What my broken dryer taught me about business life post Covid19.

My clothes dryer broke. It died a long, loud screaming death that resembled a vampire movie. It's had a long life. I can't complain. It's survived a couple of house moves, it's been a good member of the Grey family for many years. But it had one last purpose on this earth, before it moves onto dryer heaven, (or where-ever dead dryers go), it wanted to teach me a lesson about business.

So it's Easter, I'm at home and I've had a lovely time with my family. My immediate family, because as I write this we are still in the midst of Coronavirus life with #stayathome governing our lives.

My trusty clothes dryer has died.

Now, if this happened a few months ago, I would have cursed the same way I normally do when there is an unexpected family expense pop up, then hop in the car and go over to The Good Guys, Harvey Norman and probably JB Hi Fi. I'd probably have my husband with me who would be doing some online searching whilst I drive (I get car-sick if I try to read in a moving car). Then, my pre-Covid19 purchasing pattern would kick in. I'd find a reputable brand, choose a middle of the road price and after comparing a few across a few stores, we'd make a decision and purchase a new clothes dryer.

I'd feel good about my decision. 

I would have used my credit card that earns me some Qantas Frequent Flyer points, my husband would have compared many more than I looked at, and backed up my decision. We'd arrange delivery and head home. A couple of days later, the delivery would take place and I'd be back into my chore of clothes washing and drying. (In a family of 4, the clothes washing and drying is my chore).

But it's not a usual time. It's corona-time. 

And we're never going back to pre-corona time. Life as we know it has changed. Forever.

You see, I'm not an early adopter. I'm late to the party - often. My husband loves new technology, I don't. I don't have the latest phone. I don't shop on-line. OK, so I tried Woolies a few times, but that's about it. I still pick up the phone to order flowers. I go to the shop to buy clothes. I have never purchased clothes for myself on-line, ever.

I'm not afraid, I'm not dumb, I'm not that old (43 years), I'm just a creature of habit. 

Covid19 life just forced me to change this habit. The "way I buy stuff" habit.

Think about how many other late adopters are out there - just like me, now embracing the world of on-line. On-line research, on-line appointment making, on-line shopping. My daughter now has on-line dance lessons! 

The world has changed, forever. Whilst I believe dance lessons will eventually be a group face to face experience again, I don't believe purchasing will. 

The entire process (including thinking about the decision) took approx. 12 minutes. Compared to a 2-3 hour adventure, I just saved myself 2.5 hours and wondered why I hadn't done this earlier! 

I googled dryers, compared brands and prices, and came up with a short list. Do you know what was my deciding factor from the shortlist? Removing the old one. Yep. The supplier who made it is easy for me won my sale. 

So tomorrow I will take delivery of a new dryer, at the appropriate social distance. (They sent me an email with what to do to keep our family, and their staff, safe). And the supplier has made a sale. Not just one sale. I'm now much more likely to buy more stuff on-line. Did I mention I'm a creature of habit?

Have a think about my little dryer experience and your business. Are you getting a slice of this increased on-line activity? Are you catering for the late adopters like me? Even if you don't shift product, even if you offer a service, are you making it easy for your clients to do business with you? 

​What's the equivalent of the "take the old dryer away" for your business? I invite you to step up to the challenge and see what opportunities are out there for you and your business.

​This post has been written by
​Roxanne Grey
Partner
Grey and Grey