Maintaining a positive business attitude
There’s no dispute that over the past 4 weeks the world has changed beyond recognition. We know you don’t need us to spell it out for you, but we reckon we can all agree that Covid-19 has taken over our lives.
The natural fallout from this is that business has also changed. Many companies have lost customers overnight and had to shut their doors – while others are busier than ever.
In these crazy times it can seem as though all of the usual business rules go out of the window. This is, of course, true to some extent (working in your sweats anyone?), but it’s so important to maintain a focus.
While it can’t quite be “business as usual”, it’s essential that in order for the economy to tick along and then thrive when the worst is over, workers need to keep their nerve, keep as busy as they can and above all, keep a positive business attitude in these unprecedented times.
Over the next few days, we’ll be looking at three different groups within the business community and exploring how they can keep their focus.
Use this time to FOCUS.
Think short-term pain
for long-term gain.
As business owners ourselves, we get it. It’s tough. The empire you have spent years building seems to be grinding to a halt and, in the worst-case scenarios, vanished overnight.
However, don’t think that just because you’ve had to shut up shop you have to stop doing business. Be practical and take advantage of this time if you can. If you are always manic, snowed under, stacked out – now’s the time to take stock and focus on your business bucket list.
Never quite got around to updating your business plan? Need to revamp your website? Now is the time. Take time out to think, whether that means a few early morning jogs or some solo long walks. View your business with a fresh perspective and put plans in place to revamp the areas you are not happy with. If you have a business coach, have an additional session with them. You will both have the time now, so use it. Remember, this is short term pain for long term gain, and you can really use this to your advantage.
Think
Creatively.
Think about the ways your business can grow and adapt to this “new normal”. Fitness coaches across the nation are doing a roaring trade through online classes and wine boutiques are keeping the nation watered through home delivery services. Some subscription-based businesses are offering their services for free during this period. If you are hitting a wall for ideas, Zoom and Skype brainstorming sessions with your network are great for ideas.
Keep Engaging With
Your Customers.
Even if you are not trading at the moment, don’t go underground. Keep talking and keep sharing. The 80/20 rule is more important than ever before at this point – keep those business communications going and be mindful that 80% of your content needs to be customer centric with a focus on what you can do for them – many of whom are likely to be in exactly the same boat.
Remember that when we are out of the other side, the businesses who kept visible, helpful and stood strong are the ones who will be remembered.
Make New
Connections.
You never know what doors you will open. We’re talking both online and offline. Now is the time to follow up all those prospects that are sitting in a pile of business cards on your desk.
Go through LinkedIn. Naturally, start by tidying up your profile – update your picture, check you messaging and ensure your company line is correct. Next, check your connections. Mentally trawl though all of your customers, clients and suppliers and ensure you are connected with them AND following their business pages. Send a brief introductory message enquiring how they are.
Get on the phone. People have more time than ever to chat now – so go through that pile and call the guy you got on so well with at that conference last summer. It’s good to talk.
Evaluate your networking. We all know it works, but many of us are simply too busy to commit to it. Not anymore. Most of the bigger groups are now hosting sessions online, so it’s as good a time as any to go to “meetings” and have one-to ones from the comfort of your own home.
Seek Inspiration
From Others.
When business takes an unexpected downturn, it can feel like you are alone. Trust us – you are not. If you need a bit of a motivational pep talk, spend an afternoon watching some TedTalks, particularly from those who have lost it all and built it back up again.
Alternatively there are some great business gurus out there to help you through this such as Martin Robert Hall.
Martin is a leading authority in the field of performance psychology. He consults to top athletes, organisations and ambitious individuals helping them to consistently perform at the highest level.
