At the best of times, running a business is an uphill battle: a struggle to innovate ideas that put you ahead of the competition and turn a profit. In a post-COVID-19 world, however, those challenges have not only grown in scale but morphed into something unrecognizable. In this series, we talk to expat-entrepreneurs and find out what they’re doing to remain both successful in business, and happy at home.
The hospitality industry is in constant ebb and flow. But these last couple of months, hotels across the world have seen little to no business as countries closed their borders and imposed severe lockdown measures. Holidaymakers have had to turn to staycations in place of the all-important annual vacation abroad. It’s the stuff of nightmares for the likes of Christian Kronast, the General Manager at East Beijing, who saw the occupancy rate at East drop from 85% to 2% almost overnight. Kronast has had to put his motivational hat on to try and boost his team’s morale. He’s also done a lot of reflecting on how Beijing has changed from the cosmopolitan city he and his family so wanted to live in, to the city it is now in a post-COVID-19 world. But despite the challenges, he’s also found time to reconnect with the underrated joys of housework and the supreme joy of them all: time with one’s family.
How long has EAST been in operation?
EAST was established eight years ago.
How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this far East?
We have been living in Beijing since October 2019. Our aim was to live in the capital of China, a big, vibrant and exciting city. We have also previously lived in the Middle East.
EAST Beijing
What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?
Shock, sadness, and hope. A mixture of emotions, shall we say.
What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business in Beijing?
As this situation was new to almost everyone, we had no expectations, it was more important to ensure we stuck to any regulations which would help and support a quick and positive outcome.
What has been the reality for you and your family during the peak of the virus?
The family mostly stayed at home, calling friends and other families. I went to work daily to ensure our team was in good spirits and that the business was looked after. Socially it was and still is not as open and still rather restricted.
How, if at all, has your business been affected by the current situation?
We started the year off with one of the best starts since the hotel was opened. Then, the occupancy rate went from over 85 % down to 2%. The effect is tremendous and it will take a long time to recover financially.
What form of support have you received from the expat community here in Beijing for both your family’s and business’s wellbeing?
I received a lot of support from the team that I work with here. They are fantastic and always positive, which is fantastic given that in our team there are only two expats, including me.
FEAST at East Beijing
Do you believe the current situation will change the face of business in Beijing? If so, why and how? If not, then why?
People will be more cautious when going out and meeting in a crowd. So in general mass events might, in the future, be hosted in new and different ways. Home delivers will monopolize the market in all ways from simple shopping to food delivery to grocery delivery, which are currently all at their peak and will remain there for a while.
As the city returns to business as normal, what are some of the plans you have set in place for your business to ensure it is not adversely affected by such an unexpected situation in the future?
Well, during this special period, we have been utilizing social media more often to keep up with our clients. That not only helps us to keep our guests up to date on our operation news and promotions but also helps get us more followers by posting signature recipes and cooking tutorials. It’s our effort towards staying connected while social distancing.
Internally, we had several online training courses aimed at boosting our team’s morale and boosting our knowledge, to keep our brains busy and ready for when business returns to normal.
What has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?
If there’s anything I have learned, it is how important it is to have a great team and ensuring everyone’s spirits are high. If everyone makes certain concessions then the current global situation will be solved sooner rather than later. I am blessed to have the team that I do and I know that this situation could have been far worse. So I am thankful – very thankful to work with the people I am with.
As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in future?
House chores can be organized like a business!
Has the current situation deterred you from being part of the business landscape in Beijing or are you here to stay?
I love Beijing. The people I work with are amazing and when the weather is nice it is priceless. We are planning to stay here for a while. We are eager to see what the future holds.
What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?
I would say that at this particular moment, it is important to have a small community to share with and learn from, most especially when it comes to planning for the future. We are all much stronger when working together.
KEEP READING: International Flight Restrictions to Continue Until October
Photos: East Hotel, Swirehotel.com, booking.com
