My Back to Business Strategy

By Liam Armstrong - entrepreneur who is also the director/owner of Total Bristol.

Summarise how Covid-19 has affected your business? 

Covid has been a huge change to our business and we have had to do quick steps in changing our daily strategies - from information on our site, to social platforms and delivery to client. 

What has been your plan to continue?  

We stopped charges immediately to our clients directly affected by Covid-19 and we pushed different aspects and stories - such as our highest viewed recent article of DIY hair through Covid19. 

For us, this has been about taking the right steps to support our end users and has also helped our rankings behind the scenes for continued growth and success. 

How has business changed for you over the last few months? 

The business has changed massively, for us, all in a very positive way. At the moment we are not as focused on entertainment, we are helping businesses that can help other businesses come out of this pandemic stronger.  

As lockdown eases what measures have you put in place to get back to business? 

As lockdown eases I see a gap in the market of digital marketing and online media. We have never been just a platform to advertise on, we offer an experience and a relationship to help you and your business get great ROI and we intend to work hard in that area. 

This week, I've even appointed a new sales and business development manager to help me along the way. People think I’m crazy, but this is 100% the right time to be bringing people back into work and building upon our hard work to bring communities together. 

What has been the most challenging aspect of all of this? 

The biggest challenges for sure have been adapting to a new way of working. No longer am I meeting people face to face, but spending  a lot of time on video calls which is the next best thing. 

Changing the business output to keeping up with the daily news has also been a challenge, but I have a great team to help me along the way. 

What has been the most positive aspect? 

The positive aspect would be that through this whole process all that’s been on my mind is that I need another person. This has made me grow the team when most are doing the opposite. I believe we are poised for growth. 

Has it made you consider how you feel about other businesses/suppliers/customers/clients? 

I believe many people have stepped back whilst the pandemic has been in place, and have been invisible. This, I believe, has been the wrong strategy. 

What this time has shown me is that our team has the passion to helping our community in Bristol and beyond. 

How important is this phrase to you – ‘buy local, supply local’? 

It’s what we’re all about. We want to help local businesses hit their target audience from B2B to B2C and this is exactly what we’re achieving. It gives me great pleasure to be able to help local businesses achieve a better future by being more present and more visible. 

What are your top three tips for other business owners at this time? 

1. Plan now for the future 

2. Don’t leave the past hinder your future 

3. The sky is your limit if you allow it to be 

Your parting thought? 

My passion is business and seeing success of others. If you have or haven’t spoken to me before let’s get on a Zoom and discuss further. 

Future planning is more important now that every before so don’t sit on the fence and watch your competitors thrive ahead of you.  

Find out more by visiting the website at www.totalbristol.com