5 Lessons from Caribbean StartUps & Brands Adapting To COVID-19

by Kelly-ann Bethel – Trinidadian Tech Entrepreneur & Coder

As we know, we are in a global crisis as the spread of Covid- 19 is causing havoc to public health systems globally. More than that measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus is predicted to trigger one of the worst global financial crises in the last 20 years.

Some of the world’s business giants are being affected even Amazon, and have suspended its operations until further notice. Affecting not only Amazon itself but the many FBA affiliates that earn a living selling through its platform. Many companies require staff to work from home, forcing companies to implement remote work policies overnight.

Large industries that are dependent on imports from China are now left without raw materials. Many small businesses are concerned about their survival over the next few months. However, what has been interesting to me is how some start-ups and nimble Caribbean brands have adapted quickly to build some leverage and adjust during this time of crisis.

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives can ALL learn lessons from some of these examples.

LESSON #1: Be Prepared for the Call   | MDLink ( Jamaica)

The Jamaican based telemedicine service MDlink runs an online platform that allows patients to see doctors online. Dr. Che Bowen and his team, however, are well-positioned to take advantage of the increasing demand due to the Covid19 outbreak. In business, you never know when our time may come to capitalize on an opportunity. As business owners, it is important to be prepared anyway. MDLink shows us we should always have a plan and be prepared for unprecedented demand. MDLink was able to take advantage of this surge through onboarding more doctors quickly to their platform.

LESSON #2: Take Lead with your Personal Brand | Private Ryan

It’s no surprise that Caribbean people like to party. With a nationwide social distancing imposition and bans on bars and gatherings, many are left feeling isolated.

Popular Trinidadian DJ, Private Ryan who started building his brand “Soca Brainwash” distributing free mixtapes of soca music to his friends while studying abroad, has done it again. Private Ryan has started having daily Instagram live sessions creating a place for us to connect through social media. He even releases a special Quarantine edition mixtape.

For those who haven’t been tuned in, I suggest you check out Ryan’s page for your daily dose of vibes. And download Press Play, Quarantine edition on Soundcloud or Apple podcast.

LESSON #3 : Leap First and Ahead of Competition | Spry Training Live (Jamaica) 

After spending some time in Jamaica, I enjoyed working out at Spry’s facility. With gyms hitting a slump at this time, Jae Spry -the owner of Spry used the opportunity to launch an online work out service, Spry Live/Spry at Home . Last week I got up to a notification that Spry is now live on Instagram conducting a full morning workout. After this uncertain period has passed, Spry has positioned itself as the leader in the fitness industry. Although they may do this for free now many would have appreciated how they adapted quickly to facilitate at-home workouts.

By the end of the week, Spry completely adjusted, tested and launched an online platform for paying customers and delivered a FREE Spry Live Box, consisting of a kettlebell, body-fat scale, app, mini bands, 2ft rope, heart rate monitor and user manual. Now, that is performance!

Lesson #4: Reassure Customers | MyQuickplate (Jamaica)

As restaurants are being advised to implement curbside pick up and takeout the increase in demand for alternative food distribution channels is apparent. Food delivery is one such service, abroad services like Uber eats and Grub hub has seen an increase in demand.

Persons isolating may want to support local businesses by using these services however, fears around sanitization may still be a hindrance to purchase. Quick Plate a food delivery service in Kingston Jamaica, led by woman entrepreneur Monique Powell, quickly put out a statement assuring customers that they have proactively increased sanitation practices for the safety of its customers and drivers.

Quickplate also quickly expanded its fleet and added new restaurants to meet the rising demand for online ordering and food delivery.

LESSON # 4- Adapt to Changing Needs | Good Times Cocktail (Trinidad)

For those in self-isolation running out of their stock of alcohol to hold them over the next few weeks, the cocktail GTC has come to the rescue with its Quarantine Special. GTC set a direct hotline for products to be delivered directly to your house while isolating. If you are in Trinidad and need an extra dose of alcohol on those lonely nights, call the GTC hotline.

Adapt to Changing Needs | Recess (Trinidad)

Recess is an online platform that was launched to improve workplace mental wellness and productivity. As business owners and employees have increased anxiety and stress in these uncertain times, startups like Recess lead the way in focusing on society’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. With the overnight increase in work from home policies, remote management-focused goal setting, and emotional intelligence becomes increasingly important to manage productivity. The team behind Recess has been quietly working on the project. But, with the sudden changes from COVID-19, they have used this time to launch a landing page to determine companies and persons who would be interested in its service.

ALL entrepreneurs, HR managers, business owners are encouraged to visit their website to keep updated with them as they progress.

Lesson #5: Highlight What your Product can do for them now | Therapy (Jamaica)

Therapy gently reminded us that their products have exactly what we need to regenerate and build our immune system against any threat. I particularly like their subtle approach, without aggressive in your face sales tactics. With this strategy they allowed customers to fill in the blanks and do the promotion for them through word of mouth.

Theraphy on Instagram: