Starting a Business During a Pandemic

By Alivia Duncan

The pandemic has drastically impacted the world as it has changed how people to function; however, it has also given people the time to explore entrepreneurship. From Youtube to TikTok, the media serve as a hub for creative ideas for entrepreneurs. With people working and going to school remotely, this could very much be the best time to start a business.

There are many things to be considered before starting a business. Understanding who the target audience is, what product is being sold, where is this happening, and why this being done are all components to building a strong foundation for a business.

One of the most important components can also be one of the hardest components to figure out: what is the product being sold? Throughout this pandemic, products like custom t-shirts, jewelry, dinner plates, and clothing lines have become popular focuses for small businesses. People are even using their abilities to create businesses that offer media services like social media management, content creation, and graphic design.

There are now applications and digital workshops that can provide assistance and answer questions about business management. Marketing is not as complicated as it once was. With social media, businesses can get as much exposure as they want with paid ads and collaborations. Fashion Nova is a popular clothing company that is seen on social media. Their products can be seen being worn by popular social media influencers and celebrities. This technique is used by small businesses, even in the AUC. Brands like S.O.E. and Fide use AUC students as ambassadors to showcase their products on various social media platforms, increasing their exposure and audience reach.

Platforms like Pinterest and YouTube serve as popular open-ended resources for small business owners. Finding new products to sell, understanding the best times to post, learning how to boost engagement, and even learning how to make graphics are just some of the topics that can be discovered using those resources.

Starting a business remotely may not be as hard as it seems. With a little research and a lot of dedication, anyone can start a business.