It has been seven years Zaskia Mecca building Meccanism with her sister, Tasya Nurmedina. However, throughout building the business, Zaskia admitted that this was the first year she experienced Ramadan sales dropping drastically. The reason is none other than the pandemic crisis.

Yes, this crisis has had an even impact on all business sectors, including the fashion business. The decline in fashion sales was caused by people being more focused on fulfilling basic needs in facing the COVID-19 outbreak. What's more, since the implementation of the physical distancing policy, people don't travel much and just stay at home. Including for Eid this year, there are no gatherings, let alone going home. That's why people don't need new clothes.

With the existing facts, in order to ensure that the business remains alive, fashion entrepreneurs are starting to implement a number of new strategies. The goal, however, is no longer to increase turnover or achieve revenue targets, but to survive. Because never mind all that, currently entrepreneurs are struggling with how to fulfill their operations.

One of the dilemmas faced by fashion entrepreneurs is the difficulty of paying salaries and Holiday Allowances (THR) for their employees. General Chair of the Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association (Apindo), Hariyadi Sukamdani, said that a number of companies had even been forced to stop business since the end of March because they ran out of reserve funds. Meanwhile, income has not increased because sales are still stopped.

"Since March, they have had difficulty paying salaries because there is no cash flow. Because there is no money coming in and most companies don't have sufficient reserves, they also have difficulty paying THR," said Hariyadi.

Even though The government has asked employers to continue paying workers' THR, employers cannot immediately fulfill this request. Many entrepreneurs are trying to continue paying THR, but with adjustments to company finances. Some are paid in installments, some are postponed first.

Zaskia Mecca with the Meccanism brand also experienced the same thing. With sales dropping significantly, he was also worried that he would not be able to pay his employees in full. But finally he had a way to solve this problem.

"Frankly, everyone is not ready for a situation like now. However, I try to think positively like this: Allah has given us years with a good situation, but once there is a pandemic which will not necessarily be tested once in a hundred years, we will complain a lot," said Zaskia on QTalks online on IG Live Qasir some time ago.

Here are some steps taken by Zaskia Mecca in dealing with the pandemic crisis in her business, which you might be able to adapt for your business.

1. Don't Panic

"So I didn't immediately panic because sales were falling or immediately notify the employees of layoffs. Instead, I gathered the employees in a group, we discussed it together, this is the situation, you know..." said Zaskia

2. Transparent

Zaskia also explained that she asked her employees to work together to solve this problem with her. While continuing to give an honest explanation about the financial problems at hand, "I will explain this: If you sell for example 200 million, I can (keep) your salary, because that means operational (costs) are covered."

Zaskia hopes that this method can also be adapted by entrepreneurs who experience problems similar to hers. "Don't worry about yourself. Make them a team, invite them to discuss together. That's what I do in all my businesses," he said. Zaskia also added, "But transparency shouldn't just be when it's difficult, later if your business makes big profits you also have to be transparent. Invite employees to go on trips or give bonuses."

3. Embrace Employee

s

In order to continue to cover operational costs, including paying employees, Zaskia applies minimum targets to its employees. "I ask the finance team every day for information on how many sales each day. So the whole team knows, what the sales will be on the 2nd, and how many sales will be on the 10th. Thank God, two days ago (the target) was achieved. They can rest easy (they can get paid)," he explained. In this way, Zaskia believes, even if a salary cut is forced, employees will be able to understand and not be shocked.

Zaskia added that a crisis like this is a test for company leaders. "How a leader behaves and determines his priority scale is tested in times like this. Will he save himself and his personal finances, or will he prioritize the people who work for him."

4. Innovation

Apart from being transparent with employees, Zaskia also added that the recipe for a fashion business to continue running is of course to carry out several innovations. "We have to move quickly (looking at the market). What is the demand? For example, selling masks."

Then what if you are one of those people who has been laid off or even laid off? "For those who have been laid off, it's time for you to be creative. Immediately think about what you can do? My advice for now is to make online business possible. For example, have a shop at home, make basic food packages, sell on e-commerce. Look for opportunities. Because there are always opportunities," said Zaskia.

5. Caring and Sharing

Apart from that, Zaskia also suggested that at times like this we should care and share more, because there are so many people who are not as lucky as us who need help. "Remember, the Messenger of Allah said: The best people are those who bring the most benefits to other people. So don't forget to help people. In times of tightness like this, we have to help a lot of people. Give alms, starting with the people closest to you."

6. Positive Thinking

In the midst of repeated problems, Zaskia still sees a positive side emerging from the current crisis situation. "Positively, we will become more united and become more of a family. Because we have experienced walking together in difficult times."

Finally, Zaskia advised entrepreneurs to remain optimistic and remain grateful. "If the problem gets worse, hurry up and give alms, you will be calmer, God willing. Don't panic too much about the situation. Stay calm but always be alert," concluded Zaskia.

Well, entrepreneurs, I hope that the experience of Zaskia Mecca and the Meccanism brand can provide inspiration and lighten the burden that you may also be facing. Remember that entrepreneurs are born from resilience. So use that resilience once again to get through this pandemic crisis.