1851

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a great deal of uncertainty across the globe. For countries experiencing mandatory lock down and quarantine guidelines, adjusting to life indoors with little outside contact can be tricky. For the thousands of businesses and companies that are operating in these countries, the uncertainty that comes with the quarantine is even more intense. With many businesses being forced to shutdown and stop operations, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/cnbc-coronavirus-job-losses-could-total-47-million-unemployment-rate-may-hit-32-fed-estimates-2712672#stories">unemployment rates have skyrocketed</a>, especially in the United States.&nbsp;With so much negativity surrounding businesses during these times, it can be difficult for entrepreneurs and business owners to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is crucial to remember that everyone is facing this issue together. According to Bryan Klein, founder and CEO of The MAX Challenge, the best way to face this obstacle is by approaching it with a sense of compassion.&nbsp;"A business that acts too much like a business will not be in business much longer,” said Klein. “Have compassion and show kindness to your customers and community."&nbsp;Being kind to customers and clients during these difficult times will strengthen relationships and build trust. However, while it’s crucial to remain empathic, it’s also important to reposition the business in wake of the current events.“Business will never be the same as we've known it before,” Paul Segreto, CEO of Franchise Foundry. “Moving forward will affirm entry into the relationship economy—one built upon mutual respect, loyalty and confidence. I'm a firm believer in this quote by Maya Angelou: ‘I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ Brands that pay more attention to delivering positively memorable experiences at all times will survive and thrive. Unfortunately, it'll cause a wider gap for those brands that don't pivot in this direction. The competitive edge will be how a brand makes customers (and clients) feel. It will be more personal and emotional but then again, what relationship isn't?”&nbsp;Moving forward, the businesses that are able to survive this crisis will be the compassionate ones that can pivot their business to serve their customers and community members. While changing a business model is no easy challenge, approaching situations from a place of kindness is always the easiest and most effective way to start.&nbsp;“This is the time to treat your customers like friends,” said Natalie Perkins, CEO of Bella Ballerina. “We are all connected—everyone just wants reassurance that they are doing the right thing and spending their money in the right place. This is the time to do right by everyone.”&nbsp;Business owners should start this pivot by asking themselves what they can do to relate to the humanity of their customers. When business owners discover how they can relate to customers on the most basic level, the rest of the pieces fall into place. Business or not, everyone one of us is facing this challenge, and the businesses that are seeing the most success are the ones that are able to practice compassion.

Balancing Business and Compassion During the Coronavirus Crisis

1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise spoke with industry experts to learn how to approach the challenges of the pandemic with empathy while maintaining the protocols of a business. 

balancing-business-and-compassion-during-the-coronavirus-crisis

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

crust-pizza-co-technology-nick-fontenot-cto

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Franchisee Spotlight with Billy and Anita Clark and Seniors Helping Seniors

Heart and Purpose: Couple Launch Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise in Northern Arizona

heart-and-purpose-couple-launch-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-in-northern-arizona

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

Balancing Business and Compassion During the Coronavirus Crisis

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS