For this week: Resources!

2nd Apr 2020

Hello, my friends. It's April. LET'S DO THIS THING! :)

First of all, we are thinking of you, and hope you are safe and well.

In your own community, you are a voice for strength & health & resilience, so we are putting together resources you can use - Both the nitty-gritty (hello, cash flow!) and the mind-body-spirit side. My mantra -- Let us set our collective intention: We are resilient, and together we can weather this storm. (Thank you to Raven's Wing Magical Co for this!)

Deva Designs is Open

We're here for you. If there's anything we can do to help, let us know. We're open 9 -5pm M-F. To help, we're offering you: 10% off (code RESILIENT), Free Shipping on all orders within the U.S., No minimum, as always.

Call 1-800-799-8308 Email info@devadesignsjoy.com, Fax 1-888-411-5520, Online www.DevaDesignsJoy.com

Retail: What Are Your Resources?

We're seeing tons of creative ideas from retailers, to keep connections to your customers & your community, and to boost cash flow. Four big ideas:

1. Stay Connected to Your Customers

To your customers, you are part of the heart and soul of their community. Make sure you are staying connected. Your superfans think you are the bees-knees. Keep them updated & in the loop, so they feel connected to you.

That includes: Being as open for business as you are allowed to be, and can do safely. Can you do curb-side pickup? In-town delivery? Mail delivery? And be sure to communicate it -- Daily on your social media, and weekly on emails.

Why daily on social media? Because people don't necessarily see the things that are just in a 'pinned' post. Social media posts come & go daily, and you want people to see what you have to say.

***For some FREE content you can use in your own emails to stay connected with your customers, stay tuned for a separate email from us. We've got our copy-writer working for YOU, now!

2. Keep it Simple & Positive

Be clear, positive, and upbeat. For example: Instead of saying you're closed, say you are Open For Phone Orders. And give your phone number.

3. Just Do It, With The Technology You Have

You may not today have the fancy website you wish you had. You may not have a shopping cart on your website, at all. You may... not have a website at all? It's possible!

Okay, then, accept orders by phone and/or email. You can make this work - Consider paypal invoices, take cards over the phone, show product images on your social media, offer a free "personal shopper" service by telephone. We're seeing stores do lots of creative things.

Can you do virtual meet-ups for guided meditation, classes, coaching, & other groups via phone, skype, online?

What products can you feature, that will help your customers navigate their lives in this moment? Consider feel-good products, courage & strength items, gift certificates, kits or bundles on helpful themes, consumables (soaps, sage, florida water, candles).

You can give your star customers a way to support you. And they'll be even more excited to welcome you back, when you're ready to fully re-open.

4. Cash Flow -- Federal Relief

There are (at least) 2 key ways for business to receive relief -- SBA relief loans and/or $10,000 grants for fixed debts, accounts payable, payroll, etc (online), and the CARES Act, for payroll and more (through your local business bank.) A lot of the relief can pay for rent, utilities and payroll for employees among potential loss. Your local SBDC or Chamber of Commerce can connect you with more information and help you apply to the programs that fit your needs. Learn more:

Three Deep Breaths for Today

Here's this week's batch of mind-body-spirit resources:

1. The Desert in Bloom -- For me, the seasons are a reassuring cycle. In my neck of the woods, flowers are starting to come out after the winter rains. Down in Tucson, cactus are blooming. Check out this short 12-second capture of a gorgeous moment in time, plus bonus hummingbird, and in the background, the glorious song of the canyon wren. Love it!
Watch Here
2. Music! -- What 20-second hand-washing song are you using? If you pick a song that you LOVE, one that always makes you smile, it's an effective mood re-set. I like "Slow down..." for hands-washing, and Deborah at The Opened Book suggested some Bob Marley to share with you (link below). What songs are you listening to lately?
Listen Here
3. Compassion Meditation -- A lovely and calming 30-minute guided meditation from Heatherleigh at Boston Tea Room.
Listen Here



Thank you, again, for all you do to keep spirits strong and keep your community grounded and centered. When you have a sec, please do let us know how you're doing. I'd love to hear from you.

With many blessings to you and yours, and be safe and well,
Suzie, Micki, & Bob