Friends,
In times like these, it is important to keep the lines of communication open. Communicating with clients about COVID-19 may not be easy, but it is important. Your clients and customers will appreciate hearing from you.
As a Forbes financial journalist Adrian Dearnell put it, “communicating your measures to help handle the crisis will help diffuse its impact at the community level. And keep in mind that this crisis, which will end and allow life to go on, is likely to be a game-changer in terms of what employees and customers want and expect from their leaders and from the companies they work for and patronize. Meanwhile, it’s important to keep the conversation going in as direct, timely, and honest a manner as possible.”
Board member Jim Mumford, Good Earth Plants, together with publicist and industry friend Gayle Falkenthal, who has worked with the Red Cross on disaster responses, composed the following message for Jim’s company. Jim’s sharing it with you to help you get started on your own company’s client message.
So demonstrate leadership by being safe and alert, smart and informed, and kind and supportive.
Be well,
The team at GPGB
SUBJECT LINE: Checking In With Our Plantscaping Clients
YOUR WELLBEING REMAINS OUR TOP PRIORITY
< Insert your company> is actively monitoring the current situation with Coronavirus. Every day brings new developments related to the virus, and we understand that uncertainly can be unsettling. Our hearts go out to those who have been impacted.
Please rest assured that our top priority is always the safety of our clients, our employees, and our partners.
Due to the nature of our business, we are especially sensitive to using the healthiest business practices like maintaining your plants without the use of toxic chemicals. We water, clean, fertilize, prune, and control pests. Like guests, we respect your environment whether in your office or your home.
In addition to our attention to cleanliness in your environment, every day our crews are taking additional measures. They are washing their hands more often, sanitizing any surfaces they touch, and minimizing unnecessary contact with clients and employees out of an abundance of caution.
We understand you may be asking employees to work offsite and preparing to close temporarily. We are watering your plants a bit more in case there is any temporary interruption in service.
We are considering temporarily offering plant maintenance on an alternative schedule outside regular business hours as an additional precaution. Contact us if you’d be interested in such a service adjustment.
We encourage you to remain positive but alert, and to refer to reliable sources of information from health professionals at the following links:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
We don’t say it enough and it should not take concerns like these to tell you: THANK YOU for being a valued client. We are optimistic and remain confident we will overcome any temporary effects on our day-to-day lives.
<Your name> and the team at <your company name>