Barely a year ago, COVID-19 plunged our world into chaos. For some, it feels like a decade has passed – just ask any small business owner. In the past 12 months, more than half thought they would lose their company. But thanks to Coronavirus stimulus measures, only about 2% of small businesses nationwide have closed their doors.

However, that doesn’t mean these enterprises aren’t hurting. As of December 2020, a quarter of businesses had less than 13 days cash-on-hand. To be sure, it’s been a rough year.

But things are looking up. With vaccination efforts ramping up, infection rates are starting to dip. So this week, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper began loosening Coronavirus restrictions statewide.

Some Businesses Can Re-Open at 100% Capacity (with Restrictions)

As of March 23, the Governor signed an executive order relaxing COVID restrictions across the state. Per Executive Order No. 204, museums, personal care businesses (like hair salons), and general retail business can re-open at 100% capacity. Additionally, outdoor pools, fitness centers, and restaurant patios can resume full operations.

However, the pandemic isn’t entirely over for these enterprises. Measures mandating physical distancing and mask-wearing in indoor & outdoor public spaces remain in effect. So, they’ll still have to contend with the headache of dealing with anti-maskers.

Not every business will take advantage of relaxed restrictions, though. Like Elite Hair and Spa in Lumberton, other businesses are waiting until COVID numbers improve further before allowing 100% capacity. Shalina Texidor, an employee at Elite Hair and Spa, stated it was more important to ensure staff safety.

But despite the mixed reaction to the executive order, it’s a positive sign. State authorities have looked at infection and vaccine metrics, and in doing so, it appears they see the light at the end of the tunnel.     

Certain Operations (Like Restaurants) Still Face Capacity Restrictions

While many operations can now (mostly) resume business-as-usual, others remain burdened by significant capacity restrictions. As of March 23, venues where people gather in close quarters – like movie theaters, bars, and arenas – can open, but only at 50% capacity. Meanwhile, restaurants, gyms, indoor amusement parks, and indoor pools can operate at 75%.

For some, these differences may seem unfair. However, NC health authorities have based their decisions on evidence. Over the past year, contact tracing has revealed that viral spread is incredibly potent in places where physical distancing is impossible. While mask-wearing significantly reduces contagion, they are not foolproof.

Secondly, the updated capacity numbers are higher than they were before the executive order. Before March 23, restaurants could only operate at half capacity. Even worse, bars in North Carolina could only accommodate 30% of fire code. Furthermore, the indoor gathering limit has gone from 25 to 50, and the alcohol curfew has been lifted.

Nonetheless, things remain tough. The virus is still out there, and many North Carolinians have yet to get their vaccination. Because of this, some regulars might not return to their old haunts for months yet.

So, to protect their bottom line, many operators are seeking out private financing. If you plan on doing the same, check out this small business lender list NC.  No matter your situation, you’re likely to find a provider that can help you fill in your cash flow gaps.

North Carolina is Vaccinating at a Brisk Pace

If you’ve seen North Carolina’s latest COVID numbers, you might be questioning the wisdom of relaxing restrictions. As of this article’s writing, the Tar Heel State was reporting an average of 1,534 cases per day. That’s less than a quarter of daily cases during the second wave peak, but it’s far from zero cases per day.

However, things are different this time. Vaccines are finding their way into arms fast. As of March 28, more than 2.9 million North Carolinians – or 28.15% of the state – had gotten at least one dose. Add that to those who have recovered from COVID – with every passing day, it will get tougher for the virus to spread.

So, once you take these facts into account, loosening restrictions make sense. If current guidance on the real-world effectiveness of COVID vaccines is any guide, this is an evidence-based decision.

COVID-19 Variants Still Pose a Threat

However, there is a wildcard out there – the variant strains. In recent months, mutated COVID viruses have emerged in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil. These bugs are concerning for several reasons – most importantly, they are far more infectious than the original Coronavirus.

Secondly, they appear to affect younger adults more severely – a concerning turn of events, given their cavalier attitude towards COVID. And finally, it’s unclear whether these new mutations respond to the vaccines as readily as the original Coronavirus strains.

The first two features make the variants very concerning. So far, however, it appears the vaccines are suppressing their spread. For convincing evidence, you needn’t look further than the United Kingdom.

In January 2021, UK scientists reported the existence of B.1.1.7. This genetic mutation of COVID-19 made it far easier to spread, which explained exploding case numbers in the preceding weeks.

At the same time, the United Kingdom’s national vaccination program had just begun. With lockdown measures, new cases have sunk from a high of 60,000 per day in January 2021 to less than 4,000 now. Deaths have plummeted from 600 per day to around 60 per day. Not bad at all.

The Road to “Normal” Will be a Bumpy One

So far, it appears that current vaccines are doing well against COVID-19 and its variants. As vaccination rates increase, new infections and severe outcomes should continue to decline. However, as long as the virus is out there, the chances of a vaccine-beating mutation emerging remains possible.

If you are a business owner in NC, remain on guard. Create a contingency plan against further disruptions, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of surviving future COVID outbreaks.

As each year draws to a close, the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice comes knocking at the door. From captivating leaves to delicious pies, the fall season and all of its associated aspects bring a certain warmth, cheer, and comfort to the table. 

But if you are not prepared for the season, it can also carry a few challenges. This can lead you to face everyday issues such as grappling with setting up the right decor or striving to cook weather-appropriate recipes. 

