When being entrepreneurial becomes more of a necessity than an option due to social distancing.
As more cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being confirmed, social distancing has become the new buzz phrase. Employees have been placed on a “no-travel” policy, forcing many small businesses and companies to relegate their employees to work from home. Daycare and school closures in many states have also forced children all around the US to stay at home. Mayors are working frantically to do their part to stop the spread of the coronavirus, since leadership at the federal level is missing in action. Social spaces (bars, restaurants, and gyms) are closing with curfews or lockdowns implemented in an effort to enforce social distancing as coronavirus cases continue to increase. Retailers are temporarily closing or reducing store hours.
These are challenging times, as no one has a playbook for this. And according to the professionals, it will get worse before it gets better. However, this does not mean that you have to accept impending doom or defeat. So here’s a 3 step plan!
Positive reframing
Social distancing has created a need to cancel everything, leaving many and several industries experiencing unprecedented financial hardship. So first things first, remember happy people don’t have the best of everything. They simply just make the best of what they have, so take a deep breath and do not stress.
You are a powerful being and your mind can manifest powerful things. Have some conviction in knowing you will come out of this economic crisis in good shape. So to get yourself in the right headspace to continue to thrive and make money, download the Headspace app and show your mind some love. Focus on your health, your family, accept what can’t be right now, and start seeing the opportunity in what can be.
Adapt don’t revert
There is always an opportunity to put yourself in a better position. Yes, even in difficult times. However, you can’t find the opportunity if you are freaking out, so take a deep breath. How you respond and adjust will demonstrate your resilience and determine your sustainability. Look at your world as it is now, reevaluate your options to weather the long haul. And don’t forget to pivot where necessary.
If your new reality is working from home, by now you have likely come to the realization that working from home is not as simple as it may seem. You will find the way you communicate, your structure, and your workspace is different; and you will often find that you may have trouble staying productive. But what you want to do is mirror a workplace setting. If you need to be at your desk for 9:00 AM, don’t wake up at 8:50 AM. It is important for you to create a professional and dedicated work environment to get you mentally prepared so you can be as productive as possible — in order to meet your goals.
If you are looking for a workstation that’s a bit more innovative. I want to introduce you to The Edge Desk, an all-in-one kneeling desk and chair solution that goes beyond the traditional desks and chairs. This workspace solution is an adjustable, ergonomic, and portable desk system that gives immediate benefits when you need to create a productive, focused workspace at home – or anywhere!
Reassess your digital strategy
Every recession and economic downturn creates financial opportunities for those who are looking for them. Now is the time to look for the financial opportunity by reassessing and focusing on what your career/business will look like during the #NewNorm. My biggest suggestion, learn what you can do digitally, as well as how to be productive and profitable with tools you already have.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is proving why it is absolutely important to have an online business strategy. So if you are an entrepreneur, a business owner or have a side-hustle, now is the time to really think hard about your online strategy and how to operate in this new reality.
Whether you are a brick-and-mortar or service provider (teacher, real estate agent, photographer, lawyer, accountant) you have skills and experience to thrive and survive this changing dynamic.
If you’d like to explore how I can help you make the shift to growing your business and brand online, schedule a complimentary Discovery Call.
