's free to ask. Don't be silent!"
Roksolana Pyrtko also gives advice on how to keep clients during the quarantine period.
"Today, everyone has to work remotely, so try to make an attractive offer for your service during the quarantine. Especially if you provide it offline. Do not hold on to the price to the last. It's better to earn a minimum but retain employees and pay utility bills than to go into the red with your head held high, hiding from everyone at home. "Quickly reformat to provide online services, arrange delivery, Skype consultations, so that your client is with you to the last," he says, "Don't leave for tomorrow what can be done today. There are always work tasks that you don't get around to: systematising document flow, cleaning the warehouse, updating presentations, everyone has their own. So it's time to finish and sort everything. When the quarantine is over, you will have new relevant tools, order and a fresh head. And most importantly, don't panic. This is the last but most important advice. I opened Roksolana shopping centre in October 2014. Do you remember how uncertain those times were? Political instability, war, crisis, devaluation... But I took the plunge and the project became a success. Whatever the situation, a leader must remain reasonable and have a plan that can be modernised to meet the challenges of the times, if necessary. So, think, analyse, work. And remember that you set the tone for your entire team."
