We all have a lot on our plates right now. Prioritizing can be difficult with so many things to do. One thing that stays the same no matter what is going on around us is that customers always come first. Following are a few tips to help build customer relationships during the pandemic. Many of these apply regardless of the business climate.

Don't say or do anything that adds to the stress customers may already be feeling.

Avoid discussing rumors, especially about competitors. This only serves to diminish your business and credibility in the long run.

If people ask, tell the truth about how the virus is affecting your business. People have ways of finding things out. However, don't go out of your way to speak negatively about your business.

Stay informed, but avoid political discussions. Not everyone has the same point of view, and bringing up your differences seldom benefits your business.

Try to understand your customers situation and show empathy.

Keep customers informed regarding your business. Use your website, newsletters or both to notify people of changing hours, product delays, availability, and anything your customers may be interested in knowing.

Always tell the truth, don't try to diminish or gloss over anything. Customers will respect the fact that you were straight forward with them.

Help where you can. Promote other businesses when possible. Pay vendors as quickly as possible. Work with customers who may be struggling. Whether we are sick of hearing it or not, we are all in this together.

Build relationships. Working with people when times are tough build the strongest bonds. People remember how you reacted when the chips were down.

Be flexible. Do whatever it takes to meet your customers needs.

Be creative. Add product lines, design new services, or develop new processes that help your customers succeed.

W. Clement Stone, a businessman, philanthropist and author once said:

"Every great man, every successful man, no matter what the field of endeavor, has known the magic that lies in these words: every adversity has the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit."
- W. Clement Stone

This reminds us that new growth can come from a down turn, opportunities spring from disasters, and adversity drives each of us to accomplish more.