To help you breeze through your preparations for the breathtaking season, here are 5 ways to get ready for fall. 

1. Get Some Firewood

Fall is most popularly known for the bright and pretty combination of seasonal scenery. But it also brings a certain chill to the air that signals the arrival of subsequent winter. This calls for some prudent practices that help protect yourself and your loved ones from the noticeable change in weather.

That is why getting some firewood is often the first step for those who live in considerably colder areas. If you fall under the same category, following this approach helps you stay warm and cozy. 

2. Plan Your Halloween

Fall also marks the celebration of Halloween, which stands out due to its fun and frolic vibe. By looking into costumes for women, men, and children, you can get a headstart on your Halloween preparation. 

You can also look into outdoor Halloween décor, which puts your home in the festive spirit. This makes sure that you are fully prepared for the first major holiday of the season. While you are at it, don’t forget to invest in some Halloween gifts or candy to share the trick-or-treat cheer with others.

3. Look Into Seasonal Décor

To make your home ready for fall, you should also make a few changes to your décor. Getting a knit throw for your couch, changing upholstery to seasonal colors, and putting seasonal décor around your home works wonders for your mood.

You can also go beyond visual changes and get some scented candles that are associated with fall. From cinnamon sticks to apple pies, the different aromas can instill significant warmth around your home during the season. This also encourages a sense of comfort within your household.

4. Prepare Your Home for the Weather

Apart from aesthetics, you should also pay attention to functional preparations for the season. This includes clearing your gutters, cleaning your chimney, and maintaining your furnace. Similar to your purchase of firewood, this aspect ensures your safety in the face of colder weather. 

Before winter arrives at full capacity, you should also look into any home repairs you had put off during the summer. This ensures that you can knock these tasks off your list before the weather grows more challenging. 

5. Stock Up on the Right Groceries

If there is one thing that fall is known for, it is the season’s penchant to put comfort food on the table. From delicious stews to flavorsome hot chocolate, this part of the year gives you plenty of opportunities to appreciate simple yet mouthwatering dishes in all their glory. 

To enjoy these offerings to the fullest, ensure to stock up on the right groceries. This allows you to make delectable dishes immediately and saves you from rushing to the store for every other ingredient. 

Final Thoughts

By following these tips, you can be ready to embrace the season and all the goodness that it brings with it. This ensures that you can make the most out of your time before you get busy with the holiday season during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As a real estate agent, it can be difficult to stand out against the competition in such a saturated market. 

Charlotte was recently named the 6th best large real estate market in the country in 2020, and if you’re a local real estate agent, you know the competition is fierce and plentiful. So how do you stand out amongst the crowd and advance your business when everyone seems to want a piece of the action?

Branding is one of the most important, yet seemingly elusive, elements of a successful real estate business. Good branding shows potential clients that you are professional, trustworthy, and experienced. Great branding communicates a unique message to clients that you are out to accomplish more than just house sales; that you understand your customer’s needs as much as you understand the housing market and you’re genuinely looking to make a difference in people’s lives.

If you’re looking to grow your Charlotte real estate agency and stand out from the crowd, let’s explore the importance of brand building as well as few creative ideas that will take your marketing strategy from good to great. 

1. Create A Slogan

What could be better than having a clear, effective logo for your real estate business? Creating a logo and a slogan! An iconic logo makes your brand memorable and helps you stand out against the competition. A slogan takes you one step further, cementing your brand and what you’re best known for in the customer’s mind. Stand out as one of the best Charlotte real estate agents by crafting a creative slogan to communicate your strengths and complement your business’s logo. 

2. Use Branded Promotional Items

Stand out against the competition and put your business in front of potential client’s eyes by investing in branded promotional items. Whenever your VIP clients use your branded items, you get free advertising and potential word-of-mouth recommendations! 

Promotional products can inform the buyer about your personality and what working with you would be like. For example, if you specialize in selling large homes with expansive outdoor spaces to play and entertain, you may give away promotional grilling tools, sunglasses, or frisbees. If you have a passion for travel and specialize in selling vacation property, you may choose branded drawstring backpacks, luggage tags, or passport holders to advertise what you do best. 

3. Reinforce Your Brand

You want to be sure that your brand’s logo and slogan are consistent across all platforms. For instance, social media handles, email headers, e-signatures, and website design and content should display your brand as uniform in goal and aesthetics. 

In order to further your unique vision and help those in the Charlotte community, your brand needs to appear consistent wherever your potential clients may lay eyes on it. When you’re consistent with your brand, you are consistent with your message and your business becomes more memorable and appears more trustworthy. 

4. Focus on What Sets You Apart

In order to brand yourself in a way that puts you ahead of the competition, focus on what sets you apart from others in Charlotte who are in the real estate game. Do you specialize in luxury property and exclusivity? Are you passionate about eco-friendly sustainable homes? Do you love finding properties in rural areas with lots of acreages? 

If you establish yourself as the expert in your niche and work your specialized skills into your personal branding, you will be sure to stand out in the crowd and attract customers who are a good fit for you and your business. 

In a city like Charlotte that is constantly growing and thriving, it can feel impossible to set yourself apart from other real estate agents. However, if you focus on your niche, reinforce your brand, and creatively utilize promotional products and slogans, you will be able to make a difference in your community while you continue to connect with clients and grow your real estate business.