When racecar drivers lose control of the car, they are taught to look where they want the car to go, not to look at the wall.
By looking where they want the car to go, they naturally steer the car away from the wall.
Life is the same way. We don’t have control over as many things as we often think we do. Life happens, rarely does it go exactly as we plan.
But no matter what happens, we can control our actions and how we respond to situations and the events that occur in our lives.
Retired Major General Bob Dees says, “Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather courage is staring down fear. Courage is the ability to overcome fear to navigate a challenging storm, honorably to the best of your ability. Courage ranges across the physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and relational domains.”
How are you going to respond?
We can get caught up in all the negativity, and uncertainty of today or we can focus on the direction we want our lives to go.
Are you going to let the disruptions we are all experiencing, because of this virus, affect you and your business in negative ways?
Or are you going to turn this situation into something positive?
This virus needs to be taken seriously. I’m not saying discount the warnings. You need to take precautions and then focus on your business and where you want it to be in 6-12 months or whenever we are through this pandemic. Eventually, things will return to a form of normalcy.
Get Focused and Lead
What steps can you take today to move your business in the direction you want it to go?
You need to decide what you’re going to do. Once you decide, then make a list of all of the small tasks you need to complete to achieve your daily and weekly goals.
This past week, instead of being distracted by all of the news, I’ve become more focused. Usually, I’m very goal and task-oriented. This week, even more so.
There are several reasons for my intense focus.
- So many people are trying to make the transition to working from home. I’ve worked virtually for almost a decade now. I know my skills and experiences can help people transition to this work-life and schedule.
- So many companies are shifting more of their marketing budget to digital marketing. Again, this aligns with my strengths. My skills can help a lot of companies make the adjustment, which can save companies and jobs.
- Finally, working from home creates a new set of opportunities and distractions. Some are family interruptions, chores, and everyone adjusting to the new schedules. Managing and controlling your time is critical. It’s not always easy, but establishing a routine is paramount. Controlling, planning, and scheduling your time can lead to more free time.
Decide to be a Leader in Your Industry
Today, we have constraints on us, that we as Americans have rarely felt. But we also have more technology at our fingertips to connect with more people than at any point in history.
This past week, I worked on 3 separate long-form sales letters to help friends and colleagues with their businesses. I wrote countless emails. I reached out to people on Facebook that I didn’t know, but who knew I could help. I scheduled Zoom consultations to help people with their business.
I became the organizer of a Meetup group with 600 entrepreneurs so that I can help them.
I agreed to mentor a college student majoring in marketing.
I reached out and connected with more people than I normally do.
I will say, taking this amount of action was invigorating and refreshing.
I implemented more strategies to grow my email list faster.
Eventually, things will return to some resemblance of normal again. If you take action now, and lead, you and your company can come out of the other side of this stronger. Your business can be more efficient and profitable than before the virus swept the globe.
But you must decide. You have to determine what you want. You need to decide the direction of your business and life.
Here are three things you can do right now:
- Stay focused, and try to maintain your work schedule. Maintain your daily routine as much as possible.
- Turn off the news. Focus on what you can control. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting, inspirational content.
- Exercise, even if it is a daily walk. Exercise reduces stress, releases endorphins, and helps clear your thoughts so you can focus.
Think More Creatively and Be More Innovative
Two of my favorite quotes in my office are:
“There are no limitations to the mind except those we acknowledge. Both poverty and riches are the offspring of thought.” – Dr. Napoleon Hill.
One of my favorite scriptures is Mark 9:23 “What do you mean, “If I can?” Jesus asked, “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
Sometimes even in the most devastating situations, you can find ways to move forward positively. Sometimes it is these very challenges and setbacks that are the springboard to us achieving what we desire.
After my 3-year-old son, Thomas died from complications from congenital heart disease and his 3rd heart surgery, I was completely devasted. It was the absolute lowest I have ever been in life. But, I decided to help other people in similar situations. So, I partnered with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville, VA. I assisted them with their marketing, and launched a podcast, Walking with Families. The purpose of the podcast is to help families with critically ill children.
Plus, I helped build the online platform of Hand to Hold, a non-profit that helps families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. Through my efforts to establish their online audience, donations surged.
So even in my darkest moments, I was able to serve other people going through similar situations. It wasn’t easy, but it is some of the most rewarding work that I have ever achieved.
Just this week, I heard of two different restaurant owners who were innovative and created new ways of earning revenue.
The first restaurant owner called his mom to tell her he was closing the restaurant. She needed food and supplies, and he had the supplies she needed at the restaurant. On the way to his mom’s house, he got the idea of starting a delivery service to deliver supplies to people. This idea has kept his business open.
The next restaurant owner closed his doors. While he was at home, he decided to show people how a 5-star chef prepares and cooks a meal. He launched the Quarantine Chef cooking show on his Instagram page. Now, he does a live stream each day.
Collaborate & Create More Revenue Streams
Creativity is the key to developing new revenue streams for your business.
What other services can you offer?
What can you do to fill a need in the marketplace?
What skills and resources do you have that you can leverage?
How can you be of service to people?
What can you do to help more people?
What pivot do you need to make?
How can you use technology to connect and reach more people?
I’m not saying any of the disruptions we are experiencing are easy. Far from it! It is not easy! But what things can you do to move your business forward?
My strengths are digital direct marketing, copywriting, email marketing, and building email lists. Many people are transitioning to working remotely from home. I’ve worked remotely for almost a decade now. I feel an obligation to help other writers and entrepreneurs with the transition.
We need to continue to evolve, find new ways to build our businesses and serve our customers.
Writing is one of the core components of owning and operating an online business.
So, I’m starting a new virtual writing group called Write Now Weekly!
Through meeting each week to write together, we will be able to collaborate and help each other more.
Innovation occurs through collaboration.
Whatever happens, remember there is always a way to move forward. You just need to decide, lead, get more creative and innovative. So when life does not happen exactly the way you plan, remember, to be like the race car driver. Instead of focusing on the wall, focus on the direction you want your life to go. I believe in you. I know you are going to find the right path and press forward!
Write Now Weekly
Innovation occurs through collaboration.
Writing is one of the most common components of owning and operating a business.
Through meeting each week to write together, we will be able to collaborate and help each other more.
Each Tuesday, we meet virtually to write for our businesses.
Click here to learn more about Write Now Weekly!
