Unusual times call for unusual measures, and these times are about as unusual as they get.

You are no doubt already feeling the impact COVID-19 has had on your business and the promotional products industry as a whole. In many areas, “non-essential” businesses have been forced to close, not to mention the thousands of festivals, conferences and other events that have been cancelled or postponed.

On the other side of businesses that are struggling are those “essential” industries who are working overtime to support our communities and to keep us all as safe as possible. Expand your options by looking outside your normal sandbox to industries or markets you may not usually service — if not to see if they could use your products, then at least to see how you can help them. You may be surprised how far a little good will can go.

Companies Working From Home

• Promoting Team Spirit
  Many organizations are able to work from home and are trying to keep their teams connected through “company gear.”
• Virtual Meetings and Events
  Most meetings have moved online, so employees need to look the part even when in their living rooms.

Construction & Utility

• Building & Repair
  Not all job sites have been ordered to close and, in fact, with so many people now working at home many new construction and repair jobs are popping up.

Grocery

• Grocery and Convenience Stores
  Many people are now at home and cooking instead of going out to eat. Grocery stores are struggling to keep their shelves stocked and are now hiring in big numbers.
• Home Grocery Delivery
  Both grocery stores and independent food delivery companies have seen a spike in activity as most people are trying to stay at home.
• Food Processing Plants and Factories
  These factories need to increase their staff to support the change in the general public’s shopping habits.

Health Care

• Hospitals and Health Care Facilities
  This industry is still working hard and may even be hiring to fill the need for additional services.
• Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Centers
  Senior residents are a high-risk group and staffing should remain high to take care of them.
• Labs and Clinics
  These facilities will be in high demand as they are heavily involved in testing and screening.
• Medical Device Manufacturing
  Any company involved in creating or providing medical supplies will be busy.
• Emergency Service and Public Safety
  While many of us are at home, emergency workers and fire departments are still hard at work.
• Mental Health
  Therapists and wellness counselors are now holding virtual sessions with their patients.

Internet/Cable TV

• Home Internet/Cable
  More people at home means more Netflix and online activity. This means a spike in cable and internet installations and repair.

Janitorial

• Cleaning Services
  Any companies involved in cleaning buildings, offices or homes should be getting additional business.
• Logistics and Transportation
  Shippers and transportation companies are working overtime and even hiring to meet demand.

Restaurants

• Drive-Thru and Curbside Pickup
  While restaurants can’t serve food inside, they are offering pickup and drive-thru service.
• Food Delivery
  Restaurants are also utilizing food delivery services, like Grubhub or Uber Eats, to continue doing business.

Security

• Law Enforcement
  Those acting in a police and law enforcement capacity are busy keeping communities safe and secure.
• Security Guards and Staffing
  Companies still need to protect their assets, especially in time of crisis.
• Home Security/Monitoring/Alarm Systems
  More homeowners want to protect what they have in times of uncertainty, so they may be looking to hire more installers.
• Building Staff for Private Properties
  These properties are hiring more building staff to assist their residents.

Have you discovered any industries still doing business during this time of social distancing? Share your experience and join the conversation of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.