When I wrote last week’s post on “PLAYING THE HAND YOU’RE DEALT LIKE IT’S THE HAND YOU WANT” I had no idea how much further things would unfold. In a week, my family has transitioned from agonising over a decision about travelling to France for a ski trip or not (1st world problem I know), to being fully accepting of self isolation and homeschooling our 3 active primary school boys.
How we choose to respond in these uncertain times will be key, hence why I chose this pic to share from High Performance Coach Brendan Burchard. The message really resonated.
Like for all private business owners I’m sure, I’ve focused the week on a two pronged approach of reactive and proactive measures to address both cash preservation and new business generation to replace cancelled bookings in our SA business. Here are some of the most positive results to come from those endeavours that might encourage you to do similar:
*in contacting most of my lenders, 2 so far have offered rate reductions and others are still in conversation (I have to say the Regional Director for Cambridge and Counties Bank was particularly helpful).
*in speaking to my letting agents, one of my tenancies that was nearing it’s end actually renewed for another year rather than gave concern about paying April’s rent
*verbally secured 3 fantastic SA bookings in empty properties for the coming 3 months
*negotiated a delayed payment on business rates for our new commercial property (however that was before the announcement of the business rates holiday and opportunity to claim £10K grants for each business registered for small rates relief, so the situation should be made even better with that).
With what has proven to be a rapidly escalating health crisis, it’s clear that people are scared. They are glued to the news. They’re wondering how to care for their health and the well-being of their families, their businesses, teams and communities. They’re juggling a multitude of changes.
That’s why I felt it would be a good idea to start a conversation to connect directly with those who want to [more details on that at the bottom of the post]. These are challenging times, and I know people want to do what we can to support each. I certainly do.
In the last week we’ve witnessed many acts of kindness, community spirit and solid family values, it’s been heartwarming to see, hear about and contribute in our own little way. Isn’t it amazing how a crisis can bring out the best version of ourselves?
Anyone in the entrepreneurship and property space will have built up some understanding of how to overcome obstacles and stay optimistic during challenges and setbacks. Some of the things I know will help keep you focused, calm, and confident are to:
# Take care of your team and their families. They work hard on your behalf and want to know that you, and they, will be OK.
# Reach out to your clients and let them know you’re there for them.
# Focus on gratitude. In other words paying attention to what you have versus what you don’t, and appreciating all of the incredible resources, strengths, knowledge, relationships, and expertise you have to draw on.
# Be aware of “strategic by-products” that result from this new way of living and operating. Even though most of us aren’t able to move forward the way we were before, new opportunities and capabilities will evolve, and, by necessity, we might discover new ways of operating that are better and more efficient than the old ways.
# Focus on your relationships and how you can create value for them by helping them to get clear on and eliminate their challenges, maximise their opportunities, and reinforce their strengths. This includes not only your business relationships but also your family, friends, and community.
When it comes to self isolation, my wife jokes that I’ve been practising that since Jan 2014 when I left the world of employment. Working from home, predominantly in my little office (my ‘Harry Potter cupboard’), is my zone of strength. It’s where I’ve created businesses, formed productive life habits, written a book and daily, live a wonderful family life. If you’re anxious about the prospect of working from home, you’re not alone. I’d like to draw on my own experience, and invite that of others, to share and discuss ideas and resources in an open mic virtual room on Wednesday 25th at 11am.
It will not be my attempt at the ‘sofa choir’ (which by the way I do think is very cool, but my singing voice is not one to share) nor will it be a place for negative sentiment.
This will be a fun social experiment and may well be the tonic and varied human connection some of you need mid-week. I can only imagine that with a group of abundantly minded people we can have a productive discussion where we can share ideas and resources that can help in the current environment for your health, family and property business.
In summary, and if you’re interested, I’m inviting you to join a conversation around what I see as some key topics for the situation we find ourselves in, such as:
*Tips and routines for working from home
*Managing your property business in uncertain times
*Adopting a role model mindset
*Family life and home schooling
So, come with your choice of hot or cold beverage and join me for a coffee and a chat Wednesday 25th at 11am.
And if it’s well received, maybe we can do it again the week after 🙂