10 Things You Can Do In This Unexpected Time For Your Business And Each Other
We are living in a new normal due to Coronavirus, at least for the next few weeks to possible months, and it’s time to get creative in business.
You know one of my big talking points is about relationships and right now, communication is vital. We all might not be able to meet in-person, but we are still a community of people that need one another now more than ever. I compiled a simple list of 10 things you can do for your business and each other to stay strong.
Utilize the power of virtual teams. If you haven’t normally used virtual team members or dealt with people working remotely, this is an opportunity to jump in. Talk to your network and get all their best tips. I would suggest Slack for communication and Zoom for calls. These are some of the tools I use with my team.
Pick up the phone and call your fellow business owners. Ask them how they are coping with this, if they have any ideas for you and make sure you share your ideas with them. Don’t self isolate, stay in touch. It can get very lonely, very quickly when we try to handle everything on our own.
Call on your resources. This is a good time to check in with your attorney, your CPA, your coach, your vendors and ask them what you should be doing in preparation. If you are in one of these positions, help your clients.
Understand this is a shift in your business. Seize the opportunity if things get slower to educate yourself, keep learning, growing, try some podcasts, interesting Ted or TedX talks and yes, even relaxing. Start a new series on Netflix, Hulu, watch movies, take a bubble bath. When you relax, your mind clears and opens up to see and connect with opportunity! This might be a needed break for you to reconnect with your kids, your family, your friends. Wherever you are, be present! Even if you can’t be all in the same room, do some virtual get togethers.
Help others. This is the time to patronize our small businesses, places like restaurants and boutiques. Buying gift cards is a great option because it provides revenue to the places that cannot stay open. If a restaurant is delivering, order in lunch and help them stay in business during this time.
Practice patience and respect. The people working in supermarkets, gas stations and in retail are so busy right now. They cannot work at home and need our patience as we wait in long lines. They are doing the best they can. Remember the manners your parents taught you and say THANK YOU!
Stay grounded. It’s easy to feel panic and worry when things are so up in the air. Focus on your gratitude practices, mediate, exercise. Get outside in your backyard and breathe in the fresh air. The more centered you feel, the clearer your decision making process.
Don’t fret about immediate success, but rather long-term success. If you put a virtual team in place today, that could really help your business down the road. If you take a course now, it could really benefit you in the future.
Think about what you CAN do. The news is changing all the time and so are regulations. Make a simple list every day of what you CAN do and work through that, taking things day-by-day.
Have a conversation with the SSC Community and support one another. I am opening up a Zoom call today, March 17th - from 11 am EST - 12 pm EST to simply talk. Here is the link, pop in and out anytime. We can get on the call and share resources, ideas, ask questions, whatever feels the most helpful. I am here for all of you and will do anything I can to keep your business strong.