Content to Publish During COVID-19

Mechanic Web Services Web works with several large companies that are facing the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The messages published by these companies all have content related to safety, health and procedures to follow. As the owner of an Auto Centre or Auto Parts Store, you should apply exactly the same approach to diversify and maintain your communications platforms, even if you don’t have the same resources that large companies do. 

We decided to share some ideas with you about the topic. Feel free to leave your comments and personal experiences on the Mechanic Web Services Facebook page.

Agility and Reaction Time

Agility is prized by the entire business community and is a big asset. To be agile, you need to have control over all the departments of your business and be able to react quickly. As far as communications is concerned, a spontaneous and sincere message goes a long way. An example? Let us say that, to properly respect social distancing, a customer comes to your counter with a hockey stick and uses it as a pole to give you their car keys. Why not use your mobile device to take a photo, then share it on your Facebook business page and add a brief comment on what a great idea this is? In the same post, congratulate your client and show your appreciation. Do you see how agility works?

Promote Solidarity

Your Auto Centre or Auto Parts Store is managed and operated by humans. Your employees and you, as the owner, probably have different interests and views on more than one subject during normal times. On the other hand, you are certainly united in the COVID-19 crisis that we are all presently living through. To highlight this, don’t hesitate to share with your team about internal, local, national or other initiatives that are important to you or that effect you. As a personal example, I wouldn’t discuss with my team members about public demonstrations on the right to own automatic rifles in several major American cities, because it’s against my values.On the other hand, I am really impressed by the actions that former Canadiens hockey player Enrico Ciccone has taken to help and raise awareness in Quebec during the pandemic (https://montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/leading-by-example-mna-ex-nhler-ciccone-on-front-line-helping-seniors/). His message is very unifying, conveys positive values and puts the spotlight on the exceptional work of human resources. In this case, I can share my solidarity without fear of creating a debate within my team.

Support Current and Potential Customers

It’s in the best interest of your Auto Centre or Auto Parts Store to share on your social networks the good deeds of your current customers and the unifying messages and concrete actions of your future customers. We suggest you comment on the pages of your present and future clients directly. Be empathetic and forget about business, just focus on showing your support. It’s the most human way to be part of a community on the web.

Finally, I would like to go back to a subject that is important to me: values. I realize that anything you do on social media entails a risk of starting a controversy. However, if you act according to your personal values and those that you convey within your company, it will be much easier for you to justify your actions and sleep well at night!

Patrick Gagnon

President, Mechanic Web Services