An open letter to CEOs
COVID-19 is not about you.
If another email drops in my inbox from a CEO who has taken the “very difficult decision” to close their doors for the sake of “staff and customer safety”, I’m going to scream.
Coronavirus is 2020’s ‘changes to our Privacy Policy.’
Hey CEOs, what are you actually doing?
As I shared in last week’s newsletter, some companies really are putting their money where their mouth is at this difficult time. Much like how the Queen has promised her and the Royal Family are “ready to play their part” in her recent statement, but is yet to open the doors to Sandringham for the NHS or part with any of her hard-earned cash to support the less vulnerable.
Not a day goes by without a new email from a company’s CEO drops in my inbox, usually entitled “A note about COVID-19” or something equally catchy. Some of these CEOs (or their PR depts) could get a job writing for Boris Johnson himself, as they are proficient in saying a lot of words and making very little sense at the same time.
Now is the time for real action. A number of food and drink chains have joined Pret in their mission to give free/discounted products to NHS workers, while Home Bargains has announced a £30m fund to support staff while they self-isolate. Footballer Gary Neville is another unexpected hero, as he and business partner Ryan Giggs will be closing their hotels to guests and opening them for use of the public healthcare system. Top lads.
Meanwhile, fellow bargain retailer Wilko is slashing sick pay for its 21,000 workers. And everybody’s favourite billionaire Richard Branson is nowhere to be seen after binning jobs, closing hotels and not offering the space for hospitals and providing measly sick pay to his staff during the crisis.
So many scumbags, so little time
From Mike Ashley insisting Sports Direct provides a ‘vital service’ to customers in need of giant mugs and Donnay socks to real-life Spitting Image puppet Tim Martin sacking off all Wetherspoons staff with zero pay… this crisis has polarised businesses.
What can we do?
Of course, we’re not all rolling in it like Branson, Martin and Ashley - but that’s not to say we there’s nothing we can do.
FREE FRIDAY is a growing initiative whereby freelancers and small businesses spare Fridays to deliver free services to those who need it most.
Fellow Duenna’s Women Ambassador and local business owner Lauren McWilliams of For You Photography is providing free branding and photography consultations. Another local business stepping up is NE1 Web Design, run by Michael James, who is helping bricks and mortar stores transition to online ordering so they can keep doing business.
As I mentioned last week, I’m actively supporting my favourite local businesses. I’m also hoping that once my own workload has settled down that I’ll be able to provide some free consultation services to businesses that aren’t quite sure how to market themselves in a tactful and sensitive manner.
All in all, if you’re a CEO: stop sending pointless emails and put your time and money where your mouth is.
If you’re a freelancer or small business: do whatever you can manage and look after yourself.
In the meantime, come and chat to me on Twitter before I climb the walls of my tiny home-office: @ContentByTheSea
Top post and I too have got sick and tired of being sick and tired of the CEO Covid-19 bandwagon. That said one or two of the tech companies have shared some great stuff and offers.