How to Improve Yourself in a Global Crisis from 7 Top Business Owners

I’ve seen a lot of businesses step up since the coronavirus and some that had no choice but to step aside or step down as a result of the financial crisis.

Are we in a recession? The US recession that we’re facing now has eclipsed the Great Recession of 2007 and is now the most significant financial crisis since the Great Depression.

With cutbacks and business closings across the board, this list is not necessarily comprised of companies who have capitalized during COVID-19 but have shown surprising dedication to their customers, employees, or both, as well as the general public during the world crisis.

1. 3M™ During the World Crisis

3M increased its output of M95 respirators, actually doubling their global output to a rate of over a billion respirators per year. They continue to ensure the highest health standards for their employees and work to make this possible.

2. Zara During the World Crisis

With a family member on the inner circle of this fast-fashion and highly popular retail chain, I have seen the highs and lows of this establishment. I don’t always agree with their business practices, but what I can say is that Zara really stepped up during COVID-19. Zara has continued to pay all managers their salaries while stores remain closed; as stores open up again, some adjustments will be made, but as a whole, Zara has stepped up for their workers to maintain profitable and healthy relationships.

Zara’s owner, Inditex founder Amancio Ortega Gaona, one of the world’s richest men, has offered Inditex’s vast space at Spain’s Zaragoza airport (more than 75%) to import essential medical goods during COVID-19, and has also converted factories to create medical supplies like masks and scrubs.

3. Louis Vuitton® During the World Crisis

Luxury brand Louis Vuitton, as well as Chanel and Burberry, have adjusted their supply chain to create non-surgical face masks for healthcare workers. Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854 and has more than 460 stores in worldwide operation.

4. Taylor Corporation™ During the World Crisis

Taylor Corporation provides global communications services, products, and technologies to recognized brands all over the world for industries that include automotive, health care, financial services, and retail. With more than 80 companies under their umbrella and over 40 years in business, they are solidified business veterans.

Taylor Corp. converted four of its manufacturing plants to make face masks and leveraged their international supply chain to create other personal protective items, delivering them to healthcare organizations and their employees.

5. Ford® Motor Company During the World Crisis

Car shopping may not be priority number one right now during the global pandemic. Instead, leading automotive companies Ford Motor Company and General Motors have converted some of their automotive manufacturing plants to developing hospital ventilators.

6. Starbucks® During the World Crisis

Starbucks increased mental health benefits to all US employees and eligible family members, offering 20 free online or in-person therapy sessions a year. With heightened feelings of loneliness and isolation under quarantine, symptoms of anxiety and depression have increased during COVID-19. Starbucks’ offer of free mental health could be a big help.

7. LinkedIn® During the World Crisis

LinkedIn is offering free learning courses adapted to our current world crisis and social distance guidelines. The courses discuss ways to stay in contact and stay connected with your customers while you stay at home, utilize remote work tools while you shelter in place, and work from home effectively while you self-isolate and combat this financial crisis!

Brookhollow can help you step up during COVID-19! Stay connected to your customers and employees with our affordable solutions.

Written by Brett Miller

Brett Miller is an experienced marketing and communications professional with over ten years in the industry. His unique multichannel marketing approach helps establish, maintain, and develop world-renowned businesses with revenue-driving strategies that exceed projections and create lifelong brand loyalty. His work is featured across several mediums, including radio, TV, web, and print. For more info, contact Brett Miller at bcmillercd@gmail.com.