From Panic To Focus And Unity

Audio Podcast – From Panic To Focus And Unity

The current Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a number of local, national and global changes that we’ve not seen before.

In the business world, I have been moved by the stark panic and uncertainty many usually balanced individuals have been demonstrating.  It’s not to say that these are not unusual times.  It’s not to say that there is a concern around the uncertainty of how long this will go on for.  This will impact and is already impacting on business all over the country and probably the world.

However, if we are to ensure that we have something to come back to, we really will need to keep our wits about us.

Personally, I have been looking at how I can provide additional services to support my customers.  I already use online portals for my coaching, consultancy and training services. For many businesses, this may be something new.  For others, particularly those in industries where you have things like restaurants, clubs, etc., it may difficult to see how other options might be viable for them.

Someone shared a Napoleon Hill quote on one of my WhatsApp groups recently and I think it’s perfect.

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.   Napoleon Hill.

Thanks, Cherie Concannon for sharing.

The problem is that when we are run by fear and panic, we are not a position to be creative, objective, able to see the opportunity or willing to take the necessary risks. It is hard, but it shows those people who have and are learning self-control and those who may not have realised before just how important self-development and self-management is.

Self-management is something that needs to be a continuous part of our personal development to becoming mature human beings. And it is only through learning how to handle the difficult situations that may present themselves in our lives and those of others around us that this muscle is grown and strengthened.

How Can You Make the Best of This Time?

This situation has forced all of us to look at our lives and businesses differently.  It’s not going to be business as usual and its not clear when or if we’ll get back to that.

The UK Government has decided on a strategy to try to keep the country ticking over by trying to protect the vulnerable, reduce pressure on the NHS and allow the coronavirus to take its course on the healthier part of the population

This is a great time to consider how you can extend the services you offer or create a different approach. Here are some examples. I know these may not work for everyone or in every situation, but they may just help you begin the process of thinking differently.

• A local restaurant (Chutney Ivy) decided to start providing a delivery service to its customers, as the government has advised us not to visit restaurants. The food at this restaurant is delicious and their customers will appreciate being able to get it easily.  This is a new service for this establishment.  They may not have considered it before or not seen it as necessary before, but they’ve created a way to stay in touch with their customers and to continue to provide their service and excellent product.
• Another business networking organisation (KuKu Connect) decided to run daily bulletins with helpful tips, member shout outs, news and other information to keep their members connected and informed.
• I’ve moved my private coaching groups to online instead of face to face for the time being. Members still get to share, interact and receive the coaching and training services they are paying for.  In addition, we are making more use of our social media groups (Facebook & WhatsApp)
• I will also be providing Online training sessions in place of face to face group training, as well as, where preferred, one to one coaching sessions.

Get That Help You Need

I’m a member of a number of business networking groups. With one of these groups, I have been quite amazed at the amount of help and support being offered and given.  If you’d like to know the name, its Concannon Connection.  The group is based on reciprocity.    What is unique about this group is that people are prepared to ask for help, raise questions and share their expertise.  Over time members have developed trust in the realisation that when one grows, we all grow.

I’ve been thinking about the different ways that you can begin to change your mindset from panic and fear to a more positive, productive and success-focused approach.  Reflecting on the quote I’ve already shared, here are some simple ways to help you and your business move forward:

1. If you have staff or a team, have a meeting and invite them to share their ideas of how the business can do things differently, to take advantage of this time.
2. What other services might you be able to create quickly and offer
3. What different ways might you deliver your services, what other methods could you use
4. Ask for help from your business connections and groups
5. Consider moving some of your services online, if this is possible. Don’t just throughout the idea, investigate the possibility.
6. Use this time to tighten up your processes and procedures. Work on those areas of the business that you’ve been putting off.  Work on, the business, instead of working, in
7. Improve your social media activity. More people will be working from home and spending more time at home and social media will be one of their outlets.  If you’ve not thought of it before, make sure you have at least a presence on social media.
8. Why not ask your customers and clients how you can better serve them. It doesn’t matter what type of service you provide; your customers are the best people to provide real feedback. Actually, this is something you should have been doing already.  Make a decision to do this more frequently in the future, but you can start doing it now.
9. Find ways to stay in communication with your customers without annoying them with too many emails. Be connected but be balanced.

We will get through this, there is no doubt about that.  If we are smart and realise the opportunity this offers us, we will get through it, be stronger and far more united.  We will have created relationships, be they virtual or physical, that is based on being there for each other in difficult times.

If you would like some support to look at how to look at doing things differently in your business, make contact with me as soon as possible.